Morph vs. Temperament; Current Thoughts?

[Heeltoeclutch]

Hi guys & girls,

I will be looking to get my first ball in the next year or so (hopefully) and am wondering about temperament of the different morphs; I have read some conflicting things even on this site on the issue. The information I read is now 4 years old however and am wondering if more insight has been gained in this time. I watched the Snakebytes video on “snakes and racial profiling,” and they certainly seem to think that morphs have something to do with temperament.

As morphs are genetic I could see some behavioral tendency creeping in with the genetics and following the morph; at the same time I could certainly see temperament being a primary result of handling and treatment during a snake’s growth. I figure of the people here that have tens/hundreds of these critters of all different morphs, you would know best how to answer these questions. As far as my concerns go on the topic, the lady isn’t too keen on having multiple snakes so I certainly want mine to be my BFF and not hate me when I do get him/her

A few questions of mine in particular; see if you agree or disagree:

1. I have read strong accounts that Pastels are both the friendliest, and also other strong accounts that they are the hissiest/strikiest. Thoughts?

2. Spiders and normals I have heard documented as generally friendly.

3. Cinnamons/supers I have heard documented as having ill-tempered tendencies.

4. I have heard whispers of a “white snake rule,” and it was mentioned by snakebytes - that white snakes tend to be friendly and docile (albino, lucy, ivory etc.). I in particular care about this one as I am very interested in an Ivory or BEL when the time comes.

Any input would be appreciated; I enjoy learning all I can about these guys. Thanks

[pmarks]

In my experience it comes down to the individual snake in question. Some ball pythons are more aggressive than others but a majority of them are sweethearts if fed and cared for properly. I have noticed that most of the snakes I have purchased that were considered "mean" calmed down quickly with the right habitat and feeding schedule.

[albinos_rule]

It all comes down to the individual snake, I don't think the paint has anything to do with it.

[Tigerhawk]

It does not matter. They are all ball pythons, as stated above the color does not matter.

[bad-one]

It varies by individual.

For example, my normals, pastel, black butter and het toffee are nice. (although one normal is a pig and often comes flying out of the tub thinking you're food)

My spider and albino spider are complete jerks. My champagne is an ex jerk who is now a sweety.

[OhhWatALoser]

1. I have read strong accounts that Pastels are both the friendliest, and also other strong accounts that they are the hissiest/strikiest. Thoughts?

That probably because pastels are by far the most common morph out there and people are making a few animals speak for all.

2. Spiders and normals I have heard documented as generally friendly.

Being a little slow can help with that

3. Cinnamons/supers I have heard documented as having ill-tempered tendencies.

I've never met an ill tempered one besides at BHB lol.

4. I have heard whispers of a “white snake rule,” and it was mentioned by snakebytes - that white snakes tend to be friendly and docile (albino, lucy, ivory etc.). I in particular care about this one as I am very interested in an Ivory or BEL when the time comes.

While its cute that Brian has that happen in his collection, I'm sure you can find many accounts of just the opposite. Personally I find it rare to have an ill tempered ball python, no matter what morph.

So yea I'm with the individual animal crowd also.

[Sir Hognose]

I've heard of Pieds acting oddly, but I doubt you'll be buying a 1500 USD+ designer Piebald Ball Python any time soon.

[Eric Alan]

I've heard of Pieds acting oddly, but I doubt you'll be buying a 1500 USD+ designer Piebald Ball Python any time soon.

Probably not since you can get babies for 1/3 of that price these days.

[Sir Hognose]

Probably not since you can get babies for 1/3 of that price these days.

Oh cool. Didn't know that. What if there was a pied hognose? That would be cool. Sorry to get off topic.