Hi,

Here's some quick answers for you ...

1. Your ball python is a normal or "wild type" ... these are the types of ball pythons sold in the pet trade and available at pet stores. The different "types" of ball pythons are "mutations" bought from breeders as such for big $$$.

2. A popping sound is not good ... your snake needs to be seen by an experienced reptile vet ASAP ... it will need a full course of anti-biotics to fight off the infection and recover ... failing to treat the respiratory infection can result in bad things.

3. Your snake doesn't need plants ... ball pythons are ground dwelling animals that prefer to spend their days and nights in small tight "burrows" ... multiple small tight "hides" would be much better for your snake than plants.

Hope this helps.

-adam