Blue Eyed Leucistic Ball Python: How To Take Care Of One

A Blue-eyed leucistic ball python is a rare breed to see in the wild though breeders have learned how to make it. It has an exotic look which makes it attractive and expensive. This is the best place to know about Python for anyone who hasn’t.

This information will be not only an eye-opener but also a fascinating detail to learn. It is also a unique breed, and its origin is traced back to Africa. The morph is not different from other breeds, only that it has a different appearance, as seen below. Here we will see if this is a great pet or not. With that let’s dive into this fun!

What is a Blue-eyed leucistic ball python?

It’s called so because of its leucism and blue eyes. The B.E.L abbreviates for Blue Eyed Leucistic. The BEL ball python and Ball pythons are grouped due to their similarities. In the USA, they are called ball pythons since they curl into a ball when scared. It has a different name due to its physical appearance and characteristics different from those of a regular ball python.

These snakes are white with blue eyes and black pupils. Their bodies lack pigmentation though they are not classified as albino snakes. They are morphs, and their history is traced back to Africa from the standard Python.

These snakes are great for first-time owners. They grow up to five feet long. They are not easily bred, and it is not a guarantee that they will make it the first time you produce them. They have dark pupils that make them less sensitive to light changes when compared with albino breeds.

Some species are off-white and have beige-yellow bands along their spines, which is less common and considered undesirable, but they are near similar in appearance.

The advantage of the blue-eyed leucistic Python is that:

• They tolerate handling well and are also non-venomous.
• Its uniqueness and rare nature are also a plus.

In as much as they have pros, they also have cons:

• They are costly and can cost as much as $1000 and can be fussy towards food during the cold season.
• This species is easily stressed and is also shy.

What is a Morph?

A morph is a snake of a specific species looking different from its species. A BEL ball python involves the combining of two “morph” snakes. Morphing involves a regular-colored and beautiful snake that can make different colors and pigmentations that haven’t yet been seen.

A breeder is familiar with snakes and their mating patterns, with different results you can get out of morphing.

What makes a Blue-eyed leucistic ball python?

This snake is challenging to breed and is referred to as a designer python due to their rare nature to occur in the wild. The commonly used genes to breed are Lesser. Butter and Mojave. However, breeders have learned the art of producing this rare breed. Therefore, this snake can be anyone’s pet or any other species.

Leucism

This is a condition similar to albinism, though not entirely. The types of pigmentation in leucism are lost instead of just melanin. The eyes will ultimately be unaffected, unlike albinism, where the melanin goes away. Therefore, it is necessary to use five specific snakes to get the desired Python because they possess the genes to make up the white skin and blue eyes.

The five types are:

1. The Mojave is characterized by a white underbelly and design on its scales. It is an incomplete dominant mutation of the regular ball python.
2. This particular morph boasts a blue-grey body color with deep shades of brown, vivid yellows, rich blacks, and creamy flames and highlights.
3. Butterball python has rich buttery and caramel-colored scales. The Butter Ball Python’s genes make them appear lighter. This morph carries the inborn ability to produce Blue eyed leucistic pythons.
4. Butter Ball Pythons produce a Blue Eyed Leucistic Ball Python when bred with a Mojave, lesser.
5. Russo or the Phantom. As mentioned earlier, all of the morphs have a 25% chance of each egg being a BEL.

Lesser Ball Python

Lesser Python with a bit of browner coloring as compared to butter. Lesser Ball Pythons vary significantly in color and appearance, with some appearing bright yellow with pale tan markings while others have a blush color and Mojave-like markings. Any of these Lesser morph combinations result in each egg having a 25% chance of being a BEL Ball Python.

Russo is similar to the three mentioned above, only that there is a lot less yellow and browner. The Het Russo designer morph has more traditional Ball Python markings, but its coloring is chocolatey and warm. There is a 25% chance of producing Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Pythons for each egg.

