Vanilla Ball Python - Opinions Needed!

[alexestrada17]

Alright, so I am purchasing a snake from someone. They claim it is a Vanilla. The male weighs around 650 grams. I am looking opinions from people who have or have seen Adult/sub adult Vanillas in person. Is this a Vanilla???

[LadyOhh]

Looks like it from here, but the colors of the photo are skewed enough to make it not 100% for me.

Flash would have been more helpful.

[adamjeffery]

hard to tell with the colors the way they are. it has the head spot that is indicative of vanillas but alot of non vanilla balls also have it. it may also be a low grade pastel which does not command the smae prices as a vanilla male.
what color are the eyes? if they are green then i would put a vote at low grade pastel. could be vanilla if we had pics from a better camera or in better lighting.
adam jeffery
btw...even the breeders i know that breed vanillas have a hard time distinguishing them at times. may not have an answer unless you breed him.

[snake lab]

I agree. It looks close but id have to see a closeup of the eyes. I have brass balls (vanilla/ black pastel) and theyes are just sick. They almost have a chrome look and they got that from my vanilla male who has crazy lookin eyes. But yea better pics would be great. Ive seen guys online selling vanilla lookin dinkers that i know arent true vanillas but they do look close so id be careful and know who your buying from. With subtle morphs id buy from reputable breeders that you know stand by their animals. The grwat price deal isnt always the great deal

[alexestrada17]

Thanks for all the help. I'm leaning towards picking this boy up. If I get him, be on the look out for pictures!

[angllady2]

I'm leaning heavily towards pastel. My vanilla male, along with most I have seen, do not have that much blushing along the back.

It could be, but I suspect pastel myself. He also appears to carry a "brown out" line. At least I think that's what I see in that pic of his side.

Gale

[alexestrada17]

So I asked for some new pictures, they were taken with an iPhone outside. Also the guy says the eyes are dark with a slight gold tint.

Here are the new pictures...def not a pastel.

[alexestrada17]

Here's a belly shot...any more opinions are greatly appreciated.

[MrBig]

I went with the Fire gene first, but plan to get a female vanilla this year and have been doing some research. In my uneducated opinion I would say yes it is from the most recent pics. From my understanding the "reverse Micky mouse" head stamp and the blushing pushing from head onto neck on the sides are markers for vanilla. I would more then appreciate it if someone with alittle more experience with them would chime in, it would make me alot more confident when I go to purchase and produce vannilas in the future.

[iCandiBallPythons]

Doesnt resemble a pastel at all, Looks to be a vanilla but hard to say from the pics. There are plenty of normals out there with funky head spots.I would try to trace back to where the person purchased it from and then contact the breeder if possible. Heres a pic of my vanilla for comparison http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater