Ball pythons are commonly kept as pet snakes. Their docile nature makes them a popular pet, even for beginners. In general, ball pythons are easy to find in pet stores and from reptile breeders. The Enchi Morph is a specific color form of a ball python that is either orange or bright yellow with dark brown markings. Read on to learn more about keeping these snakes as pets.
Quick Facts About Enchi Ball Pythons
| Species Name: | Python Regius |
| Common Name: | Enchi Ball Python Morph |
| Care Level: | Medium |
| Lifespan: | 30 years or more |
| Adult Size: | Males: 2 to 3 feet; Females: 5 to 6 feet |
| Diet: | Rodents |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 30 gallons |
| Temperature & Humidity: | 82º to 88º Fahrenheit, basking 88º to 92º Fahrenheit; 50% to 60% humidity |
Do Enchi Ball Pythons Make Good Pets?
Ball pythons are popular pets due to their docile nature. They are shy and spend a lot of time hiding in their tanks. However, if you give them time to trust you, many ball pythons tolerate being handled by their caregivers. They are also relatively low maintenance and can live for 30 years if properly cared for. Ball pythons are constrictor snakes but can bite if extremely frightened.
Appearance
The name Enchi Morph indicates the color form of the snake. Enchi Ball Pythons are bright orange or yellow with irregular, dark brown stripes. The stripes have a white outline and run along the back of the snake from the head to the tip of the tail. When fully grown, males are smaller at 2 to 3 feet long, compared to 5 to 6 feet for females.
How to Take Care of Enchi Ball Pythons
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
Enchi Ball Pythons are relatively easy to take care of. The most important factors are a clean, properly heated tank and the correct lighting.
Tank
The minimum tank size for an adult ball python is 30 gallons, although a slightly larger tank is also fine. The tank should have a securely fitting lid to prevent escape. The tank also must have one or two hiding boxes for your snake to hide in. The substrate should be changed out frequently to maintain a clean tank environment, and their water dish should be changed daily. The water dish should be big enough for them to soak in.
Lighting
Ball pythons do not have any specific lighting needs beyond a normal day and night cycle. Heat lamps can be used to maintain the proper temperature. UVB lighting is not necessary for ball pythons.
Heating (Temperature & Humidity)
The ambient temperature of the tank should be between 82º to 88º A basking spot of 88º to 92º Fahrenheit should be provided and may need to be maintained with a heat lamp. The overall humidity of the tank should be kept at 50% to 60%.
Substrate
There are several popular substrate options including AstroTurf, aspen shavings, coconut fiber, and newspaper. Pine and cedar shavings can irritate the respiratory tract and should not be used.
| Tank Recommendations | |
| Tank Type: | 30-gallon minimum |
| Lighting: | Day/night cycle; heat lamp |
| Heating: | 82º to 88º Fahrenheit, basking 88º to 92º Fahrenheit; 50% to 60% humidity |
| Best Substrate: | Newspaper, AstroTurf, coconut fiber, aspen shavings |
Feeding Your Enchi Ball Python
Enchi Ball Pythons are very easy to feed as their diet consists of one thing: small rodents. Young snakes will eat baby rats or mice, while adults can eat adult mice or small rats. Live prey is not recommended as it can scratch or otherwise harm your snake. Instead, prey that has been frozen and thawed is a better option. You should expect to feed your snake about once every week when they are young, and once every 10 to 14 days when they are fully grown.
| Diet Summary | |
| Fruits | 0% of diet |
| Vegetables | 0% of diet |
| Meat | 100% of diet – small/medium mice and rats |
| Supplements Required | None |
Keeping Your Enchi Ball Python Healthy
The best way to keep your Enchi Ball Python healthy is to maintain a clean, temperature-controlled environment. You should also keep watch for any changes in behavior, lack of appetite, lethargy, or other potential problems. Ball pythons are typically healthy snakes, but there are some common health issues they can suffer from. All of these can be diagnosed and treated by a qualified veterinarian.
Common Health Issues
Lifespan
Enchi Ball Pythons can live for 30 years or more if properly cared for. Some have even been known to live for up to 50 years. The biggest factor in a long life for your pet snake is proper care and handling.
Breeding
Males reach sexual maturity between 11 and 18 months of age, while it takes longer for females which typically are between 20 and 36 months old. Females can lay up to 11 eggs at a time in the wild, although they will usually only lay about 6 in captivity. They will keep watch over the eggs until they hatch, usually after about 2 months. Once the eggs hatch, the female leaves the babies to fend for themselves.
Are Enchi Ball Pythons Friendly? Our Handling Advice
These are popular pet snakes because they are quite shy and docile. Enchi Ball Pythons can grow to accept handling over time, but should not be handled too frequently or you will stress them and cause anxiety problems. They should also not be handled immediately after they have eaten or when they are shedding.
Shedding & Brumation: What to Expect
Enchi Ball Pythons typically shed their skin every 4 to 6 weeks. The skin should shed in one piece. You will notice that the scales appear loose and the snake’s eyes will turn blue. You should make sure your snake has a water dish in which they can soak as this will ease the shedding process and make it less stressful for them.
Typically, ball pythons do not have a brumation period. While some breeders may encourage it by cooling down the enclosure before the breeding season, it is not necessary for the health of the snake.
How Much Do Enchi Ball Pythons Cost?
Because the Enchi is a morph, it can be more expensive than other ball pythons. Depending on the current availability of this particular color form, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more from a reputable breeder.
Care Guide Summary
Final Thoughts
For both novice and experienced reptile owners, ball pythons are a popular pet. They are fairly easy to care for and tolerate handling. The Enchi morph is a beautiful color variant of this popular snake. Its distinctive bright orange color and tiger-like markings make it an attractive option if you are in the market for a pet reptile.
Related Reads:
- Leopard Ball Python Morph: Facts, Appearance Pictures & Care Guide
- Mystic Ball Python Morph: Facts, Pictures, Appearance & Care Guide
Featured Image Credit: beachbumxotics, Pixabay
