How do I pick a baby Pastel that will retain it's color

[chet1028]

Hello,
I am planning on getting a pet BP for my kids and I. We have a breeder we are working with and will be getting our new friend in August. I think we are going to get a male pastel. We have no intention of breeding this snake, so M or F doesn't matter. So, since males are less expensive, that is the way to go. We love the bright yellow color of the baby pastels. But we are concerned that it will "brown out".
So, how can I pick a baby pastel and be sure that it will retain it's yellow coloring as it grows up? Are there tell-tale signs that indicate an animal that will hold it's color? Are there specific parent combinations that will produce a Pastel that retains it's color?

Since it is only going to be a pet, I want to try to keep the cost down, so I don't want to go with one of the more expensive bright yellow morphs. I am hoping somebody has some good tips for me. I trust the breeder we are working with will help point me in the right direction, but I figured I would seek advice from you guys as well.

Thanks,
Chet

[Andybill]

Although there isnt a sure fire way to tell that a pastel will hold its color you should look for a pastel that is clean and bright with good yellow color the more orange there is the more likely it will brown out more.

EDIT: Also look for blushing I say the more blushing the better!

[mues155]

Although there isnt a sure fire way to tell that a pastel will hold its color you should look for a pastel that is clean and bright with good yellow color the more orange there is the more likely it will brown out more.

x2

Baby ball pythons will look quite different as adults. Their color will change a bit.
It all depends on the quailty of the pastel. Like said above the more yellow and the brighter the better!

[chet1028]

Thanks for the feedback. Is there a particular breeding combo that produces the best babies?

[interloc]

One of the best combos for yellows are fireflys, which are fire x pastels. But in terms of the pastels, ask to see the parents. Sometimes they can give you some indication that they will look good as adults.

[loonunit]

Doesn't seem to be! Everyone was going on about NERD lemon pastels and Graziani pastels a few years ago, but I've seen plenty of disappointing adult specimens of each.

Buy the brightest, cleanest, yellowest yellow you can find. Avoid orange. If you want to be very sure, just spend the extra money to buy a bright adult. Or a super.

[Andybill]

Thanks for the feedback. Is there a particular breeding combo that produces the best babies?

Yeah pastel X pastel for super pastels! lol j/k... I am not sure if there are any particular breedings to produce the nicest babies if you are looking for a sweet lookin pastel baby just be picky and patient and you will find the one for you! But they all will brown out to some degree (some more than others) as they get older but like stated earlier you should be pretty discriminate when choosing a ball python and I think it is particularly important for pastels...

[Royal Hijinx]

Best answer IMO is to look for one at least 300g to see how it is coming along.

Citrus and Blonde seem to hold up well on average.

[chet1028]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. That is the debate I'm having. Do I just buy the brightest baby pastel I can find and hope it stays bright or do I spend the extra cash and get a Super or a Bumblebee or something. I think I will just find the brightest one and hope for the best. We will love it regardless of it's final coloration and will probably add more to our "reptile room" as time goes by. It is fun watching the passion my kids have for their animals and being part of it. I'm not a big fan of snakes but I have really fallen in love with BP's as we've done research on them and spent time with them at local shows and Petstores.

[mues155]

Honestly I havnt seen very many SUPER impressive adult pastels.
my adult female I think is ok, not great but not the worst lol

Pastel Ball Python by zombiecupcake155, on Flickr

I mean she has some browning but in reality its just going to happen.

I guess if I wasnt using it for breeding and just a pet then I'd love the little guy just the same. brown or not