Mystic Ball Python Morph: Facts, Appearance & Care Guide (with Pictures)


There are many types of snakes out there, and knowing about them is the first step to take before you decide to buy one. Mystic Ball pythons are a specific morph of snake that has been popular for years due to their friendly nature and attractive appearance.

The Mystic Pastel Ball Python (Python regius) is a subspecies of the ball python that was first discovered in 1994. They are not classified as threatened or endangered, and they make wonderful pets.

With proper care, an average lifespan of 10-20 years, and even more colors than any other snake in the world, ball python ownership can be a rewarding experience. So if you’re considering adding this reptile pet into your family or just want more information about them, we’ve got all you need to know in this article.

snake divider 2

Quick Facts About the Mystic Ball Python

mystic ball python crawling
Image Credit: Karsten Paulick, Pixabay
Species Name: P. Regius
Common Name: Ball Python
Care Level: Beginner
Lifespan: 20-25 years
Adult Size: 3-5 feet
Diet: Small rodents
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Temperature & Humidity: Temperature: 80°F – 90°F

Humidity: 50-60%

Do Mystic Ball Pythons Make Good Pets?

All ball pythons are great pets, but this particular beauty has a few things going for it. Mystic ball pythons make excellent starter snakes and are often recommended to beginners due to their friendly nature.

They will come up out of the cage when called or approached and handled quite easily once you have experience handling them.

They also require less specialized care than other species because they eat small rodents, which means that any old mouse at your local pet store will work just fine! One of the main reasons people recommend keeping these guys is that they’re so low maintenance- you can feed them once every few weeks without difficulty.

They also don’t get sick often and are one of the few pythons that are completely safe to handle. So if you have kids, they are a great choice because they’re super easy to manipulate, giving your child the experience of a lifetime!

Appearance

Mystic ball pythons are gorgeous! The colors look like that of a Mojave, with a black body covered in burnt orange stripes.

Their flattened head shape traditionally recognizes ball pythons. Some say it looks like a skull and crossbones! They also have charming, large, and round cat-like eyes.

The scales are arranged in an oblong pattern. The Mystic Ball Python can get up to about four feet long when they’re adults, but it’s not unheard of for them to reach six-foot lengths as well!

There is no need to be scared if you were to come across a Mystic Ball Python. They are completely harmless!

divider-snake

How to Take Care of a Mystic Ball Python

Mystic ball pythons are relatively easy to care for, but there are certain things you should keep in mind when bringing your new reptilian friend home. These guidelines can also help you prepare your budget for welcoming your ball python into your family.

Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup

Tank

The ideal size for a ball python’s tank is about 20 gallons. The tank should be kept out of direct sunlight and have an overhang to keep the critter contained in their new home.

Inside the tank, you should have a variety of surfaces to allow your snake plenty of options for climbing. The surfaces should include bark, stones, and cork tiles available at any pet store.

Lighting

Mystic ball pythons do not require special lighting because they are nocturnal. If you want to provide your snake with a basking area, try using an overhanging lamp that doesn’t produce any light at all.

Heating (Temperature & Humidity)

Ideally, you should try to recreate your pet’s natural habitat. In the case of our Mystic ball python, it’s originally from the rainforest of West Africa. Tropical plants should be in the tank and it should have a heat gradient from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit with about 80% humidity.”

It’s also a good idea to give your snake a warm side and a cool side to choose from. The warm side should have a basking spot that reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Substrate

You can use a variety of substrates which all have their own pros and cons. For Mystic ball pythons, many people use cypress mulch because it resembles the environment that they would be found in.

Whatever you choose, be sure that your pet snake can burrow and dig for the ultimate feeling of comfort.

In addition to a heat gradient and substrate preference, snake owners should also provide their pets with not only water but a humid hide box as well.

