The pastel ball python is a member of the species Python regius, a type of snake commonly kept as pets. This snake is similar in color and pattern to the regular ball python, but its spots are typically paler and more numerous. It will usually have more of a leopard-like pattern, with small dark spots present within the pale splotches. Like other Python regius variations, the pastel ball python typically reaches a length of about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8), and will usually weight between 3.3 and 5.5 pounds (1500 to 2500 grams). These snakes are considered relatively easy to care for as pets, and can live in captivity as long as 25 years, if not longer.
Most types of pythons can be shy, so it's generally considered advisable to offer these snakes a place where they can hide comfortably inside their cages. Some breeders recommend using a box with one open side, or an overturned planter with the bottom cut out. The pastel ball python will often attack its prey from this location, and it's considered normal for these snakes to remain secreted in their hiding spots for days at a time.
Baby pastel ball pythons are usually 8 to 11 inches (20.3 to 27.9 centimeters) in length, and can usually feed on small mice or infant rats. By the time they reach their mature size, these snakes will usually be big enough to feed on full-sized rats. Most breeders and enthusiasts recommend the feeding of frozen rats, however, since live rats can attack the snake and cause it serious injury.
These snakes are not as active as some reptiles, but they still generally need a fairly large cage. Most enthusiasts are advised to acquire a cage that is about 36 inches wide, 18 inches deep and 18 inches tall (91.4 x 45.7 x 45.7 centimeters). The pastel ball python will usually need an environment heated to between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24.4 to 27.7 Celsius) during the day, with a nighttime temperature ranging from 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 23.8 Celsius). Like most other reptiles, the pastel ball python needs to warm itself to keep its internal body temperature within acceptable ranges, so a basking place heated between 88 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit (31.1 to 33.3 Celsius) is usually needed.
