Description
Morphdirect is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in high-quality reptiles and supplies. We’ve personally handled and evaluated this Sunset Borneo Short Tail Python Yearling, which has been a consistent performer on our shelves since January 2026 with a notably low return rate.
Reviewed by Danny Voss, Senior Evaluator at Morphdirect. 10 years, 400+ products evaluated.
Last updated: April 2026
Technical Data
| Species | Borneo Short Tail Python (Python breitensteini) |
| Morph | Sunset |
| Age Class | Yearling |
| Weight (measured) | 3.7 oz (on our calibrated bench scale) |
| Feeding Status | Established on frozen/thawed rat pups |
| Temperament | Typical Borneo: generally calm, can be defensive when young |
| Housing Recommended | 20-30 gallon enclosure for a yearling |
| Humidity Range | 60-80% |
| Temperature Gradient | Cool side 78-80°F, Warm side 88-90°F |
| Adult Size Potential | 4-5.5 feet |
| Origin | Captive Bred (CBB) |
| Health Check | Vet-cleared, parasite-free prior to shipping |
Stand-Out Features
Let’s talk about what makes this specific animal worth your attention. The Sunset morph in Borneos isn’t just a color change; it’s a deepening and warming of the base tones that, in our experience, tends to improve with age. The animal we have in front of us displays that classic, rich coppery-orange blush along the flanks, with a clean, unbroken dorsal pattern that speaks to good genetics. The build quality—for lack of a better term—is solid. These are robust snakes, and this yearling has the muscular feel and alert responsiveness we look for. We’ve found the animals from this producer consistently match or exceed the build you’d expect for the price, which is backed up by our customer feedback showing a 4.5 out of 5 satisfaction rating across 23 buyers. It’s one of our better-reviewed pythons in this category.
We measured this one at 3.7 ounces, which is right in the sweet spot for a healthy, well-started yearling. It’s not the largest we’ve seen, but in snakes, size isn’t everything—condition is. This animal has good body tone, clear eyes, and a clean vent. The fact that it’s been on our shelves since January and we’ve had virtually no issues speaks volumes about its hardiness. We even had a customer recently who was so eager to get one that he drove three hours to our Boise warehouse to pick it up instead of waiting for shipping. When someone is willing to make that kind of trip, you know the animal has a reputation.
How It Compares
| Feature | Sunset Borneo Yearling (Morphdirect) | Standard Borneo Yearling (Competitor A) | “High-Color” Borneo Yearling (Competitor B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Point | $499.99 | $349.99 – $399.99 | $599.99 – $699.99 |
| Morph Certainty | Guaranteed Sunset lineage | Normal/wild type | Often vague “color enhanced” claims |
| Feeding Record | Documented F/T acceptance | Varies, often unspecified | Usually documented |
| Health Verification | Pre-shipment vet check | Visual inspection only | Visual inspection only |
| Retailer Hands-On | Yes, we evaluate each animal | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Customer Support | Direct from evaluator (me) | General customer service | Breeder direct, variable hours |
Strengths and Weaknesses
✅ Pros:
- Predictable Quality: Based on our handling, this bloodline produces consistent animals. The Sunset color is true, and the snakes have a reliable, sturdy conformation.
- Established Feeder: This is critical. A yearling eating frozen/thawed reliably eliminates the biggest hurdle for a new owner. Our sales data shows this is a major factor in the low return rate.
- Excellent Health Foundation: We receive these animals after a quarantine and vet check. We don’t just pass them along; we observe them. The one here is alert, sheds cleanly, and shows no signs of respiratory or mite issues.
- Strong Value for the Morph: At just under $500, you’re getting a guaranteed Sunset morph from a known producer. In the current market, that’s a solid price for the color and quality you can see in our photos.
- Manageable Size Potential: Borneos stay relatively compact for pythons. An adult in the 4-5 foot range is much more manageable for most keepers than a 7-foot-plus common boa or retic.
❌ Cons:
- Borneo Temperament Quirks: While generally calm as adults, yearlings can be defensive. They may huff, puff, and strike defensively when young. This is normal species behavior, not a defect, but it requires patience and gentle handling.
- Humidity Demands: Like all short-tailed pythons, they need consistently high humidity (60-80%). This requires a dedicated enclosure setup with proper substrate and possibly a humid hide. It’s not a “set and forget” species.
- Color is Subjective: The “Sunset” label covers a range. The animal you get will have the morph’s traits, but the intensity of orange/copper can vary. Our photos represent the typical animal we receive.
Best For
Buy if: You’re an intermediate keeper looking to step into more distinctive python morphs, or a Borneo enthusiast wanting to add the Sunset color variant. You understand and are prepared for the species-specific humidity needs and potential for a feisty yearling phase. You value a snake that is already established on F/T and has been vetted by both the breeder and our shop.
Skip if: You are an absolute first-time snake owner. While Borneos can be great pets, their humidity requirements and sometimes defensive juvenile nature make a corn snake or ball python a more forgiving choice for a debut. Also, if your budget is strictly under $400 for the animal itself, a normal-phase Borneo may be a better fit.
Your Questions Answered
How is the temperament on these?
As yearlings, they can be defensive—huffing, curling up, maybe a defensive strike. This is normal Borneo behavior. With calm, consistent, and brief handling sessions (after letting them settle in for 1-2 weeks), they almost always calm down significantly. The adults from this line are typically quite tractable.
Will the colors get brighter?
Typically, yes. The Sunset morph tends to “fire up” and develop more intense coppery and orange hues as the snake matures through its second and third year. The base color you see now is the foundation for that development.
What are you feeding it?
This yearling is currently taking frozen/thawed rat pups without issue. We feed once every 7-10 days. We provide a detailed feeding record and recommendation sheet with every animal.
Is it male or female?
We sell most of our yearlings as “sex unknown” unless we have them probed by a vet. Probing small yearlings carries a risk we prefer to avoid. If sex is crucial for your breeding plans, please contact us before purchasing to see if we have a sexed animal available.
Where can I buy a Sunset Borneo online?
You’re looking at it. Morphdirect in Boise, ID, is a primary retailer for this specific animal. We have a direct relationship with the producer and personally evaluate each shipment. Our first-hand data shows a high satisfaction rate and low returns, which is why we continue to stock them.
How do you ship?
We ship via FedEx Priority Overnight, professionally packaged in a insulated box with a heat or cool pack as needed for the weather. All shipments are made Monday-Wednesday for Thursday delivery to avoid weekend holdovers. We provide a live arrival guarantee.
Can I see more pictures or a video?
Absolutely. The photos on this page are of the actual animal or one from the same recent shipment. If you’d like additional specific photos or a short video of the exact animal you’d receive, email our support team with the product name, and we’ll arrange it.
✅ Plain brown box — no markings
✅ Not happy? Return within 30 days.
✅ Checkout secured with SSL encryption
✅ Domestic shipping — no customs
Last updated: April 2026
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