Ball Python (Pied)
Python regiusCommon Names: Ball Python, Royal Python(Pied = Piebald)
Species Overview
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Size: Adults typically grow 35 feet (0.91.5 m), with females often larger and bulkier than males. Some females may approach 6 feet.
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Appearance:
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Pied (recessivevisual): The piebald morph is one of the most iconic ball python morphs, characterized by large white patches across the body interrupted by patterned islands.
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Expression is highly variable: some individuals may be mostly white, while others display more pattern.
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Colours and contrast of the patterned sections are influenced when combined with other morphs (e.g., Pastel Pied, Enchi Pied).
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Distribution: Wild-type ball pythons are native to West and Central Africa, found in open savannahs, farmland, and lightly wooded areas.
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Habitat: A terrestrial and burrow-dwelling species, often occupying rodent tunnels for shelter, humidity, and thermoregulation.
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Behaviour: A nocturnal ambush predator, feeding primarily on small mammals and birds.
Captive Care
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Enclosure: A 40-gallon breeder (361818) or equivalent is appropriate for most adults. Provide secure hides on both the warm and cool sides, climbing dcor, and a water bowl large enough for soaking.
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Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temperatures at 7882F (2528C) with a basking zone of 8892F (3133C). Nighttime drops to 7275F (2224C) are acceptable. Keep humidity at 5060%, with slight increases during shedding.
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Diet: Juveniles should be offered hopper mice or rat pups every 57 days; adults generally thrive on medium rats every 1014 days. Prey size should match the snakes girth.
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Behaviour in Captivity: Pieds are docile, calm, and easy to handle, displaying the typical manageable temperament of ball pythons.
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Special Considerations: Although genetics alter colour and pattern, husbandry requirements remain identical across all ball python morphs.
Genetics Note
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Pied (RecessiveVisual): A double dose of the Pied gene produces the classic piebald appearance with bold white patches.
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Het Pied (heterozygous carriers): Carry one copy of the gene and appear normal but can produce Pied offspring when bred to another het or visual Pied.
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Expression Variability: The ratio of white to pattern varies widely, from mostly white snakes with small patches of colour to low-white Pieds with minimal white.
The Pied Ball Python is one of the most recognizable and popular morphs in the hobby, prized for its bold pattern and versatility in multi-gene projects.
