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Table of Contents
What is the clown gene in ball pythons?
The Clown gene is recessive. Both parents must carry the gene and the zygote must receive a copy from each. The offspring of a Clown ball python and a normal ball will all look like normal ball pythons. But each will carry one copy of the Clown mutation.
How big do clown ball pythons get?
| Species Name: | Python regius |
|---|---|
| Lifespan: | 20 to 30 years |
| Adult Size: | 3.5 to 5.5 feet |
| Diet: | Mice and rats |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 40-gallon tank |
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
But what do you need to know about these snakes before you head out and make a purchase? We summarize everything you need to know here.
Fast facts on the clown ball python morph
Species Name: Python regius Common Name: Clown Ball Python Morph Care Level: Low Lifespan: 20 to 30 years Adult Size: 3.5 to 5.5 feet Diet: Mice and rats Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallon tank Temperature and Humidity: Temperature gradient between 75 – and 95 degrees Fahrenheit and 55-60% humidity
Are Clown Ball Python Morphs good pets?
If you’re looking to add a snake to your home, a Clown Ball Python Morph is an excellent choice. They are relatively easy to care for and have an easy-going temperament that is perfect for novice snake handlers. You also get a snake with an impressive size and long lifespan, giving you the best of both worlds. Even better, you can handle a decent amount with Clown Ball Python Morphs, especially if you train them from a young age.
Looks
The Clown Ball Python Morph has a golden hue on the sides and a distinct mottled and wide back stripe. However, they usually do not have a dark lateral pattern, and if they do, it is exceedingly small.
These snakes have a unique appearance that makes them easy to identify and difficult to confuse with other snake species.
How to take care of Clown Ball Python Morph
Habitat, tank conditions and setup
tank
The exact size of an ideal terrarium for your clown ball python morph will vary depending on the size of your snake. You want a terrarium that is at least 2/3 the length of your snake, but no larger than 1.5 times the length of your snake. While you can opt for a larger enclosure, you will need to invest in additional foliage and ensure there are plenty of hiding spots.
lighting
Your Clown Ball Python morph requires no special lighting requirements. Just keep the enclosure out of direct sunlight as this can cause the tank to overheat and kill your Clown Ball Python Morph.
Heating (temperature & humidity)
As far as snake habitats go, the requirements for a Clown Ball Python Morph are relatively simple. They need an area where they can sunbathe that is close to 35 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature on the other hand shouldn’t drop below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend keeping this side of the tank at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The humidity is relatively low for a snake enclosure. Keep the level between 55% and 60% by misting occasionally.
substrate
You don’t have to be picky about the substrate. As long as it’s porous and retains moisture, you’re good to go. Different types of mulch work well, but anything you can find at a local pet store should work just fine!
tank recommendations
Tank Type: Terrarium: 40 to 50 gallons Lighting: No special lighting requirements Heating: 95 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit slope; 55 to 60% humidity Best substrate: aspen shavings
Feed your clown ball python morph
Feeding your Clown Ball Python Morph is easy. While in the wild they survive on a litany of small mammals, in captivity they can only subsist on mice and rats. Stick with mice when your clown ball python morph is young, but once they’re big enough for rats, switch.
You only need to feed an adult Clown Ball Python Morph about one rat per week. If they’re getting ready to shed their skin, they won’t eat as often. You can feed them live rats, but frozen or thawed rats are better because they won’t harm your snake.
Some owners also recommend a special feeding cage so you don’t have to worry about being bitten when handling them in their regular cage.
Diet Summary
Food Type Percent of Diet Mice and Rats 100%
Keep your clown ball python morph healthy
Clown ball python morphs are no more prone to health concerns than any other python mix, meaning they are fairly healthy and rarely have problems.
However, scale rot, respiratory infections, dermatitis, ticks, mites and other parasites can become a problem, especially if you don’t properly care for the cage. If you notice your clown ball python morph developing health concerns, it’s time to take him to an exotic animal vet.
Symptoms to look out for include lethargy, loss of appetite, bumps, or small parasites throughout the cage.
Common Health Problems
life span
Clown ball python morphs have relatively long lifespans in captivity, ranging from 20 to 30 years. However, it is not uncommon for these snakes to live longer than 30 years with good care!
Keep this in mind when purchasing a Clown Ball Python morph as it will keep you busy taking care of it for quite a while!
breed
While owning a Clown Ball Python Morph is relatively easy, it is far from breeding them. That’s because you need to find compatible snakes and they shouldn’t stay in the same enclosure after mating.
The eggs have a relatively long incubation period followed by a few more months before the eggs hatch. Even then, clown ball python morphs can have anywhere from five to 30 offspring at a time!
They all require separate enclosures after birth and are independent once they hatch. It’s quite a challenge for a novice snake handler, so leave it in experienced hands!
Are Clown ball python morphs friendly? Our handling instructions
There are few snakes as friendly as the Clown Ball Python Morph, but that doesn’t mean you can skip all precautions. Always wash your hands before touching them – smelling food can trigger an eating reaction.
It’s best to have a dedicated feeding cage so you don’t get bitten if you reach into their enclosure. Start manipulating your clown ball python morph as soon as possible, but keep the sessions short.
Over time, you can lengthen the sessions; They won’t mind you handling them after they get used to it!
Shedding & Brumation: What to Expect
It’s important to keep the enclosure at the right humidity level and to mist the tank occasionally so your clown ball python morph can shed its fur all at once. If the humidity is too low, your clown ball python morph will shed in places, which can lead to skin conditions that you will need to treat.
To hum, simply lower the temperature of the tank a few degrees at a time over a couple of weeks and increase the temperature a few degrees at a time at the end. During brumation, your clown ball python morph will likely not eat and they will become a bit more lethargic.
You can keep your Clown Ball Python Morph in brumation for between 1 and 3 months.
How Much Do Clown Ball Python Morphs Cost?
Clown ball python morphs are inexpensive compared to other reptiles, but they are a bit pricey compared to other ball pythons. You can expect to spend between $200 and $350 for a Clown Ball Python Morph.
Considering their easy care, unique coloring and long lifespan, that’s not a bad price!
Summary of Care Guide
advantages
Disadvantages
Conclusion
There are few pets easier to care for than a clown ball python morph. Before you buy, however, make sure you have everything you need for accommodation, as these costs can add up quickly.
Make sure you can take care of them for the rest of their lives. Since they have such a long lifespan, the last thing you want to do is house an older pet!
Selected image source: Mark10077, Shutterstock
Is G stripe recessive?
The Genetic Stripe Ball Python is a recessive mutation that alters both color and pattern.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
How much is a pinstripe ball python?
How Much Do Pinstripe Ball Pythons Cost? You can expect to pay between $100 and $600 for your Pinstripe Ball Python, depending on what breeder you choose. Cost can fluctuate depending on the availability of the morphs that create the pinstripe effect.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
Fast facts on the Pinstripe Ball Python Morph
Species Name: P. regius Common Name: Pinstriped Ball Python Care Level: Moderate Lifespan: 20 – 30 years Adult Size: 3 – 5 feet Diet: Mice, rats Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons Temperature and Humidity: 75 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit
45% – 75%
Are Pinstriped Ball Pythons Good Pets?
