Just got my first ball python! Curious about morphs...

[Chained]

So a few days ago, i got my first ball python, Samantha. She is super sweet and gentle. I'm curious as to whether she is some type of morph? As you can see from the pic, she has a super long tan line behind her head, something none of the other ball pythons in the store had.

Even if she's not, i don't really care. She is just too awesome

(Also, thats not her entire cage setup, i removed her warm hide and tree branch to take the pics, put them back in, but now shes exploring everything )

[Snakesonly]

Congratz with your BP
As far as I can see she is a normal BP

[Rage Beard Reptiles]

Looks like a very nice normal to me.

[Chained]

Thank's! I Thought she was very pretty as well. I haven't had a reptile since i was a teenager, and finally convinced the wife to let me get one. As much as i hate not holding her, im gonna let her settle in for about a week and try to feed her.

Oh, also...is there a way to make sure samantha isn't really sam?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Yes there is, but unless you know what you are doing I'd advise against trying for now because you can faiy easily hurt the snake.

Look up sexing ball pythons. There are some very good videos on YouTube by Ralph David, and Justin Kobylka that should help you figure it out. It is best if you can find someone local who can teach you though.

[Rob]

Oh, also...is there a way to make sure samantha isn't really sam?

Yes you can pop it, but don't do it unless you have someone that knows what their doing with you.
Also if you only plan on keeping it as a pet why even bother trying to pop it? Once you decide your going to breed then worry about that stuff. Also yes that's a text book normal. Congrats on the BP and welcome to the addiction.

[snakesRkewl]

From the general looks of the tail I'd bet it's a male...

[Chained]

Thanks for all the replies everyone =) As far as sexing it, i'm not gonna bother, at least not now. i don't plan on breeding anytime soon, so male or not, samantha is the name =P

She's been peeking out of her cave alot anytime i get near the cage, so freaking cute i could vomit a rainbow.

[Slim]

Welcome to BP.net! Nice looking Normal you have there!

From the general looks of the tail I'd bet it's a male...

[satomi325]

Welcome!

That's a pretty little normal.
I love that normals come in so many variations!

You can "pop" a snake to sex them. That's essentially putting pressure on their tail to see if any internal genitalia come out. It's a much safer method than probing. Especially since you're inexperienced.

Like Aaron said. There are lots of good reference videos on Youtube from professional breeders. It's easier to pop a baby than an adult, so that's good for you.
Although, I still suggest going to a breeder or local reptile store to show you how to do so in person. You can never really understand how much pressure to push when watching a video. (Hint: You want more pressure than you expect)