The unique and attractive allure of the blue eyed lucy ball python, also known as a blue eyed leucistic ball python, has captivated reptile enthusiasts worldwide. These stunning snakes, with their brilliant white scales and incredibly gorgeous bluish eyes, are a sight to behold. But beyond their impressive beauty, these gentle giants require specialized care to flourish in captivity. This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge and resources to become a responsible and informed owner of the blue eyed lucy snake, whether you're considering a blue eyed lucy ball python for sale or already have one in your care.
Key Considerations Before Welcoming a Blue Eyed Leucistic Ball Python
Before adopting a blue eyed lucy snake into your life, it is imperative that you assess your suitability for such a long-term commitment. The following are some important factors to consider:
- Experience: Though bluish eyes lucy snakes are generally considered docile and peaceful, it is advisable to have some experience handling snakes. It is also recommended that you begin with a less rare snake morph or another species more suitable for beginners before introducing this unique reptile.
- Legality: Depending on your location, these Ball Pythons may be subject to local regulations or restrictions. Make sure you are familiar with the local ordinances before acquiring one.
- Cost: Due to their rarity, blue-eyed Lucy ball pythons are more expensive than other morphs. When considering ball pythons for sale, it's essential to factor in various expenses into your budget. These expenses include the initial purchase price, enclosure costs, food costs, and veterinary care costs. Make sure you have a comprehensive budget in place so you can provide the best care for your new blue-eyed Lucy ball python.
Identifying and understanding Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Pythons
Blue eyed lucy ball pythons are a genetic mutation of the common ball python (Boa constrictor imperator). This dominant genetic feature eliminates most dark pigmentation, resulting in white scales and striking blue eyes. These snakes are not a separate species but a unique morph within the ball python family.
The following are some key characteristics of blue-eyed Lucy reptiles:
- Size: A full grown blue eyed leucistic ball python typically reaches four to six feet, and females are larger than males.
- Temperament: It is well known that ball pythons, including the Lucy morph with attractive blue eyes, are docile and fairly shy creatures. By handling them properly, they can become familiar to interacting with humans.
- Lifespan: With proper care, blue eyed lucy snakes can live for 20-30 years, just like other pythons.
Creating the Perfect Environment for Your Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python
Quality and well-designed enclosures are essential to the health and well-being of your blue-eyed lucy python. Here's what you'll need:
- Enclosure Size: A minimum recommended enclosure size for an adult blue eyed lucy ball python is 4' x 2' x 2' (length x width x height). This provides enough space for them to cool themselves and explore.
- Substrate: Use a substrate that is absorbent, easy to clean, and safe for your python to ingest accidentally. Popular options include aspen chips, coconut coir, or repti-carpet.
- Heating: A temperature gradient in their enclosure is necessary due to the cold blooded nature of leucistic snakes. Further, a heat lamp or an under-tank heater can provide warmth.
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Hides: To ensure that your python feels secure and can hide when necessary, provide at least two hides, one on the warm side and one on the cool side.
Maintaining Proper Temperature and Humidity for Your Blue Eyed Companion
Keeping your Lucy Ball Python's body temperature at a comfortable level is essential to its health. It is recommended to maintain a temperature of 88-92°F (31-33°C) on the warm side, and 78-82°F (25-28°C) on the cool side. For accurate temperature monitoring, use a thermometer with a probe on both sides of the enclosure.
These aesthetically pleasing snakes require a high humidity level. It is recommended that the enclosure maintain a humidity level of 50-60%. A hygrometer will help you monitor humidity levels. You can increase humidity by humidifying the enclosure with chlorine-free water or using a moisturizing substrate like coconut coir.
Lighting Needs for Leucistic Reptiles
Lucy ball pythons are dawn and dusk morphs, meaning they are most active at sunrise and sunset. They don't require special UVB lighting, but a low-wattage fluorescent bulb or LED light can be used to create a day/night cycle.
Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python Feeding Instructions
Blue eyed lucy ball snakes are obligate carnivores, which means that they must consume live or frozen prey to maintain their health. It is recommended that the size of the prey does not exceed the width of a snake's body at its widest point.
Hatchlings: Start with appropriately sized pinky mice every 5-7 days.
Juveniles: As they grow, feed them fuzzy mice or small rats every 7-10 days.
Adults: Adult blue eyed lucy ball pythons can be fed adult mice or rodents every 10-14 days.
Feeding Tips:
- Offer frozen-thawed prey. It is safer and more convenient to use this method than live prey. Before feeding your snake frozen rodents, it is advisable to thaw them in warm water.
- Supervise feeding sessions. In this way, you can ensure that your snake consumes food and prevent accidental injuries.
- After feeding your snake, you should not handle it for at least 24 hours. By doing so, they are able to digest their meal properly.