Your Pinstriped Ball Python will make a fantastic family pet. It has an attractive pattern and its habitat is not difficult to take care of after it is set up. The snake is non-venomous and doesn’t mind if you carry it around your home. It moves slowly so is less likely to startle inexperienced users with sudden movements and is a good choice for children.
Looks
The pinstriped ball python is an attractive snake with standard colors but with reduced dark pattern elements, making the snake look more like a solid color. But it will have thin pinstripe lines. It usually grows between 3 and 5 feet tall, with the female being considerably larger than the male.
How to care for Pinstriped Ball Pythons
Habitat, tank conditions and setup
tank
Your pinstriped ball python will require a 40 gallon aquarium when fully grown. You’ll need to place some hiding spots in there where your snake can retreat from the public and the heat. There should be at least one on each side of the tank, and they should be large enough to hold the entire snake. Live plants and branches can also help create a natural environment for your snake while also looking attractive in your home.
lighting
Your Pinstriped Ball Python is a nocturnal animal, so it doesn’t need special lighting. However, it requires a day-night cycle of about 12 hours on and 12 off. If you can control the lights manually, you must use a timer.
Heating (temperature & humidity)
temperature
Your Pinstriped Ball Python requires the temperature in its habitat to be in the high 70’s most of the time. Since you won’t be using heat lamps, it’s best to increase the temperature with ceramic or infrared heaters, which can turn on and off automatically to regulate the temperature.
humidity
Your Pinstriped Ball Python will be happiest when the humidity is between 45% and 75%. Luckily, most homes fall naturally within the range, so you don’t have to do much to keep it within limits. The higher temperatures and heaters can dry out the air, so you’ll need to replace moisture with a spray bottle. When your snake molts, you should increase the humidity to 75% to make molting easier.
substrate
Coir coir is the popular choice as a substrate for your ball python as it helps retain moisture and keep your snake’s habitat more consistent. Leaf litter on top can provide your snake with more texture to explore, but it’s unnecessary, especially if you have a lot of branches and live plants.
tank recommendations
Tank Type: 40 gallon glass vivarium Lighting: Standard, 12 hour cycle Heating: Heating pad/tape on bottom of enclosure Best Substrate: Coir bedding
Feed your pinstriped ball python
If your pinstriped ball python is small, feed them pre-killed or frozen mice. Once your snake is large enough to switch to rats, we recommend making the switch, as pythons become accustomed to one type of food and often refuse to switch. If you keep feeding mice, you’ll need a lot of mice, and feeding your snake can become a big chore. Rats are much larger and provide a full meal so you have to feed less.
Diet Summary
Fruits: 0% of diet Insects: 0% of diet Meat: 100% of diet – small/medium sized rodents Required Supplements: N/A
Keep your pinstriped ball python healthy
It’s relatively easy to keep your pinstriped ball python healthy as long as you keep the temperature and humidity within reasonable limits and remember to increase the humidity if you notice your snake dropping. Because your snake eats its food entirely, it gets all of the calcium from its bones that many other reptiles need to supplement.
Common Health Problems
The biggest health issue associated with your pinstriped ball python is inclusion body disease (IBD). It’s a condition common to all ball python species and is caused by a virus. This disease spreads quickly among snakes and can even travel through the air. Luckily, your snake needs to be near an infected snake in order to catch it, so IBD isn’t something your snake will get if it spends all of its time alone in a cage.
life span
Like most other morphs, pinstriped ball pythons have long lifespans, often reaching 30 years, and in many cases the snakes live even longer.
breed
Breeding ball pythons is not difficult and just requires getting a male and female together and giving them some time. However, creating a Pinstriped Ball Python requires a solid knowledge of genetics and selective breeding, so it’s best left to the experts.
Are Pinstriped Ball Pythons friendly? Our handling instructions
The pinstriped ball python, like all other pythons, is a slow-moving snake that doesn’t mind you carrying it around. Start slow when the snake is small and hold for a few minutes each day, increasing the time when your snake looks comfortable. The only time you don’t want to pick it up is after it’s been eaten or when it sheds its skin.
Shedding & Brumation: What to Expect
Your pinstriped ball python will shed its skin every few weeks and you should increase the humidity and make sure there are plenty of rough surfaces for your snake to rub against in order to detach itself from the skin.
Brumation occurs when the temperature drops, causing the snake to go into a form of hibernation. Keeping the temperatures in your habitat warm will prevent the snake from going into brumation.
How Much Do Pinstriped Ball Pythons Cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $600 for your pinstriped ball python, depending on which breeder you choose. The cost may vary depending on the availability of the morphs that create the pinstripe effect.
Summary of Care Guide
advantages
Disadvantages
You may also like to read: 30 Fascinating and Fun Ball Python Facts You Never Knew
Conclusion
The pinstriped ball python makes an excellent pet for both experienced and novice snake owners. Its relaxed, slow-moving demeanor makes it less likely to startle people who are new to snakes. It feeds easily and does not require difficulties in creating a habitat. In fact, some people don’t need any supplemental heat or lighting at all when living in a warm climate, and the long lifespan of 30 years far exceeds what most other pets offer.
We hope you enjoyed reading our look at these attractive animals and learning some new facts. If we’ve convinced you to buy one of these snakes for your home, please share this Pinstriped Ball Python guide on Facebook and Twitter.
Selected image source: reptiles4all, Shutterstock
Why are clown ball pythons expensive?
Like many of the ball python mutations, clowns are relatively expensive, but their value lies in their potential genetic contribution to designer breeding projects.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
Why Are Clown Ball Pythons So Expensive? Don’t feel obligated to answer as I know how busy you must be. Thank you for your time Aaron
Dear Aaron,
Like many of the ball python mutations, clowns are relatively expensive, but their value lies in their potential genetic contribution to designer breeding projects.
You can cross the clown state with albino, axanthos, caramel, burgundy, platinum, striped, ghost, jungle, or pretty much any other ball python state and expect to get something really cool and different.
What is the cheapest ball python morph?
Prices vary, but the cheapest morph overall is generally Yellow Belly. Yellow Belly Ball Pythons are now one of the most widespread morphs of all. You can find them for as little as $45 in the USA and $30 in Europe. Pastel comes in at a close second, usually costing $50 – 100.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
Why spend a fortune when you don’t have to? Take a look at my 5 Best Cheap Ball Python Morphs to learn more about these affordable but amazing snakes…
When is cheap good?
Ball pythons are an incredibly popular snake species among herpetoculturists. They are also incredibly easy to keep and cheap to keep and feed.
You can keep a ball python in a plastic tub/bag and spend less than $100 for the entire setup, although some blogs and youtube channels may try to tell you otherwise. (Let’s not get into the subject of affiliate links – but if you don’t know what they are, before you take any ball python care sheets too seriously, check them out!).
However, where these chubby little snakes get expensive is when you start looking at the morphs available. As you probably know, morphs are specific dominant, imperfectly dominant, or recessive mutations that give a snake a unique appearance.
