Adult color retention in ball pythons

I’m doing research and would really appreciate advice from experienced keepers.

What I’m looking for:
• Ball python morphs that retain vibrant color into adulthood
• Especially bright orange, small hints of lavender, and red eyes
• Morphs that stay relatively close to their hatchling appearance over time

What I’ve noticed:
• I know most ball pythons dull with age
• I’ve heard some morphs stay vibrant long-term, but I rarely see:
• Clear photos of 10+ year old adults
• Side-by-side comparisons from hatchling to adult

What would help a lot:
• Photos of your adult ball python
• The morph(s) and the snake’s age
• Any insight on how well the colors have held up over the years

Budget & preferences (for transparency):
• Budget: under $600 (not interested in $1,000+ projects)
• I personally prefer lighter, brighter morphs over dark or wild-type colors
(no disrespect—just personal taste)

I care about giving any snake I own a great life—this is purely research so I can choose responsibly.
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience!

1 Like

In my experience, calico/sugar seem to hold color well. I have an od yb cali that is more vivid now then when I got her as a hatchling. She’s only @4 years old though.I have seen a few different cali combos that are still holding their colors.
Also, lemon blast. Mine is an od pastel pin and she’s got an incredible yellow to her at @5 years old.


Past od pin het pied.

Od yb calico.