About Vanillas

Over time I’ve had quite a few people ask me, “What’s a vanilla?” So, I thought I’d put together a write up with photos.

The Vanilla ball python is a co-dominant morph, like a pastel, with a regular and super form. It was first discovered by Gulf Coast Reptiles when they bred what appeared to be a light colored normal and were astute enough to realize that it was genetic . Unlike the typical normal, vanillas seem to lighten over time. Babies and adults have a pale or blushed head.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...i/IMG_3272.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...i/IMG_3964.jpg


Unlike some other morphs used as highlighters, the vanilla has a super form that is an awesome morph in and of itself.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...IMG_3772-1.jpg


In combination, the vanilla enhances everything by making it brighter.
Here is a pic of a vanilla pastel I produced.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...i/IMG_9647.jpg




Gulf Coast Reptiles has very generously provided me with photos of many vanilla combinations that they have produced. I’ll share with you some of my favorites. The following photos and snakes are all courtesy of Gulf Coast Reptiles:


I have to say that I like them all, but my very favorite one has to be the combination of vanilla and fire, aka Vanilla Creme:

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...nillaCream.jpg

Next is a Super Vanilla Yellowbelly
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...ellowbelly.jpg

Followed by a Super Vanilla Pastave
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...llaPastave.jpg

This is a Vanilla Lesser Pastel
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...sserPastel.jpg

A Vanilla Killerbee
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...erbee09873.jpg

And, I'll finish up with an Adult Super Vanilla Pastel
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...TJohnBerry.jpg

They have made a whole bunch of combos, but you get the idea.

Let me know if you have any other questions, or if I've missed something.

Im actually in the middle of contemplating whether to add a vanilla or not. And this post really helped me alot. I love how vanillas make the head so pale that it almost turn white in supers. Too bad the only available vanilla here in our country is a male. Now the question is do I need a male vanilla in my collection.. :)

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/x...8022010038.jpg

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/x...1052010080.jpg

It has been suggested to me that my bright normal could possibly be a vanilla, although the jury is out on that until I can a) breed her and b) cross a suitable son back. The above pictures show her head and a comparison shot of her next to a (smaller) fire. What do you think? By the way she started looking like a nice bright normal but has got lighter with age-possibly a dinker project.
BTW- I'm not saying that I believe that she is a vanilla as I don't think that she is bright enough but there appear to be some similarities.

Great post Maki.

Very informative...thank you very much. :)

very informative. I thoroughly enjoy the hunters guide and this is an excellent addition IMO.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk. Xan Powers!

I personally like the super vanilla pastave!

Been thinking of getting a fire or vanilla in the mix of things to brighten up some of my projects. Looks like a nice vanilla will do the trick.. that vanilla killer bee is amazing!

Oh wow that super vanilla is amazing! Great post! :gj:

Great writeup and nice pics, thank you!

You left off one of my favorites though ... The "blizzard ball" (vanilla fire spider). :D

http://www.worldofballpythons.com/mo...pider-vanilla/

I think there's a lot of untapped potential with vanilla/fire combos ...

Great pics, thanks.