The BEL Ball Python offspring produced from this combination tend to be pure white with bright blue eyes. The phantom ball python with a shade of brown which is almost black and has the most potent characteristics to make a blue-eyed leucistic python.

How big does this Python get?

Though they are different in appearance and have white bodies, their growth matches one of their wild-type relatives. Females are slightly bigger than males, with males growing three feet long and females up to six feet long within their first three years.

Females have a more extended period of growth since they have a size difference. They are usually ten inches long and reach adult size within three years when hatched. To ensure your snake maintains a regular size, it is crucial to monitor the weight of your snake.

The Blue-eyed leucistic ball python’s diet

They are carnivorous in nature and prey on small birds and rodents in the wild. Their diet is simple, and they are fed differently as they grow. Hatchlings feed on fuzzy mice every five to seven days.

Juveniles aged six months to three years feed on rodents that are not too big every seven to ten days. Adults are fed on medium-sized rats every ten days. Live prey can cause scratches when they bite or scratch your snake, which could cause infections permanently.

You could also feed the snake a chick occasionally. This prey variation is exciting and helps give the snake enrichment. Put a large water bowl for the snake to soak in and shed its skin to maintain hydration.

Nevertheless, live prey is also disadvantageous. It is more expensive. It is not safe since a live rat is likely to injure the snake.

Frozen, thawed prey has a couple of merits: It can be stored easily in your freezer at home and is easily accessible. The cold temperature has the potential to kill parasites. There is no risk of harming your snake because the prey is already dead.

The main challenge for every ball python owner is persuading their picky snake. To help in solving the issue of feeding these snakes, one might consider using any of the following ideas and probably could be of help:

The appropriate enclosure

This snake species do not eat when the temperature is low, and they tend to go on a feeding strike. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the enclosure is well-suitable for the blue-eyed Python with appropriate humidity and temperature.

Giving it time Alone

It is essential to offer space to the Python before handling it regularly to adjust and start regular feeding. Failure to do this could result in stress for the animal.

Teasing the snake

If you’re feeding Frozen or pre-killed prey, this may be useful. Move the food item around the enclosure to make it seem like walking. Please don’t do this in an intimidating way to the snake but also do it in a way that eventually irritates it so that it strikes back. Hopefully, your snake will eat after tasting the prey.

Known Health Issues

These designer pythons have a long life span of up to 30 years and rarely show problems with their genetics, like head wobbles. The snakes are still subjected to issues with living capacities such as anorexia, mites, internal parasites, and mouth or scale rot.

Respiratory infections are characterized by the mucous discharge from the mouth or nose, loud wheezing when breathing, open-mouth breathing, and keeping the head facing upward. If there are any health problems, you can always consult a veterinary officer for x-rays, blood panels, and fecal exams.

If they are healthy, they are most likely to show these signs:

• Eating on time.
• Sheds come off in whole pieces with eye caps.
• Exploring at night.
• Docile behavior.

If they are not healthy, these signs will show themselves:

• High basking.
• Prey refusal.
• Wheezing or clicking sounds.
• Over-soaking.

A non-water snake that is soaking daily could indicate that it has mites and he is trying to drown them. Mites spread quickly while in movement and must be dealt with before bringing a new snake into your collection.

Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python Enclosure

The bel ball python morph shares similar primitive instincts as their relatives in the wild and need the same enclosures. This species requires plenty of places to hide since it is shy. Though not in direct sunlight, it requires a basking area to avoid overheating.

Enclosures made of PVC have three solid sides that significantly help retain the high temperatures and humidity levels required by Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Pythons. The front-opening door makes you look even friendlier than appearing from the top, making you look like a threat or rather a predator.

This species frequently stops eating when overwhelmed, and this enclosure adds more security to the snake. It should be PVC, plastic, or glass with a secure top. PVC gives your snake more privacy, retains humidity, and keeps temperatures better. Glass terrariums are inefficient at maintaining humidity and require more frequent misting.

