Ball pythons are popular snakes and are available in multiple color morphs. Two of those sought-after color morphs are the Mojave and the Mystic Potion. These two color morphs are similar to each other, causing them to be confused with each other frequently. There are some differences between them, though. Keep reading for more information on the Mojave and the Mystic Potion Ball python.
Quick Facts About Mojave and Mystic Potion Ball Pythons
| Species Name: | Python regius |
| Common Name: | Ball Python |
| Care Level: | Moderate |
| Lifespan: | 20-30 years |
| Adult Size: | 2-6 feet |
| Diet: | Carnivorous |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 30-40 gallons |
| Temperature & Humidity: | 72-80˚F (cool area), 80-85˚F (warm hide), 88-96˚F (basking area), 50-60% humidity |
Do Mojave and Mystic Potion Ball Pythons Make Good Pets?
Ball pythons in general tend to make good pets, even for beginners to keeping reptiles. They are often comfortable with human handling, especially if they are handled regularly. This helps them become fully accustomed to human contact, which helps them be more social. They are a great pick for people who want a reptile they can regularly handle. Their care needs are relatively straightforward also.
Appearance
While these two color morphs are similar to each other, there are some subtle differences with the main difference between them being coloration. Both morphs have a shared allele, which is what leads to their similar appearances. Mojave morphs have a coloration that can be described as grey and purple, while Mystic Potion morphs have muted grey, purple, and pink markings.
- Related Read: Purple Passion Ball Python Morph
How to Take Care of Mojave and Mystic Potion Ball Pythons
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
Tank
Adult Ball pythons require a tank that is at least 30-40 gallons. Glass vivarium tanks are a great pick. Other tank options include plastic tubs and commercially designed reptile cages.
Lighting
Ball pythons don’t require any special lighting in their tank. They are happiest with normal room or natural lighting.
Heating (Temperature & Humidity)
Ball pythons require three separate temperature areas in their tank. There should be a “cool” area that stays between 72-80˚F, as well as a warm hide that stays between 80-85˚F. The basking area should be far enough away from the cool area that allows your snake to choose its temperature area. The basking area should be between 88-96˚F.
Substrate
The ideal substrate for Ball pythons is coconut husk-based substrates. Other acceptable substrates are orchid bark, cypress mulch, newspaper, and paper towels.
Tank Recommendations
| Tank Type: | 30-40 gallon glass vivarium |
| Lighting: | Room or natural light |
| Heating: | Open basking area and separate warm hide |
| Best Substrate: | Coconut husk/coco coir |
Feeding Your Mojave and Mystic Potion Ball Pythons
Ball pythons are exclusively carnivorous animals and do not require any vitamin supplementation. Adult Ball pythons should be fed once every 7 days or so, while juveniles may require more frequent feeding. Adults eat small animals, like mice, rats, birds, and fish. Juveniles should be fed animals that are an appropriate size for their size, which is typically pinky mice, fuzzies, and large insects.
When feeding your Ball python, the food should be large enough to create a slightly noticeable bulge in your snake’s abdomen. They should not be fed live rats or mice since this can lead to injury of the snake if it doesn’t choose to eat. As obligate carnivores, Ball pythons need to consume the entire body of an animal to receive all the nutrients they need.
Diet Summary
| Small animals: | 100% of diet (adult) |
| Very small animals or insects: | 100% of diet (juvenile) |
| Supplements Required: | None |
Keeping Your Mojave and Mystic Potion Ball Pythons Healthy
The best way to keep your Ball Python healthy is to ensure its environment is set up correctly and kept clean. Soiled bedding should not be left in the tank and uneaten food should be removed quickly. Maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels are necessary to help prevent problems with shedding, respiratory infections, and other medical issues.
Common Health Issues
The most common health issues seen in Ball pythons are mouth rot, parasitic infections, shedding problems, and respiratory infections. These usually can be prevented with proper environmental care and maintenance. Mojave and Mystic Potion Ball Pythons are not known to have health problems specific to the color morphs.
Lifespan
The general life expectancy for Ball Pythons is 20-30 years with proper care. With excellent care, your Ball Python may exceed this age. In 1991, the oldest Ball Python on record passed away at the Philadelphia Zoo at the age of 48.
Breeding
Ball pythons are ready to breed at just over 2 years of age and can breed up to approximately 30 years. They typically breed between November to March and lay clutches of up to 11 eggs. A proper tank environment is important for stimulating breeding and healthy reproduction.
These snakes are usually stimulated to breed by slightly lowering temperatures within the tank. A male is introduced to the female’s tank if both snakes are healthy and large enough to safely reproduce. Eggs are typically laid near the end of the breeding season and then take another 45-60 days to hatch.
Are Mojave and Mystic Potion Ball Pythons Friendly? Our Handling Advice
Ball Pythons can become accustomed to being handled by people with regular handling. It is a good idea to not handle them on feeding day and when you first bring them home, it is recommended to give them a few days to decompress before you begin handling them. Handling can occur by slowly and gently working up to picking the snake up by getting it used to touch. With more frequent handling, your snake will be more tolerant of being handled for longer periods of time.
Shedding & Brumation: What to Expect
Ball pythons should shed every 4-6 weeks. They will shed their skin in one piece and before shedding, their eyes may begin to look blue and cloudy or opaque. Proper temperature and humidity will assist with shedding health. Ball pythons do not usually brumate, although their appetite may drop during the cooler months.
How Much Do Mojave and Mystic Potion Ball Pythons Cost?
Mojave Ball pythons usually cost considerably less than Mystic Potion Ball pythons. For a Mojave Ball python, expect to spend between $150-300 from a breeder. Mystic Potion Ball pythons usually start around $400, but you may spend as much as $700 on one.
Care Guide Summary
Conclusion
Mystic Potion and Mojave Ball pythons are both beautiful color morphs of the Ball python. They can be difficult to find, and you will likely have to acquire them through a breeder. Both morphs don’t have any notable medical problems they are predisposed to, and they both make great pets. They can live long lives, so they are not a short-term commitment, and they do require a specific tank setup to maintain their health.
Featured Image Credit: Hand Robot, Shutterstock