With Ball Pythons, morphs can get very expensive. There have been many cases of reputable breeders spending more than $10,000 on a snake as an investment in a breeding project. In general, the rarity of the morph or combination of morphs determines the price.
Not all morphs are expensive, however, and unless you’re a serious breeder, there’s no point in breaking your budget on one.
If you are a beginner grower, you should stick to cheap morphs. You’ll have more fun learning the ups and downs of breeding this species if you don’t have the added financial pressure of making a big investment. Trust me, I’ve been there: it makes half the fun out of it!
Likewise, if you never intend to breed, stick to cheap morphs. Why spend a lot of money that you never get back? Especially when, as you’re about to find out, there are some fantastic cheap morphs available.
What is the cheapest Ball Python morph?
Prices vary, but the cheapest morph overall is generally Yellow Belly. Yellow-bellied ball pythons are now among the most widespread morphs of all. You can find them for as little as $45 in the US and $30 in Europe. Pastel comes second, typically costing $50 to $100.
Other cheap morphs are:
pinstripes
butter
Smaller
Cinammon
Black Pastel
Enchi
vanilla
Fire
Woman
Hidden Gene Woma (HGW)
orange dream
point nose
How do I get a free ball python?
If you’re looking for a hardy, long-lasting pet but don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can easily get a ball python for free. Go to sites with small ads like Craigslist. Look for free ball pythons, and more often than not you will find snakes that need a good home.
If that doesn’t work, try visiting your local animal welfare society and asking if they have any reptiles for adoption. You will often be asked to provide details about the enclosure you will be using and how well you have researched the snake’s care.
There are literally thousands of reptiles that need homes, some of which have even been abandoned. These animals are no less valuable as pets than those available in pet stores – they were just unlucky.
Pastel never gets old…
How did I choose these morphs?
For this post, I’ve selected the Morphs that give you the most bang for your buck. They are the most spectacular in their price range and some can even be solid breeding investments if handled wisely.
The three main criteria I used to select them are the following:
Price. The best cheap morphs are…cheap. All of the morphs on this list are consistently priced below about 90% of other morphs currently on the market. As you might expect, they are all dominant or incomplete dominant genes. These are easier to reproduce and always end up being more common than recessive genes.
The best cheap morphs are…cheap. All of the morphs on this list are consistently priced below about 90% of other morphs currently on the market. As you might expect, they are easier to reproduce and end up becoming more common than . Uniqueness. Most of us are fascinated by reptiles because of their incredible looks. Because of this, this morph list only includes morphs that “pop” or can be added to combination morphs to make them pop.
Most of us are fascinated by reptiles because of their incredible looks. Because of this, this morph list only includes morphs that “pop” or can be added to combination morphs to make them pop. Potential for breeding projects. Versatility is important if you think you might later breed these snakes. All of these morphs are cheap. But go to Morphmarket and look up the price of a chocolate clown ball python, for example – and you might be surprised at the price. I call that potential.
The Top 5
Without further ado, let’s take a look at my top 5 cheap morphs. As you read, note that the prices I have quoted are average prices for snakes purchased from reputable breeders. It may be possible to find them even cheaper if you shop around for a while!
1. Yellow-bellied ball python
This gene is just amazing. It looks very similar to a regular ball python, but with a bit more yellow, a bit more brightness, and a plain belly. Yes, that’s right: a plain white belly.
Despite the inappropriate choice of name, yellow-bellied is extremely useful. It lights up so many dark genes. For example, Hurricane and Acid both seem to gain in yellow tint and contrast when Yellow Belly is added to the mix.
Aside from that, Yellow Belly has an incredible superform known as Ivory. If you breed Yellow Belly with Yellow Belly, about a quarter of the babies will be the beautiful, cream-colored Ivory morph.
Today the yellow belly morph is one of the cheapest around. You can find them for prices ranging from $45-100.
2. Mojave ball python
First bred in 2000 by The Snake Keeper (TSK), the Mojave is a simple but beautiful morph. It has a dark brown background that contrasts nicely with tan or yellow saddles and spots. It almost looks like a reversal of the markings on a regular ball python.
Although this morph is exceptional as a standalone gene, its true potential lies in breeding projects. It’s part of the Blue Eyed Leucistic (BEL) complex, meaning its superform is a beautiful purple-and-white snake. As the name suggests, it often has fairly blue eyes.
In general, you can find Mojaves for sale for around $75 to $150.
If you want to learn more about this gene, check out the Mojave Morph Guide.
3. Firefly ball python
This is the first combination morph on our list. Combining two inexpensive single genes: fire and pastel, the Firefly is an affordable but spectacular snake.
It retains the bright yellow tones of the pastel gene but adds the unusual flaming and bright coloring of fire. All in all, you simply can’t go wrong with this one. It is beautiful as a pet and often remains bright into adulthood.
As an investment, Firefly is an inexpensive way to add some pizzazz to any breeding project. Generally, they cost between $100 and $150.
4. Chocolate ball python
Chocolate ball python
The chocolate morph has been around since it was discovered by BHB reptiles in 1999. From then until now, it has been overlooked by many breeders. It may be because it looks quite similar to Cinnamon or because genes like Mojave are much more popular.
However, breeders have realized in recent years that Chocolate combined with other genes can do incredible things. Especially chocolate clown combinations are beautiful and very popular.
If that doesn’t convince you, Chocolate also has a stunning and highly unusual super form. Chocolate ball pythons may not be as common as some of the others on this list, and they tend to cost more: They range in price from $100 to $250.
5. Lemon Blast Ball Python
A Lemon Blast Ball Python produced here at Ballpythonbreeder.co.uk
This combination morph is nothing new. In fact, it’s been around since 2003 when it was first produced by BHB Reptiles.
The Lemon Blast consists of Pastel and Pinstripe, two genes that I rank among the top dominant and co-dominant Ball Python morphs. They’re widely available, go with pretty much everything, and are always cheap.
In this morph, these two genes complement each other particularly well, although how good it looks often depends on how good the parents were. Prices vary, but expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $150 for a hatchling.
Summary: Cheap morphs by price
Morph: Price: Yellow Belly 45-$100 Mojave 75-$150 Firefly 100-$150 Chocolate 100-$250 Lemon Blast 100-$150
Other resources related to cheap ball python morphs:
Do clown ball pythons have the spider gene?
Clown Ball Python Breeding
While it may be tempting to breed your clown, you should bear a few things in mind. A clown doesn’t have the genetic problems of spider morphs, which is excellent, so you have no ethical concerns.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
Maintenance of this morph is similar to maintenance of any other Python regius morph.
Let’s take a look at the temperament, breeding potential and other great traits of this morph.
Python regius background information
Ball pythons, Python regius, are medium-sized pythons native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Their preferred habitat are forests and scrubland with tree cover.
Ball pythons can be found near freshwater sources, which they dive into to escape the heat.
In the 1980s and 1990s, breeders imported the first wild-caught Python regius to the United States and other Western countries.
Initially, these wild-caught specimens were just breeding stock to breed more ball pythons.
The species breeded easily in captivity. This led to the snake becoming more popular in the pet trade and making them affordable.
Demand for ball pythons continued to increase as breeders unleashed their genetic potential for coloration and pattern.