Tank Size

• Hatchlings do perfectly well in a 10-gallon enclosure
• Juveniles will thrive in a 20-gallon
• Adults need a 40-gallon tank
• Hatchlings or juveniles in an adult-sized 40-gallon tank will have stress
• You need a minimum of two hides inside the tank one on each end. Adding plants, sticks, bark, moss and other clutter helps make them feel safe when venturing out.

Tank Set-Up

• Tank Type: plastic
• Tank Size: 40-gallon
• Lighting is made possible using a basking lamp
• The substrate can be cypress mulch or topsoil which is organic
• Your snake requires basking during the day
• This can become possible by buying a heating lamp. You can use the basking lamp to keep a light cycle to allow it to maintain its rhythm internally.
• A basking area should not be found at the center but instead should be at the end of the enclosure.
• A ceramic heat emitter is best at this point and will provide heat even when the light is turned off. A constant humidity of between 50 and 60% is achieved.
• A humidity of 80% and above can cause respiratory infections. A hygrometer monitors humidity.
• Earthy, moisture-retaining substrates are the best for the enclosures with these snakes.

Cleaning & Misting

It would be best to tidy your snake’s enclosure every six weeks. Spot cleaning is also excellent for feces examination, while a Mist bottle is one of the critical elements for maintaining humidity in a ball python terrarium.

A bottle with a large capacity is better because it means you will fill it less often. It should be put near your pet’s enclosure for easy accessibility when misting. Misting too often oversaturates the substrates and leads to mildew and mold. You can, however, curb it by adding a drainage layer.

Handling A Blue Eyed Leucistic Python

Ball pythons are inactive during the day and come out at night to explore. They only interact with each other while breeding. They strike in defense and while hunting and coil around their prey till unconscious. A small change in humidity or temperature will bring about a feeding strike in most morphs and only resume once conditions resume to normal.

After introducing your Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python to its enclosure, give it space for at least seven days. After that, attempt to feed it. Handling your snake should be done after twenty-four hours from when it eats and completely digests its first meal.

Nervous and fast movements are factors resulting in a ball python bite because they initiate a defensive mechanism. They rarely bite once accustomed to the new surroundings, making them good pets.

Do Ball Pythons Like Being Handled?

These snakes are friendly and can tolerate handling, making them suitable for beginners. Nevertheless, they need time to adjust after bringing them home. Stress makes them aggressive. Therefore, you have to make interactions as minimal as possible for at least two weeks.

You should maintain high hygiene by washing your hands before handling this snake to avoid the spread of salmonella.

Procedure for picking your blue-eyed Python:

• Rub the back of your snake gently with your hand.
• Check signs of stress or fear.
• Pick the snake by the broad portion of its body.
• Support the rest of the snake’s body as you pick it up.

They are nonvenomous constrictors though they rarely bite and only when threatened. To avoid this, do not force a negative interaction.

How Much Does Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python Cost?

The cost of Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python Eggs is sold at $400 to $600. Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Pythons are not easy to find because it is tough to breed them, and finding reputable breeders is even more difficult. A two to five feet long Blue Eyed Leucistic Ball Python costs $7000 to $1000, it has a lifespan of 20 to 30 years and a diet of rodents. Make sure you check out the snake for any scars and injuries.

Are they good pets?

These snakes are friendly and docile, making them great pets, once you provide the required conditions, there is nothing else to worry about. The creature is also beautiful.

Conclusion

The blue-eyed Python is a good pet for anyone considering one, and it possesses advantages such as its high tolerance to handling and its non-venomous nature. They are leucistic, meaning they lack skin pigmentation, and only the eyes have a dashing blue color.

The snake is not easy to find hence its rare nature, but using morphs like the Mojave, Phantom, Lesser, Russo, and Butterball.

Therefore, this snake is shy and requires a lot of care, especially handling it. It also requires a desirable enclosure with proper temperature and humidity to prevent it from refusing to eat.
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If you are looking for a snake pet, this is a good start, the Blue-eyed leucistic ball python.