The Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python is a unique and stunning morph of the Ball Python species, known for its striking appearance and docile nature. This morph is a result of careful breeding and genetic manipulation, which has led to the development of a snake with piercing blue eyes and a beautiful, pale yellow or cream-colored background with brown or black patterns. In this article, we will delve into the world of Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Pythons, exploring their characteristics, care tips, and what makes them a popular choice among snake enthusiasts.
Introduction to Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Pythons
The Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python is a rare and coveted morph, prized for its exceptional beauty and gentle disposition. These snakes are native to sub-Saharan Africa, where they inhabit a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and forests. In captivity, they have become popular pets due to their manageable size, calm temperament, and relatively low maintenance care. The Blue Eyed Lucy morph is a result of breeding Ball Pythons with a specific genetic trait that affects the production of melanin, resulting in the characteristic blue eyes and pale coloration.
Physical Characteristics
Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Pythons are medium-sized snakes, typically growing to an average length of 3-5 feet (90-150 cm). They have a stout, muscular build and a broad, flat head. The most distinctive feature of this morph is, of course, their striking blue eyes, which are a result of the genetic trait that affects melanin production. The eyes are typically a pale blue or sky blue color, with a vertical pupil that is characteristic of Ball Pythons. The background color of the snake can range from a pale yellow or cream to a darker brown or black, with patterns of brown or black markings that add to their beauty.
| Physical Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) |
| Build | Stout, muscular |
| Head shape | Broad, flat |
| Eye color | Pale blue or sky blue |
| Background color | Pale yellow or cream to darker brown or black |
| Pattern | Brown or black markings |
Care and Housing
Providing proper care and housing for your Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python is crucial to ensure its health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you create a suitable environment for your snake:
Enclosure
A secure, well-ventilated enclosure is essential for your Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python. A minimum size of 2x3x4 feet (60x90x120 cm) is recommended, with a substrate such as aspen or cypress mulch that can help maintain humidity and temperature. The enclosure should also have a heat source, such as a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter, and a thermometer to monitor the temperature. A humidity gauge is also necessary to ensure the proper level of humidity, which should be maintained between 50-60%.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature range for Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Pythons is between 75-85°F (24-29°C), with a slight drop in temperature at night. The humidity level should be maintained between 50-60%, with a slight increase during shedding. It’s essential to provide a temperature gradient, allowing your snake to regulate its body temperature as needed.
Feeding and Hydration
Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Pythons are carnivores and require a diet of pre-killed mice or rats. The size of the prey item should be proportional to the size of the snake, and feeding should be done once a week for adults and once every 5-7 days for juveniles. Fresh water should be provided at all times, and the water bowl should be large enough for the snake to soak in.
- Feed pre-killed mice or rats
- Feed once a week for adults, once every 5-7 days for juveniles
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Water bowl should be large enough for the snake to soak in
Health and Genetics
Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Pythons are generally a healthy morph, but like all snakes, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health problems include respiratory infections, skin infections, and parasites. Regular veterinary check-ups and a proper care routine can help to prevent these issues.
Genetic Traits
The Blue Eyed Lucy morph is a result of genetic manipulation, and breeders must carefully select and breed snakes with the desired traits to produce offspring with the characteristic blue eyes and pale coloration. This means that the genetic traits of the parents can affect the health and appearance of the offspring, and responsible breeding practices are essential to ensure the health and well-being of the snakes.
What is the average lifespan of a Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python?
+The average lifespan of a Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python is 20-30 years in captivity, with proper care and housing.
How often should I feed my Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python?
+Feed your Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python once a week for adults, and once every 5-7 days for juveniles.
What is the ideal temperature range for a Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python?
+The ideal temperature range for a Blue Eyed Lucy Ball Python is between 75-85°F (24-29°C), with a slight drop in temperature at night.