In the mid to late 1990s, breeders intentionally bred ball pythons to create new color and pattern variations.
As new species and colors emerged, the first morphs were born.
These first basic morphs were the ancestors of the designer morphs we have today, but not the clown ball python (more on that in the next section).
In the wild, balls thrive on a diet of small rodents, amphibians, and even birds.
Given this species’ preference for staying near water, some have suggested that these animals may be preying on fish. .
What are clown ball pythons?
Clown Balls are one of the many designer ball morphs on the market. The clown ball is lighter in color and has a slightly different pattern than most balls.
The clown ball can reliably pass the clown gene to its offspring, although it is not physically visible in all offspring.
Because the clown gene is not dominant, the color and pattern cannot express themselves until the offspring are bred to another snake carrying that recessive gene.
Unlike many other designer balls, the clown ball is not the result of a fluke appearing in the domestic gene pool.
Some breeders found a ball in the wild of Africa with an unusual head coloration and a wide band running down its back.
They took the snake home and bred the clown morph from it.
This first clown had a teardrop pattern on his face, which reminded breeders of those sad looking clown pictures you see all the time. Hence clowns got their name.
Appearance of the clown ball python
What do clown balls look like? Thanks to the recessive gene, these animals can take on a wide range of appearances.
If you were to cross two pastel balls that both carry the gene for clown and the gene for axanthic coloration, then the resulting offspring would be axanthic clown.
They would have the clown pattern but with axanthic coloring, meaning either the red or green pigment (or both) is absent from the snake’s chemical makeup.
The result would be a slightly faded animal that lacks the coloring but has the clown pattern.
Two normal balls, both having the clown gene, would produce offspring with the clown pattern.
The clown pattern consists of a wide back stripe with occasional spots or narrow bands down the sides.
The broad dorsal stripe that runs the length of the body is the most important distinguishing feature.
Curious about other badass ball pythons? Check out the black morph here.
How big do clown ball pythons get?
Clowns reach the same length as other balls: around 1.50 m, with females being longer than males.
Buy clown ball pythons
Finding a clown ball python is MUCH easier today than it was a few years ago.
There used to be no real way to tell if someone selling ball pythons was a reputable breeder.
Today it is much easier to find a professional breeder to buy a clown ball python from.
The first thing to know when looking to buy ball pythons is that you should NEVER buy snakes on a general supply page.
Sites that specialize in general ads have ads from many inexperienced backyard breeders and even people who are selling their friends’ pets.
A reputable dealer will provide you with details of the genetic history of each of their animals.
The BEST place to buy your new clown ball python is at a reptile fair or show.
Regional reptile shows are held across the US and offer new owners the opportunity to purchase everything from ball pythons to leopard geckos.
Reptiles and exhibits are also an excellent way to connect with the community of people who keep reptiles. Often you even speak to the breeder who produced the ball.
Not everyone wants to cover the distance to the nearest reptile fair, however, and a day surrounded by people isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time.
If this is you, then you still have some excellent options. Reptile-specific online marketplaces like MorphMarket offer excellent opportunities for reptile lovers.
You can see many ball python morphs like Scaleless, Cinnamon, Bamboo etc. from registered breeders across the country.
The breeders that appear on these websites are carefully checked to ensure they are reputable.
If you buy a snake on this type of platform, your new baby will be shipped using express couriers. You can expect the queue to arrive in 48-72 hours.
Some pet stores also stock ball python morphs, although you must always use caution when purchasing a ball python from a general pet store.
Before you decide to buy a clown from a pet store, ask which breeder supplied the ball python and try to get more information.
To ensure you have a healthy and captive snake, get one from a reputable breeder.
How Much Do Clown Ball Pythons Cost?
The clown ball python is not the cheapest ball python morph, but these snakes are nowhere near the most expensive either.
You can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for a regular clown ball python.
If you buy a designer clown morph, it can be significantly more expensive.
For example, an axanthic clown ball python can cost as much as $5,000 since the recessive axanthic gene is highly valued by breeders and keepers.
Caring for your Clown ball python morph
There is a common misconception among new owners that each morph has its own care requirements.
Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Your new clown will be happy as long as you meet their housing, feeding and temperature requirements.
Check out our comprehensive ball python care sheet for the full rundown of how to care for your new clown.
Clown ball python breeding
While it may be tempting to breed your clown, there are a few things to keep in mind.
A clown doesn’t have the genetic issues of spider morphs, which is excellent, so there are no ethical concerns.
The only problem with trying to breed a clown to create another clown is a practical one.
The clown gene is not dominant, so you will either:
must cross two clowns (a costly endeavor) to get offspring that are het (have twice) for the clown gene
or cross your clown with another morph to get offspring, then breed one of the offspring with an unrelated ball with the clown gene to make more clowns.
If you want to make something like a pastel clown, the process is even more complicated as you need to find a pastel with the clown gene.
Banana Clown Ball Python
The banana clown is bright yellow or orange, combining the clown pattern with the banana color.
This is a beautiful clown and more affordable than some of the other designer clowns.
Pastel Clown Ball Python
We’re sure you’ve guessed this before we tell you. The pastel clown combines the lighter color of a pastel with the pattern and light tan of the clown.
This clown morph is lighter overall and showcases the impressionistic images that the clown always wears on his face.
Killer Clown Ball Python
The killer clown is a beautiful cross between a super pastel and a clown.
It has the bright coloring of the super pastels combined with the clown’s exaggerated pattern and lighter tans.
Bred from a Super Pastel and not a Normal Pastel, this Clown Morph is even lighter in coloration than a standard Pastel Clown.
Clown Pied Ball Python
A clown pied is created by crossing two non-dominant genes: one for pied and one for clown.
The snakes used could be a pastel carrying both genes, or even a spider. As a result, the appearance of this clown morph is very different.
Typically they have the broader band or face pattern of the clown with the broken pattern and white spots of the piebald.
Breeding these animals successfully is difficult and takes several generations, so they can easily command prices of up to $5,000 per snake.
Albino Clown Ball Python
As you can probably guess, the albino clown is a crossbreed of animals with both albino and clown genes.
This clown combines the lack of color of albinos with the pattern of a clown. They typically have the clown pattern in shades of peach and light orange.
Axant clown ball python
As we have already mentioned, crossing a clown and an axantika gives a ball with the pattern of the clown and the colorlessness of the axanthic.
Despite their faded coloring, these animals are beautiful and have a very dramatic appearance.
Leopard Clown Ball Python
The leopard clown is an intriguing morph. It combines the dominant spotted beauty of the leopard with the broad band of the clown.
A leopard clown is usually a type of tan or orange-tan with darker brown bands and spots.
What Genes Make a Clown Ball Python?
As previously mentioned, the clown gene was not bred out of any of the existing categories and color sets.
Instead, the gene was a recent introduction from African pythons. VPI (Vida Preciosa International Incorporated) first discovered and produced clowns in 1999, providing the industry with new breeding stock and patterns.
Do clown ball pythons wobble?
Wobble, or head wobble, is a disruptive genetic condition that causes a ball to lose control of its head. The condition is painful and affects the snake’s quality of life.
