Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been looking on the internet for another normal Ball Python, and have a few questions about the prices. I see prices from $20 all the way to $200. I know that weight, size, and eating habits all play a part, but some ads will say
"blah blah blah Very Nice Pattern!! $175"

Sooo, my question is, are patterns in normal Ball Pythons passed on? If a normal Ball Python has alot of brown with somewhat of a stiped look, or if it's darker than usual, can it be assumed that the hatchlings will have a similar pattern? Or is the pattern in normal Ball Pythons comlpetely random?

I was just wondering why some were so much more than others.

Hmm... You've heard the phrase "innocent until proven guilty"? Same thing here -- random until proven genetic.

Hope That Helps,
Chris
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0.1 Normal
0.1 Banded
1.0 Reduced Pattern
1.0 Burgundy (PH Piebald)
0.2 Het Piebald
0.1 Screaming Child

So is it safe to say that the hatchlings of a particular pair of normals will probably all look different from each other and the parents?

No. It's only safe to say that you won't know until they hatch.

Chris
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0.1 Normal
0.1 Banded
1.0 Reduced Pattern
1.0 Burgundy (PH Piebald)
0.2 Het Piebald
0.1 Screaming Child

.
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3.12 Ball Pythons
0.1 Mutant Thayeri