Maintaining a Clean and Healthy Environment for Your Reptile
Maintaining a clean and healthy environment for your blue eyed lucy reptile requires a multi-disciplinary approach. This includes daily spot cleaning to remove waste and uneaten prey, complete enclosure cleaning every 2-4 weeks using a reptile-safe disinfectant, providing fresh, chlorine-free water daily, maintaining adequate humidity levels (ideally 50-60%) by misting or using a humidifying substrate, using a substrate that is absorbent, easy to clean, and safe for ingestion if accidental.
As long as you follow these practices, you can provide a hygienic and healthy environment for your lucy ball python that will promote its overall health and well-being.
What Are the Signs of a Healthy Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python?
Lucy blue eyed pythons that are healthy will exhibit the following characteristics:
- Having Clear Eyes and a Healthy Complexion
- Good Appetite and Regular Bowel Movements
- Proactive and Alert Attitude
- Proper Shedding without Difficulty
Veterinary Care
Keep your reptiles in good health by scheduling regular checkups with a veterinarian who specializes in reptile care. As a preventative measure, this is crucial for the early detection of any potential health problems.
Common Health Concerns
The following are some common health issues associated with ball pythons:
- Respiratory infections: Insufficient and inadequate humidity levels and temperature fluctuations can lead your reptile to respiratory infections.
- Mites and ticks: Lucy pythons are susceptible to external parasites. Regular cleaning and parasite prevention strategies are essential.
- Scale rot: A bacterial infection can cause scale rot, which causes discolored, raised scales.
- Obesity: Overfeeding can lead to obesity in leucistic ball pythons. If necessary, you should monitor the weight of your snake and adjust its feeding schedule accordingly.
Handling Your Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python
These ball pythons can be handled with appropriate care and consideration. Here's what you should do:
- Whenever you have contact with your snake, ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly.
- Whenever you handle your snake, be sure to support its entire body. Do not lift them by their tails or grab them abruptly.
- Make sure you are gentle with your snake and avoid making sudden movements that may startle it.
- Be respectful of your snake's body language. You should leave them alone if they are hissing or coiling.
Additionally, it's important to provide a calm and quiet environment during handling sessions to minimize stress for your blue-eyed Lucy Ball Python. It should also be noted that not all Lucy snakes enjoy being handled, so you should observe your snake's behavior and plan your handling sessions accordingly.
The Joys and Responsibilities of Blue Eyed Leucistic Ball Python Ownership
For dedicated and knowledgeable owners, owning a Lucy ball python can be a rewarding experience. Seeing these fascinating creatures offers an excellent opportunity to connect with the natural world and appreciate their beauty. However, it is important to keep in mind that caring for Lucy Pythons is a long-term commitment. Handling these attractive ball pythons with proper care, maintaining a healthy environment, and understanding their natural behavior will ensure that they continue to live for many years to come.
Bringing Your Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python Home: What You Need to Know
Before bringing your stunning blue eyed lucy ball python home, be sure to prepare everything for their arrival. For a smooth transition, here is a checklist:
Set Up and Decorate the Enclosure
Establish a complete enclosure, including substrate, hides, heating elements, and a water dish. Create a natural atmosphere by decorating it with climbing branches and greenery.
Verify Temperature and Humidity
Using thermometers and hygrometers, verify the temperature gradient and humidity levels. Check that everything functions correctly before introducing your blue-eyed Python.
Invest in Feeding Supplies
Make sure you have frozen feeder rodents of the appropriate size for the age of your snake on hand. To safely offer prey items, consider using feeding tongs.
Create a Quarantine Enclosure (if necessary)
Some breeders recommend quarantining a new snake for several weeks so that any potential health problems can be monitored. Set up a separate enclosure if you choose to quarantine. Follow the same guidelines as the main enclosure.
Finding Your Perfect Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python: Tips for Choosing a Reputable Breeder
As soon as you decide to purchase a blue-eyed lucy ball python, you must locate a reputable breeder. The breeding of ball pythons must be conducted in an ethical manner and with attention to animal welfare.
If you are looking for a blue eyed lucy ball python for sale, the following resources can be helpful:
- For those interested in purchasing a blue eyed lucy snake, consider reputable ball python breeders such as Wilbanks Reptiles, known for expertise with ball pythons and dedication to ethical breeding practices. Specifically, Wilbanks Reptiles prioritizes and specializes in the blue-eyed Lucy morph, as well as caring for the welfare of snakes.
- You may also consider browsing online marketplaces, but exercise caution by thoroughly researching sellers and confirming that they provide comprehensive information about the snake's health and lineage.
Final Thoughts
Having a blue eyed leucistic ball python as a pet is both a privilege and a responsibility. By understanding their needs, providing a suitable environment, and offering proper care, you can build a strong bond with these captivating animals. Remember, responsible pet ownership is paramount. To begin this rewarding journey, consider acquiring your blue eyed lucy ball python from a reputable breeder like Wilbanks Reptiles who values ethical breeding practices and animal welfare.