The clown gene comes from non-domestic stock and the spider gene is absent. Because of this, it is wobble-free.
Or rather, a clown morph is wobble-free, with no glitches. However, Clown is not a dominant gene, so it has been bred with a variety of other Morph types to create a new pattern or color.
If there is a chance your baby clown may have spider blood, they may experience head bobbing or buckling.
ALL spiders tend to wiggle, as do their offspring, so always look to see which animals have combined to create the baby you’re about to buy.
Even if someone introduced the spider pattern three generations ago, your clown, or any baby born from it, can wiggle.
Clowns make wonderful transformations and make excellent pets. Check out our comprehensive morph guide to learn more about other morphs.
You may also want to check out our ball python eggs article where we answer your frequently asked questions.
Which morph are you buying? Let us know in the comments.
Are there Het clown markers?
Clown is recessive, which means that you need both of the parents to carry the clown gene to produce a visual clown. There are no real markers for het clowns.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
Recessive
Clown is recessive, meaning both parents must carry the clown gene to produce a visual clown. There are no real markers for the clowns. However, in combination with some genes (e.g. desert), it is easy to identify the clowns. Generally they are lighter in color and the blacks appear jet black, especially on the lips. The pattern tends to be busier compared to its non-clown counterparts. But just like piebald markers, even if all the characters are there, it’s never guaranteed to be the clown! The clown gene has been present in the hobby for a very long time but only became popular when pastel clowns and killer clowns were made.
Gizmo was the gene ever found to be allelic with Clown! Gizmo is similar to Migraine, Cryptic and Amur and we have to prove if they are all the same or different.
We own a few clown morphs. This will increase significantly in the future.
0.1 pinstripes as a clown
1.0 Spotnose is the clown
0.1 Spotnose Clown (pictured)
0.1 Clown
0.1 Pastel Clown
1.0 pastel little clown
Clown can be combined particularly well with highlighter genes such as enchi or fire. It’s one of the strongest genes you can find, even capable of unraveling pinstripes! The downside of the clown gene is that they can “tan” as adults, but it still remains one of the most sought-after genes.
What does Het mean in snakes?
“Het” simply stands for heterozygous, which means there is one copy of an allele on a locus. A locus is the place on the chromosome the gene appears. Each locus has room for exactly 2 alleles. Alleles are what the ball python community commonly refers to as a gene or morph.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
How much does a blue eyed Lucy cost?
Called blue eyed lucy for short, this snake is generally snowy white with blue eyes. Some even have a beige colored stripe along their backs. These morphs are a prized ball python and cost between $400 to $1,000 depending on their color and size.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
Of the hundreds of morphs out there, the blue-eyed ball python is one of the rarest.
Nicknamed Blue Eyed Lucy for short, this snake is generally snow white with blue eyes. Some even have a beige stripe down the back.
A valuable ball python, these morphs range in price from $400 to $1,000 depending on color and size.
Considering taking on one of these snakes? Read on as we share her origins, genetics, morph variations, and care.
What is a blue-eyed leucistic ball python?
The blue-eyed leukemia is a morph of the ball python
Like all morphs, it derives from the wild ball python (Python regius).
The royal ball python is native to grasslands, scrubland, and forests in west and central Africa. It is black or dark brown in color with light brown markings on the back, sides, and abdomen. This is its natural color and helps it camouflage itself and blend in with the trees while hunting.
Blue-eyed ball pythons are primarily white, not the typical black or dark brown.
Most importantly, a BEL ball python must have blue eyes. This eye color can range from a whitish blue to a deep dark blue.
They are particularly noticeable because of their white coloring and ice-blue eyes.
This morph is very rare in the wild for two reasons. The combination of genes behind their pale color is very rare to find. Their white color would also make it difficult for them to hunt and hide in the forest.
Fortunately, ball python breeders now know how to breed these morphs. In fact, they are known for their rare genetics, which is why creating a blue-eyed Leucistic is a goal for many breeders.
While they’re still a rare morph, finding a Blue-Eyed Leucistic Ball Python shouldn’t be too difficult. The first was bred in 1992 by an unknown breeder and some claim it sold for a whopping $10,000, although this is unconfirmed.
Owners love Blue Eyed Lucys for their beauty and rarity.
The blue-eyed leucistic ball python is leucistic, meaning it has a partial loss of pigment. The lack of pigment makes their scales look pale.
Leucism is not the same as albinism (albino). An albino is a snake with complete loss of pigment that always has red eyes. A blue-eyed leucistic python must always have blue eyes!
How to breed a blue-eyed leucistic ball python
The BEL ball python can be bred from any combination of the following four morphs:
He Russo
Mojave
butter
Smaller
A male and female of Het Russo, Mojave, Butter, or Lesser have a 25% chance of producing a blue-eyed leucistic ball python.
Based on breeder reports, the following combination of parents have a higher likelihood of producing a clean, very white type:
Smaller x Mojave
Het Russo x Mojave
Het Russo x Het Russo
Butterball x Het Russo
Kleiner x Het Russo
It’s important to remember that while each of the four morphs above can produce a BEL, they may not be pure white. Different parent morphs produce different colors and patterns.
The following combinations tend to produce morphs with less than desirable color variations:
Mojave x Mojave – gray colored head, black spots on the head or yellow spots on the back.
Butter Ball x Mojave – yellow back stripe.
Lesser x Butter – often produces bug-eyed offspring.
The Het Russo is a morph first bred by Vin Russo in 1998. It is a warm chocolate brown color and has more distinct markings and patterns compared to other morphs.
Mojave ball pythons were first bred by Snake Keeper in 2000. They are recognizable by their alien head markings, faded flame patterns on their sides, and a pale belly with no pattern.
Butter Balls were first manufactured in 2001 by Reptile Industries and ReptMart. The butterball is a softer, lighter color and also has a beige belly and sides.
The first Lesser was bred by Ralph Davis in 2001 and sold for a whopping $30,000! There is some debate as to whether the Butterball and the Smaller are the same morph.
genetics
Mojave, Butter Ball, Lesser, and Het Russo are all considered base morphs for the blue-eyed leucistic ball python. All four of these snakes have a mutated color gene called the leucistic gene.
Mutated sounds a bit alarming, but color mutations can and do occur naturally in the wild.
All of these base morphs have genes that show incomplete dominance. It creates a process called blending. This means that two different color genes are both expressed in one snake.
Because of this, the Mojave, Butter Ball, Lesser, and Het Russo morphs all have warmer, paler colors compared to the traditional wildtype. They are a mix of leucistic and dark brown (wild type).
Note that we didn’t designate any of the above morphs as co-dominant. Incomplete dominance is the more accurate term. Co-dominant genes produce a different type of coloration called the unblended effect, not the blending effect.
So why is the blue-eyed ball python all white?
In this case, the mother and father are morphs like Mojave, Butter Ball, Lesser, or Het Russo. These parents carry only one copy of the leucistic gene (L) and one copy of a normal wild-type gene (I).
The blue-eyed leucistic ball python has two copies of the leucistic color gene (L).
Two leucistic genes make them appear pure white.