Tank Recommendations
Tank Type: 40-gallon glass vivarium
Lighting: UVB Lighting
Heating: Heating pad/tape on bottom of enclosure
Best Substrate: Aspen bedding

divider-snake

Feeding Your Mystic Ball Python

When it comes to feeding, the Mystic ball python is a carnivore, so you’ll need to feed it live prey like rodents. The Mystic ball python needs an average of 20 calories per day to survive.

However, they do not need to eat more than once a week and should be fed about one rodent per feeding. Their favorite food is small mice, which you can easily find at your local pet shop.

Diet Summary
Rodents 95% of diet
Small lizards/birds 5% of diet

Keeping Your Mystic Ball Python Healthy

As mentioned before, Mystic ball pythons are relatively low-maintenance creatures. There are a few key things you could do to maximize your time together.

The most important thing you can do to keep your ball python healthy is to is provide the right environment. Make the enclosure feel as natural as possible and be mindful of temperature and humidity at all times.

In terms of grooming,  it’s a good idea to gently brush your pet with a soft bristle brush every few weeks. This will remove dead skin and any other unwanted build-up.

Common Health Issues

One of the most common health issues in ball pythons is respiratory infections. This can happen because of exposure to higher levels of humidity, which results in bacterial and fungal growth on the lungs and trachea. So be mindful of the humidity!

Routine visits to the vet can also help you catch a disease early on.

new snake divider

Lifespan

Ball pythons typically live from 12-20 years in captivity. Optimizing your snake’s environment for its particular needs will ensure that it reaches the higher end of the range.

Breeding

Breeding comes naturally to mystic ball pythons. They typically breed in the fall and require a cool period for successful breeding. If your python is going to lay eggs, make sure to give her a safe and secluded place to lay them.

She will lay anywhere from 4-10 eggs, with an incubation period of around 70-90 days.

The hatchling phase is typically very vulnerable for ball pythons, as they are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature. To help them survive, keep the humidity high in your enclosure to provide a moist environment; also make sure you have plenty of hiding spaces and a way for them to climb.

Are Mystic Ball Pythons Friendly? Our Handling Advice

Yes! They are relatively docile and easy to handle for first-time snake owners. They do not typically bite, but it’s always a good idea to watch your fingers as you move around in the enclosure.

Even kids can handle these guys, but like any animal, it’s important not to touch their head or try to pick them up too roughly. Instead, let the python climb onto your child’s shoulder. You should still supervise any interaction between small children and ball pythons.

What about other pets, though? Well, that’s a different story. It is best to keep them separate in the same room but not together in one enclosure because of their size and temperament differences.

Shedding & Brumation: What to Expect

Shedding occurs on a regular basis and is not an indication of poor health. The snake will handle the process on its own, though adding sharps edges like rocks will help it get rid of its old skin.

Brumation occurs when they’re stressed or getting ready to shed their skin, which can happen in the fall during cooler temperatures, coinciding with the mating period. If they are not mating, we do not recommend brumation.

How Much Do Mystic Ball Pythons Cost?

Ball pythons are very affordable pets and it’s always better to buy from a reputable breeder. Prices can range anywhere between $20-200, depending on the type of python and its coloration.

After adoption, you’ll need to consider the costs of the enclosure and everything inside. Finally, keep some money aside for ongoing costs such as food and the occasional vet visit.

Care Guide Summary

Pros

  • Docile and friendly
  • Curious and adventurous
  • Simple diet

Cons

  • Must be fed live prey
  • Need an exotic animals vet
  • Less training potential

Conclusion

The mystic ball python morph is a beautiful and docile pet. They are low-maintenance, which means you can have them in your home without much hassle. Mystic ball pythons also make for great pets because they’re so friendly and easy to manipulate.

If you want to know more about the fascinating world of snakes, read our blog – we’ve got tons of articles on all types of snake species!


Featured Image Credit: February Sweet, Shutterstock





Source link

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

SHOP WITH THE DURENS
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare
0
Shopping cart