Ball pythons are one of the most popular species of pet snakes, known for their docile nature, easy-going temperaments, and attractive patterns. The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is a rare morph within the ball python species that stands out due to its unique appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
Are Axanthic Pied Ball Python Good Pets?
Yes, Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons can make good pets for the right owner. They are known for their docile nature and easy-going temperament, making them a great choice for those who are new to reptile ownership. They are also relatively easy to care for, requiring a warm, humid environment and a diet of live or frozen mice or rats.
However, owning any pet requires a significant commitment of time, money, and effort, so it is important to carefully consider whether you are prepared to meet the needs of an Axanthic Pied Ball Python. Additionally, these snakes are delicate animals that require specialized care, so it is important to do your research and consult a reptile veterinarian if you have any concerns.
In conclusion, if you are interested in owning an Axanthic Pied Ball Python and are prepared to provide it with proper care, it can make a great pet.
Axanthic Pied Ball Python Cost
The cost of an Axanthic Pied Ball Python can vary depending on several factors, such as its age, size, and overall health. On average, however, an Axanthic Pied Ball Python can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 or more.
It is important to keep in mind that owning an Axanthic Pied Ball Python also requires ongoing expenses for food, supplies, and veterinary care. This can include the cost of a heating lamp, a terrarium, bedding, a water dish, and live or frozen mice or rats for feeding.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to purchase your Axanthic Pied Ball Pythonfrom a reputable breeder or pet store, rather than from an online marketplace, to ensure that you are getting a healthy and well-cared-for snake.
Overview of the Axanthic Pied Ball Python
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is a genetic morph of the ball python species that is characterized by its muted blue and gray coloration and striking pattern.
Ball pythons are a species of snake that are native to Africa. They are known for their docile nature, easy-going temperaments, and attractive patterns.
The Axanthic Pied morph is a result of a genetic mutation that causes the snake to have a unique coloration and pattern. This morph is considered rare and is highly sought after by reptile enthusiasts.
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is significant due to its unique and striking appearance, as well as its reputation as a docile and easy-going pet.
Physical Characteristics And Appearance
Coloration
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python has a muted, grayish-blue coloration that gives it a truly unique and eye-catching appearance. This coloration is a result of a genetic mutation and sets it apart from other ball python morphs.
Pattern
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python has a series of irregular spots, blotches, and stripes along its body, similar to other ball pythons. However, the Axanthic Pied has a larger and more pronounced pattern than most ball pythons, making it an especially striking and beautiful reptile.
Size
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is similar in size to other ball python morphs, typically reaching lengths of 3 to 5 feet when fully grown.
Comparison to other Ball Python morphs
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python stands out from other ball python morphs due to its unique coloration and pattern. While other morphs may have more vibrant or bold patterns, the Axanthic Pied’s muted coloration and striking pattern make it a truly unique and beautiful reptile.
History of Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is believed to have originated in Africa, where it was first discovered in the late 1990s.
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python was first discovered by reptile enthusiasts and quickly became recognized as a unique morph within the ball python species.
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique appearance and reputation as a docile and easy-going pet.
What Genes Make an Axanthic Pied Ball Python?
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is a morph, or a morph variant, of the Ball Python. This morph is created through selective breeding and is characterized by a combination of genetic traits that produce its distinctive appearance.
The primary gene responsible for the Axanthic morph is the Axanthic gene. This gene reduces the amount of yellow and red pigments in the snake, leading to a coloration that is primarily gray and white. Combined with the Pied morph, https://reptileshq.com/black-pewter-ball-python/characterized by a dominant gene that creates a piebald pattern of white and black or dark gray, the resulting Axanthic Pied Ball Python has a unique and striking appearance.
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is created through the combination of the Axanthic gene and the Pied morph, both of which are dominant genes. The Axanthic gene reduces the amount of yellow and red pigments in the snake, while the Pied morph creates a piebald pattern of white and black or dark gray. These genetic traits combine to produce a unique and attractive appearance in the Axanthic Pied Ball Python.
Caring for an Axanthic Pied Ball Python
Housing
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python requires a secure and spacious enclosure with a warm, humid environment. This can be provided through a heat lamp, a basking area, and a source of fresh water.
Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons can grow to be quite large, so it is important to provide them with a terrarium that is large enough to accommodate their size. A general rule of thumb is to provide a snake with a terrarium that is at least as long as the snake is from head to tail.
Providing a suitable and comfortable housing environment for your Axanthic Pied Ball Python is essential to its health and well-being. Careful consideration of factors such as size, temperature, humidity, bedding, lighting, and hiding places can help ensure that your pet has a safe and comfortable home.
Bedding
The floor of the terrarium should be lined with a suitable substrate, such as coconut coir, cypress mulch, or paper towels, to provide a comfortable surface for the snake to rest on. Be sure to avoid using any bedding material that can be ingested, such as wood shavings or gravel.
Temperature and humidity
Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons require a warm and consistent temperature in their terrarium. It is recommended to maintain a temperature range between 78-88°F (26-31°C) on one end of the terrarium and a basking spot of 88-92°F (31-33°C) on the other end.
A heating lamp or a heat mat can be used to regulate the temperature, but be sure to monitor the temperature regularly to ensure that it remains within the appropriate range. It is important to maintain the correct temperature and humidity levels to ensure the health and well-being of your pet.
Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons require a certain level of humidity in their terrarium to remain healthy. Relative humidity of 50-60% is ideal, and a simple misting system can be used to maintain the appropriate humidity level.
Feeding
Axanthic pied ball pythons are typically fed live or frozen mice or rats, and it is important to ensure that they receive a proper diet in order to maintain their health and well-being. Here are some important considerations when feeding your Axanthic Pied Ball Python:
Frequency
Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons can be fed once every 7 to 14 days, depending on their age, size, and activity level. Juvenile snakes will typically require more frequent feedings, while adult snakes may only need to be fed once every two weeks.