If both the mother and father carry an L gene and an L gene, they can pass one of these genes to their offspring:
Blue Eyed Leucistic Ball Python Genetics L (leucistic gene) l (wild type) L (leucistic gene) LL
produces a Blue Eyed Leucistic Ll
produces Mojave, Butter Ball, Lesser or Het Russo l (wild type) lL
produces Mojave, Butter Ball, Lesser or Het Russo ll
produces a wild type
The BEL ball python is so rare because it requires two leucistic genes, one from each parent. This means it is homozygous. Even using the right breeding pair, it only has a 25 percent chance of being hatched.
Difference between a smaller ball python and a BEL ball python
Small ball pythons are medium to dark brown on the back, fading to creamy white on the sides and abdomen.
They have one copy of the normal wild-type gene and one copy of the leucistic color gene.
These two genes show incomplete dominance. This means that the wild-type color and the lighter leucistic color mix together. They have softer, warmer colors than a wild type.
Blue-eyed leucistic pythons have two copies of the leucistic color gene.
That’s why they look completely white. They have no dark brown on their backs.
BEL ball pythons only have the blue and yellow pigment. Because of this, they have blue eyes and sometimes faint blue-gray or yellow markings on their bodies.
rarity
Blue-eyed ball pythons are very rare in the wild.
Unfortunately, their light color isn’t ideal for life in the forest.
Because they are white, it is difficult for them to hunt down predators and to camouflage themselves from them. The wild-type ball python has black, tan, and beige colors that help it blend in with the forest. You have to hide from predators like birds of prey, hyenas and even leopards!
Another reason wild blue-eyed leucistic ball pythons are rare is that they can only be produced by morphs, all of which are said to be captive-bred.
Color morphs like Lesser, Butter Ball, Het Russo, and Mojave do not propagate well in the wild. These color morphs generally don’t survive long in the wild. They often do not live long enough to produce offspring.
Captive bred blue-eyed leucistic ball pythons were once rare, but breeders now understand the genetics of this morph.
BEL ball pythons are quite common today, although they are still one of the more expensive morphs. Babies sell for between $400 and $1,000 depending on color and size.
The rarest and most expensive are pure white individuals.
These white snakes have no gray or yellow markings and are prized by breeders and keepers.
appearance and size
Blue-eyed ball pythons are primarily white. They are particularly beautiful because of their white coloring and ice-blue eyes.
Some specimens have no designs on the head, back, or sides.
Other people may have subtle patterns.
If a pattern is visible, it should be blue-purple or yellow. This is because blue-eyed Lucy still has blue pigment. If the pattern is not bluish, it may not be a true blue-eyed leucistic ball python.
Their appearance can also change depending on their parent’s morph.
An example of this is the Mojave x Butter Ball, which often has a yellow back stripe.
Breeders recommend breeding two different parent morphs to create a BEL. This applies to other ball python morphs like the banana. This reduces the likelihood that the offspring will exhibit undesirable traits.
Using parents of the same morph can impart unwanted colors to the offspring. For example, a Mojave x Mojave often has grayish-blue spots on its head and a yellow stripe or speckle on its back.
It can also cause genetic problems in the offspring. For example, both Butter Ball x Butter Ball and Lesser x Lesser combinations produce extremely bug-eyed offspring.
Breeding Mojaves and Het Russos with other morphs seems to produce the whitest morphs.
As babies, these morphs are 10 to 17 inches long, like all ball pythons. When adult they measure between 2 and 5 feet long. Huge 1.80m tall specimens have been spotted in the wild!
care sheet
life span
Blue-eyed ball pythons live to twenty to thirty years with good care.
Their lifespan is similar to most ball pythons, but all species are prone to some health issues. These diseases are common but easily treatable if caught early:
Health Problems Symptoms Cause Dermatitis Skin peeling off in pieces, peeling off too quickly, or no peeling at all. Ticks, mites, or burns from heat lamps or hot stones. Unclean tanks or cold temperatures promote dermatitis and can lead to serious skin infections. Respiratory problems Shortness of breath, mucus running out of your nose or mouth. A cold, damp tank. Inappropriate humidity and temperature will cause the snake’s immune system to become weakened, leading to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection in the lungs. Stomatitis A white, cheesy substance forms in the mouth. In more severe cases, scabs appear in the mouth, teeth loosen, and a snake stops eating. Caused by incorrect temperature, humidity or hygiene in the tank.
Some morphs have known genetic issues.
For example, a neurological problem called Head Wobble Syndrome has been observed in Spider, Woma, Champagne, Powerball, Super Sable, and Super Spotnose morphs.
Caramel morphs are prone to spinal kinks. Super Cinnamon and Super Black Pastel morphs can have spinal kinks and a duckbill nose.
Luckily, blue-eyed ball pythons have some of the healthiest genetics around.
Their only known physical deformity is a tendency to have bug eyes (ie, protruding eyes). This unusual trait does not appear to be linked to any health issues (e.g. eye infections or remaining eyecaps) and they reportedly have perfect eyesight.
Bug Eyes only seem to appear in the Butter X Butter, Lesser X Lesser, and Butter X Letter combos.
For this reason, blue-eyed leucistic ball pythons should ideally be bred from at least one Mojave or Het Russo parent.
Breeders agree that owners should avoid breeding bug-eyed insects in case this eye condition worsens over generations.
diet
In the wild, all ball pythons are carnivores, eating primarily small rodents.
They are ambush predators, so they quickly strike at prey and then constrict them with their muscular bodies. They don’t hunt their prey.
The diet of a blue-eyed leucistic ball python is no different than any other species of ball python. Detailed information on feeding can be found in our ball python care sheet.
Ball pythons are a slow-growing and long-lived species. They don’t need to eat every day, even when they are young.
Pet species can be fed small or medium-sized rats depending on their age and size:
Baby and young animals should be fed a baby rat or mouse every 5 days.
Between 12 and 24 months they eat 1 subadult rat once a week.
At the age of 2-4 years, ball pythons can be fed a small adult rat every 7 to 10 days.
Adults over 4 years old should have a medium-sized adult rat every 10-14 days.
Blue Eyed Leucistic ball python prize
Because of its rarity, the BEL ball python is one of the more expensive morphs.
A blue-eyed ball python costs anywhere from $400 to $1,000, depending on color and size. You should budget around $700 for a well bred, healthy specimen with a clean white color.
Blue-eyed leucistic ball pythons for sale are not found at large, established pet stores. You’re more likely to find them at local exotic pet stores or from a private breeder. Private breeders are the best option.
Buying a captive bred species is also a safer and better option. Not only will you maintain a healthy, well-adapted ball python, you will also ensure the safety of wild populations.
Many ball pythons are still caught in the wild and sold on online marketplaces. Wild species often die in transit, have parasitic infections, and are stressed in captivity.
Healthy snakes should exhibit behaviors such as:
Slowly but decisively around his enclosure.
Wrapping itself gently around a person’s hands or arms.
Frequent tongue clicking.
Rest your head on objects.
periscope. This is when a python raises its head while exploring.
An unhealthy or frightened snake may exhibit behaviors such as:
Curl up into a ball.
S-shaped head. This indicates that they are preparing for a strike.
