If you are considering adopting a ball python for a pet, it is important to note that there are several types out there. Out of the thousands of color variations you can find, the paradox ball python morph is an excellent choice.
In reality, the paradoxical ball python morphs are not really morphs, because they occur randomly. Because of that, you can’t breed spherical pythons to be a paradox. It only occurs spontaneously through reproduction. However, they are so rare that they are worth talking about and having as pets if you can get them.
If you’re considering purchasing a paradox ball python for a pet, keep reading for all you need to know about this reptile.
Quick Facts about Paradox Ball Python
Species Name: | Python Regius |
Common names: | Python Ball Paradox |
Treatment Level: | Low |
Lifetime: | 30+ years |
Adult Size: | About 6 feet |
Diet: | rodent |
Minimum Tank Size: | 36″ x 18″ x 12″ |
Temperature & Humidity: | Humidity 50% to 60%, temperature between 78 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit |
Do Paradox Ball Pythons Make Good Pets?
Ball pythons are known for their docile and gentle nature, making excellent pets, and the paradox ball python is no exception. If you are a beginner snake owner, then this is the pet you want to start with, if possible.
Ball pythons are usually not aggressive at all, making them good to have around children too. However, these are nocturnal reptiles, which means they roam at night and sleep during the day. Therefore, it is best to handle it early or late at night
Also, since most ball pythons are not very large, they don’t need a large cage, making them great pets for people with limited space.
Appearance
Unlike the normal ball python, the paradoxical ball python is so called because it has mismatched colors and markings which would not even be possible for the species from a genetic point of view. For example, the paradoxical ball python may have dark brown markings in a yellow and white pattern, making it a genetic anomaly. So a ball python is called a paradoxical morph if it shows signs of being two things at once which is impossible to achieve.
There is no scientific reason why this occurs in paradoxical spherical pythons, as they are so rare. However, this is why this snake is so sought after. No one knows why they exist or where they get their unusual coloring. There is no way to predict trends in their appearance, which makes them very difficult to define aesthetically.
How to Take Care of the Paradox Ball Python
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Habitat, Tank Conditions & Settings
Caring for your paradoxical ball python is the same as caring for any ball python you keep as a pet. In this section, we’ll cover the tank size, lighting, heater, and substrate you should use to care for your new reptile friend and keep him healthy and happy.
Tank
A 36″ x 18″ x 12″ cage is recommended for your new pet, so a 20 to 40 gallon tank is sufficient. Luckily, especially if you’re a new snake owner, a tank for your python doesn’t need to be complicated.
The tank should have a snug fit to keep your pet from escaping, but it’s best to avoid a screen above the tank as it messes with humidity levels.
It is important to note that ball pythons do not require a large cover. Make sure the cage is long enough so that your snake can move away from the hot parts of the tank when needed.
Lightning
Since UVB lighting is not required for pythons, a heating lamp you can use will suffice. However, if you decide to install a light in your snake’s cage, make sure to turn it on for 12 hours, then turn it off for 12 hours for best results.
Heating (Temperature & Humidity)
Your snake’s basking spot should be between 88 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit, while the temperature inside the cage itself should be between 78 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity levels should be maintained between 50% and 60% at all times. The humidity level is very important, as it aids in the release of your ball python.
Substrate
The best and easiest substrate to use for your paradox ball python is newspaper or paper towels. It is easy to replace and also easy to clean. Do not use a substrate containing any type of oil, and stay away from sand, peat layers and shavings, as they can harm your pet.
Tank Recommendations
Tank Type | 36″ x 18″ x 12″ aquarium or cage |
Lightning | Not needed |
Warmup | Lamp or heating pad |
Best Substrate | Newspaper or paper towels |
Feeding Your Paradox Ball in Python
Feeding your paradoxical ball python is the same as feeding any ball python. Feed your python once a week with food that is no wider than your snake’s body. Young snakes should be fed crickets and small insects, while adults can be fed rodents that have been frozen and thawed.
Do not under any circumstances feed live mice and rats your paradoxical ball python. The reason is that if your snake is not hungry, it will let the rodent live in the cage, which can cause injury, as rodents are known to chew on snakes.
Ball pythons get fat easily, so don’t overfeed your pet.
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Diet Summary
fruits | 0% of diet |
Insect | 0% of diet |
Meat | 100% diet – small/medium rat |
Supplements Required | There is no |
Keeping Your Paradox Ball Python Healthy
Keeping your paradoxical ball python healthy is done the same way you would keep a snake healthy. You need to make sure he is fed regularly and that you don’t leave any live rodents in his cage. However, there are some health issues you need to be aware of with the ball python.
General Health Conditions
- Parasite
- Respiratory tract infection
- Scale rot
- body disease
Lifetime
Ball pythons tend to live about 30 years if they are raised in captivity. However, there are cases of them living up to 40 years, so be prepared for that before buying them as pets.
Breeding
Unlike other snake species, ball pythons do not reach maturity according to their size. You can expect the female to lay anywhere from 3-11 eggs at a time, and they will mature in 55 to 60 days and be ready to hatch.
Are Paradox Ball Pythons Friendly? Our Handling Advice
Ball pythons are known to be non-aggressive, gentle, and shy. You can train your snake to be held, but you should be gentle with him and watch him while the children carry him if he is injured. However, because he is very shy, he needs some time to get used to the people and his environment as well.
Related Read: Does Ball Python Know Its Owner?
Shedding & Brumation: What to Expect
A ball python sheds its skin into one, just like any other snake. However, if you notice that your snake’s skin isn’t peeling off properly, it could be due to the humidity in its cage. If he continues to have problems with shedding or shedding, take him to the vet for a check-up.
How Much Does Paradox Ball Python Cost?
Since the paradox ball python is so rare, it can be quite expensive. If this snake only has a small patch of different colors, you can get one for under $1,000. However, if it has a large patch of coloration that would otherwise be impossible for the species, a pet paradox ball python can cost up to $30,000!
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Care Guide Summary
excess
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Submissive nature
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Low maintenance
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Simple diet
Counter
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Tend to be shy
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It takes time to adjust to the new environment
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Not very friendly
Conclusion
This concludes our guide to the paradoxical ball python and what you need to know to keep one as a pet. Remember, these snakes live for years, so make sure you can be responsible for a long time.
Featured Image Credit: sipa, Pixabay