Prey size
The size of the prey offered to your Axanthic Pied Ball Python should be appropriate for its size. As a general rule of thumb, the prey should be no wider than the widest part of the snake’s body.
Feeding response
Some Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons may be hesitant to eat, especially if they are newly acquired or if their environment is not suitable. In these cases, it may be necessary to encourage feeding by offering live prey or by providing a heat source to warm up the snake’s body.
Variety
It is generally a good idea to offer a variety of prey items to your Axanthic Pied Ball Python, including both mice and rats, to ensure that it receives a balanced diet.
Handling after feeding
It is important to avoid handling your Axanthic Pied Ball Python for at least 24 to 48 hours after it has eaten, as this can cause stress and can increase the risk of regurgitation.
Feeding your Axanthic Pied Ball Python a proper diet is essential to its health and well-being. Careful consideration of factors such as frequency, prey size, feeding response, variety, and handling after feeding can help ensure that your pet receives the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Lighting
A light source should be provided in the terrarium to allow the Axanthic Pied Ball Python to regulate its body temperature and activity levels. A full-spectrum bulb or an ultraviolet bulb can be used to provide both heat and light.
Hiding places
Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons require a hiding place where they can retreat and feel secure. A wooden hide box, a hollow log, or a pile of rocks can all be used as a hiding place in the terrarium.
Health concerns
As with any pet, it is important to keep an eye out for any health concerns, such as mites, respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Regular visits to a veterinarian experienced with reptiles can help keep your Axanthic Pied Ball Python healthy.
Handling and socialization
The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is known for its docile nature and is typically easy to handle. Regular handling can help socialize your pet and ensure it remains comfortable with human interaction.
Lifespan
The lifespan of an Axanthic Pied Ball Python, like that of other Ball Pythons, is relatively long compared to other snake species. With proper care, these snakes can live for 20 to 30 years or more in captivity.
Some factors that can affect the lifespan of an Axanthic Pied Ball Python include:
Diet
Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is important for maintaining the health of your Axanthic Pied Ball Python and can help prolong its lifespan.
Housing
Proper housing conditions, such as the right temperature and humidity levels, are crucial for the health and well-being of your Axanthic Pied Ball Python, and can also impact its lifespan.
Health
Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and treat any health problems early on, which can help extend the lifespan of your Axanthic Pied Ball Python.
Stress
High levels of stress can shorten the lifespan of your Axanthic Pied Ball Python, so it is important to minimize stress as much as possible by providing a suitable environment, appropriate handling, and regular feeding.
The lifespan of an Axanthic Pied Ball Python can range from 20 to 30 years or more with proper care. Factors such as diet, housing conditions, health, and stress can impact the lifespan of these snakes, so it is important to provide the best possible care to ensure that your pet lives a long and healthy life.
Breeding of Axanthic Pied Ball Python
Breeding Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons can be a rewarding and challenging experience for experienced reptile keepers. Here are some important considerations when breeding these snakes:
Age
It is best to wait until your Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons are at least two to three years old before attempting to breed them, as they need to reach a certain size and weight to be ready to breed.
Size
Male and female Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons should be of a similar size, as a smaller female may have trouble producing eggs, while a larger female may have trouble accommodating a smaller male.
Housing
During the breeding season, it is important to provide separate housing for the male and female Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons, as well as a communal area for them to mate. It is also important to provide a suitable environment with the correct temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions to encourage breeding.
Diet
Providing a well-balanced diet is essential for the health and well-being of your Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons, especially during the breeding season.
Time Period
Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons typically breed in the winter months, and the breeding process can take several hours or even days. After mating, the female will typically lay a clutch of eggs within 2 to 4 months.
Incubation
The eggs should be incubated in a suitable incubator or a regulated environment and should be kept at a temperature of 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level of 60 to 70 percent. The eggs should hatch within 55 to 60 days.
Breeding Axanthic Pied Ball Pythons is a complex and challenging process that requires careful consideration of factors such as age, size, housing, diet, and breeding and incubation conditions. It is important to have a good understanding of these considerations, as well as a commitment to providing the best possible care, in order to ensure the success of your breeding program.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning an Axanthic Pied Ball Python
A. Advantages:
- Unique appearance: The Axanthic Pied Ball Python’s unique coloration and pattern set it apart from other ball python morphs and make it a truly stunning pet.
- Docile temperament: The Axanthic Pied Ball Python is known for its docile nature and easy-going temperament, making it a great pet for those who are new to reptile ownership.
- Relatively easy care: Compared to other reptiles, the Axanthic Pied Ball Python is relatively easy to care for and does not require a lot of special equipment or attention.
B. Disadvantages:
- Higher cost: Due to its rarity and popularity, the Axanthic Pied Ball Python is more expensive than other ball python morphs.
- Delicate nature: While the Axanthic Pied Ball Python is known for its docile nature, it is still a delicate animal that requires careful handling and specialized care.
- Need for specialized care: To ensure the health and well-being of your Axanthic Pied Ball Python, you will need to provide it with a warm, humid environment and specialized care, such as regular visits to a reptile veterinarian.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Axanthic Pied Ball Python is a beautiful and unique reptile that is a great choice for those interested in owning a pet snake. With its muted blue and gray coloration and striking pattern, the Axanthic Pied Ball Python is sure to be a standout in any collection.
While it requires specialized care and is more expensive than other ball python morphs, its docile nature and relatively easy care make it a great choice for those new to reptile ownership. If you are interested in owning an Axanthic Pied Ball Python, be sure to do your research, provide your pet with proper care, and always consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