Bite. This only happens when they are very anxious.
Signs of illness or injury
A reputable breeder will never sell you a sick or injured ball python.
Good breeders or sellers should openly discuss the lineage, history, and behavior of your blue-eyed leucistic ball python.
Wherever you get your morph from, the seller should tell you their specific morph and parents. These morphs look very similar and cannot be distinguished by appearance alone, so be sure to ask the breeder.
Signs of a good breeder are:
Excellent knowledge of breeding, genetics and morphs.
Show good communication skills and a willingness to answer questions.
Openness to snakes currently in their care (e.g. showing photos of tanks and snakes).
Provision of guarantees and customer support.
summary
A blue-eyed leucist is a rare and beautiful type of ball python morph.
They are a striking morph known for their white scales and icy blue eyes.
This morph can be bred from any combination of Lesser, Butter Ball, Het Russo, and Mojave parents. However, they should ideally be bred from at least one Mojave or Het Russo parent to avoid bug eye health issues.
Blue-eyed leucistic ball pythons for sale are fairly easy to find now, although they are very rare in the wild.
They cost an average of $700 and can be purchased from snake breeders or exotic pet stores. You won’t find them in mainstream or small pet stores.
Finding a responsibly sourced and well cared for ball python is important. With a good feeding routine and health monitoring, your snake should live a long life of 20 to 30 years.
We’d love to see photos of your BEL ball python in the comments section below!
What makes highway ball python?
The highway ball python is a combination of the yellowbelly and gravel genes. Our beautiful baby highway ball pythons for sale are an amazing combination of colors. This snake is one of the more highly sought after ball python morphs currently on the market.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
What is a genetic stripe bearded dragon?
Genetic stripe is a dominant mutation that causes a clear racing stripe on each side of the spine. The stripes run all the way from neck to tail, and can often be seen extending into the tail. Depending on the dragon’s color the stripes may stand out boldly, or be less visible.
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
Sometimes the term “partially trans” is used to describe dragons that do not have fully black eyes. This is a misunderstanding of genetics and only creates confusion. There is no such thing as a partially trans dragon. A dragon homozygous for the translucent mutation (inherited the trait from both parents) is trans regardless of the exact appearance of its eyes.
There are A-type examples for each of the mutations discussed in this article. An animal is A-type if it has any of these mutations, but not in the perfect, standard way. The presence of other genes can affect the expression of a mutation, but there is no mutation that is “partially trans”.
A final word on trans dragons…don’t believe everything you read.
Today the internet is full of out of control myths and rumors about the transgene. Almost every health problem imaginable has been falsely blamed on the transgene, with no data to back up these claims.
The oft-repeated myth is that when two trans dragons mate, the offspring are weak, sickly, or have one of many health problems as juveniles, or do not appear until they reach adulthood. None of this is true. But it’s been repeated so many times that it’s only natural that many people believe it to be true.
There was a point many years ago when trans dragons were over-bred to produce dragons with a blue or purple tint all over their bodies. This project was eventually abandoned by the breeders because these dragons actually had health issues.
That’s a long time ago. The trans gene is one of the oldest mutations today and has long since spread to all corners of the gene pool. But the myth is repeated again and again.
The only solution to such a problem is real data to separate the facts from the myths. So we did a study. We compared the dragons we spawned from trans matings to trans dragons we spawned from other matings. And we included enough pairings in the study to provide statistically significant results.
The data confirmed what we had already seen: that our trans matings produce strong, healthy pups that grow into strong, healthy, fertile adults that also produce strong, healthy pups. We couldn’t find any data at all to justify the idea of two trans dragons producing offspring that have more health issues than other dragons at any life stage.
In fact, some of our trans pairings produce some of our best offspring. And interestingly, many breeders have told us that they feel the same way. Of course, every breeding pair has the opportunity to produce genetically weak offspring. But is the trans gene to blame?
Of course not. Genetics is much more complex than that.
This topic and the study we conducted goes well beyond what we can fit into this guide. If we did that, we would never get to the rest of the mutations. That’s why it’s the subject of an upcoming article we’re working on. More will follow shortly.
PARADOX
Paradoxical bearded dragons are among the most beautiful, rarest and most desirable dragons. Paradoxical bearded dragons have patches of color that appear randomly anywhere on the body, with no pattern or symmetry. They often look like they’ve been splattered with paint, leaving stains of paint wherever the paint has landed.
G-Stripe Clown Ball Python – Insane!
See some more details on the topic g stripe clown ball python here:
Clown Genetic Stripe
Genetic Wizard
Use Clown Genetic Stripe in Genetic Wizard.
Ball pythons
END OF SEASON SALE
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Ready to breed
Ready to breed
PET only
PET only
morph
Only show pythons that have this
Everyone
at least one
this form:
albino
clown
desert spirit
Genetic Stripe
Spirit
piebald
toffee
Ultramel
other genes:
Axanthos (VPI)
bamboo
Banana FEMALE Manufacturer
Banana MALE Manufacturer
black head
Black Pastel
blade
bongo
butter
calico
sparkling wine
Cinammon
Enchi
Fire
GHI
leopard
Smaller
mahogany
Mojave
Normal (wild type)
orange dream
paradox
Pastel / super pastel
phantom
pinstripes
red stripe
Reduced pattern
Simone Tiberi line
Special
spider
point nose
toffino
vanilla
Clown Ball Python Morph Guide (With Pictures)
In 1996, Dave and Tracy Barker from VPI acquired an interesting male ball python from Africa.
The baby ball had an unusual speckled head pattern, an odd body pattern, and a pale yellowish-gold background without the typical ball python stippling. A spot under his eye reminded them of a harlequin’s tear, so they called him a clown ball.
Clown ball python (Python regius)
In 1997, VPI received 1.2 African pups that also exhibited these color and pattern anomalies. In 1998, the Barkers bred the first baby with normal females and produced clutches with normal looking balls. This proved that the clown pattern was not co-dominant like the pastels. But was clown a heritable trait or an aberration that couldn’t be passed on to the next generation?
A 1999 breed of the 1997 Clowns produced clown offspring. In 2000, the 1996 Clown was bred with the 1997 Clown and produced even more Clowns. Another snake breeder, Brian Barczyk of BHB Reptiles, owned a wild-caught female who appeared to have the clown mutation. When mated to a VPI Clown male in 2001, Barczyk’s female produced Clown offspring. The Barkers had a proven recessive morph on their hands – and a beautiful one!
Serious breeders rushed to VPI’s door to buy their own Clowns and het Clowns. Big names like NERD and The Snake Keeper (TSK) bought the clowns and within a generation or two had their own stable of clown breeders. Their investment paid off as clownballs became one of the most sought after morphs in the then hot ball python morph market.
Clowns have come down in price significantly since their introduction. A clown that would have cost you $6,000 or more in 2005 can be had for less than $300 today. But clown balls are still strikingly beautiful snakes that only become more attractive as they mature. If you’re looking to add a ball python morph to your collection, you can’t go wrong with a clown.
In this article you will learn more about the morphs of the clown ball python. It explains the genetics of piebaldism and helps you understand why your clown ball has such beautiful colors and patterns. It also talks about some of the available designer clown morphs. Armed with this information, you can decide how clowns fit into your collection as pets or breeders.
Clown ball python morph appearance
Clown ball pythons have little or no lateral dark markings. Instead of saddles, they have mottled darker spots. Their sides are golden in hue and they have a distinct mottled, broad dorsal stripe. You can’t confuse a clown with a regular ball python – or any other morph!
Clown ball python (Python regius)
Most ball pythons darken in color as they age. The older clowns get, the paler their color becomes. In adulthood, their dark pattern fades to a pale yellowish brown against a dark brown background. The older they get, the more attractive clowns become!
Patterns vary between different clowns. Some have numerous spots running from their dorsal stripe down their flanks. Others have mostly clean flanks with only a few narrow markings that look like dripping paint. All have a large back stripe with irregular edges.
Aside from their unusual appearance, clowns are generally no more prone to problems than regular ball pythons. A healthy baby clown purchased from a reputable ball python breeder and raised in the appropriate environment should have no trouble thriving or producing healthy offspring.
Pastel Clown ball python
genetics
In vertebrates, the melanocortin receptor (Mc1R) produces a dark brown to black pigment called eumelanin. Proteins produced by agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP) act as an antagonist of the Mc1R receptor.
When agouti protein binds to the Mc1R gene, it blocks alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Instead of producing eumelanin, the Mc1R produces a yellow-red pigment called pheomelanin.
The clown gene greatly reduces the production of melanin. Like albinos, a clown’s scales don’t show any trace of the dark pattern found on the scales of a regular ball python. The black scales found in the brown areas of a normal ball’s skin do not appear on a clown.
When a ball python embryo develops in the egg, pigment cells begin to migrate toward the skin. Pigment cells activated by α-MSH produce eumalin, while those activated by agouti protein produce pheomelanin.
The distribution of α-MSH and agouti creates the pattern of the ball. Areas with more eumelanin are dark brown or black, while areas with more pheomelanin are lighter. The clown gene produces a darker back stripe and lighter sides.
While the general pattern is predictable, the specifics of the distribution are not. We know that a clown’s head is mottled. We can’t say whether or not they’ll have teardrop markings like the Barkers’ first clown, nor can we say if they’ll have more or less blotchy markings on their sides.
pattern of inheritance
The clown gene is recessive. Both parents must carry the gene and the zygote must receive a copy of each. The offspring of a clown ball python and a normal ball python all look like normal ball pythons. But everyone carries a copy of the clown mutation.
When one of these “Het Clown” ball pythons mates with a clown, half the clutch will be the clown and the other half will be the clown. But when two Clown Balls pair up, things get more complicated. This clutch consists of:
25% clown
50% The Clown
25% normally
When a clown mates with a regular ball, half the clutch consists of the clown and half regular balls. Breeders describe these clutches as having a chance of any normal looking ball being the clown.
Clown + normal: 100% the clown
100% clown + 100% clown: 66% clown
100% clown + clown: 50% clown
Some breeders claim that clowns are lighter in color than regular balls. Others look for white tail tips or broader white lines around the dark pattern. However, these are not reliable indicators. A normal looking ball may later prove hot after spawning clowns, and white tail tips will appear on some normal balls. When buying from het Clowns, a reliable breeder is your best guarantee.
Axant clown ball python
Clown ball python problems
Clown ball pythons are no more prone to genetic problems than regular ball pythons. Because the Clown morph is often combined with other morphs to create designer balls, you should review these morphs to see if they can cause neurological, skeletal, or fertility issues.
Popular clown ball python combinations
While the Clown Morph is very attractive on its own, it really shines when combined with other Morphs. These days it can be easier to find a “designer clown” with two or more morphs than a regular clown. The most popular combinations include:
Clown x Albino: The clown’s mottled pattern and broad back stripe are particularly striking when combined with the albino coloring. The interplay of white and yellow looks like a lava lamp or an abstract painting.
Clown x Axanthic: An Axanthic Clown gives you the clown pattern in shades of gray. Axanthic Clowns do not darken as much as regular Axanthic. Before breeding your Axanthic Clown, make sure you are working with the same breeder line.
Clown x Banana: A banana clown replaces the clown’s golden-brown coloring with a bright yellow. The stripe and pattern are rendered in light lilac. And if you breed a banana clown with a clown, half the offspring will be banana clowns.
Clown x Enchi: Like clowns, enchis improve with age. Enchi clowns have lighter colors, less flank pattern, and a more sharply defined back stripe, but this may be broken in one or more places.
Clown x Fire: The Fire gene produces a lighter orb with a golden hue. Fire clowns are more golden. In a Fire Clown x Pastel Clown breed, 25% of the offspring will be stunning bright yellow Fire Pastel Clowns or Firefly Clowns.
Clown x Mojave: A Mojave clown’s flank patterns are lighter, with almost white areas that look like they’ve been airbrushed. Breeding two Mojave Clowns together gives you 25% Super Mojave Clowns, a blue-eyed leucistic white snake that produces 100% Mojave Clowns when bred with a Clown.
Clown x Pastel: The pastel morph also reduces eumelanin production. The clown pastel is one of the most impressive pastel combinations with lighter tans and pale patterns. Breed two Clown Pastels together and 25% of your clutch will be spectacular Super Pastel Clowns.
Clown x Piebald: Harlequins traditionally wore “pied” clothing with white patches. Combine the clown’s fun pattern with piebald patches and you have a harlequin you won’t soon forget!
Clowns have been used to create some amazing triple and quadruple combinations including:
Killer Clown Ball Python
Grooming a clown ball python
Clown ball pythons are no more difficult to breed than regular ball pythons. Provide them with enough space, a comfortable hiding place, fresh water and a temperature gradient between 75° and 95°. Spray your piebald’s container with a light spray of water every few days to ensure clean and complete scales.
It is best to feed clown balls and ball pythons in general frozen/thawed food rather than live prey. A cornered rat can injure or even kill a snake. If you have a fussy ball that snouts up at frozen food, consider stunning or killing the prey before feeding. You can also try smelling thawed rats before feeding them chicken broth.
Many fussy ball pythons actually refuse to eat due to stress. If your clown refuses to eat, give him some rest. A towel over their cage can provide privacy, and smaller prey can prove more appealing than larger ones. And if your clown’s stress is stressing you out, remember that snakes in the wild can often go months without food.
If you can see your fasting snake’s spine, or if it is losing weight dramatically, you should take it to a veterinarian. Otherwise there is no need to worry. Your clown will eat when ready to eat.
Conclusion
Clown ball pythons are beautiful, easy to care for, and relatively inexpensive. Take the time to find a reputable dealer. The extra money you spend buying a snake from one of the best breeders can save you heartache, time, and vet bills in the future.
There are many forums for ball python lovers. The Kingsnake Ball Python Forum, BP Forums and Fauna Classifieds Ball Pythons Forum have professional breeders and experienced amateur owners who are happy to answer your questions.
Do you have a clown ball python? What advice would you give to someone thinking about adding a clown to their collection? Do you have questions that we haven’t answered? Share your stories, thoughts and photos in the comments below!
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