How much experience should I have to keep a blood python?

[XrabbitX]

Hey all, I used to keep tarantulas for a long time and during that time I also had a california king snake. I had to unfortunately give them all up when I lost the place I was staying.

I'm finally getting my own place after going back to school and getting a new job and am extremely excited to get back into snakes, since my snake was my favorite, and I really loved taking care of her.

Right now my dream snakes are a Woma (which I am getting 100%) and a blood python. I am hesitant to get a blood python b/c of their size, humidity requirements, and reputation (I figured I might try a male b/c they seem more manageable.)

I guess my question is should I get a ball python or something instead? I want something that is large, but not so large that I would ever have to worry about it really hurting me or someone else. I know bloods can have a terrible reputation, but it looks like if you tame them out as babies they are pretty relaxed.

Also would you guys consider them difficult to care for? I was worried about the high humidity, but it sounds like most people keep them in clothing tubs with holes drilled in the sides so they don't have to mist excessively.

Anyway, what would you guys think about me getting a baby blood python without having much snake experience? I'd probably really love a ball instead, if it is a better idea, but I think I would still be more excited to keep a blood python.

[Andy_G]

As long as you're okay with and know that although many are docile after some growth and handling, the species as a whole tends to be a bit nervous and can strike in any direction, including straight backwards, without any warning besides a subtle difference in breathing. I've had a few, most of which were very calm and docile, while others would repeatedly strike at anything that moved, and one that would randomly try to bite me in the face during handling. If you're okay with this, go for it. Their reputation came about mostly from wild caught individuals, but there are still lots of CBB that aren't predictable. I don't consider them particularly difficult to care for though, higher humidity and cooler temps than most boids.

[XrabbitX]

That's something to consider. I don't want something that is going to try to bite unpredictably once it is large.

I've heard certain color morphs are more docile, but if I'm going to pay around $1,800 for a snake I'm going to have to get a breeding pair and that is a whole other level of commitment lol. Not that that is bad at all, but at this point I'm just ready for a couple of pets.

Just out of curiosity, how big of enclosures do you keep them in as adults? I've heard they're extremely sedentary.

[Aaron_S]

4 x 2 x 1 would suffice most adults of the species.

Also if you really want a blood python then source out a good breeder and maybe ask about any older animals they might have for sale. Usually once it's been a few months you're more likely to know the attitude of the snake.

[Andy_G]

They are very sedentary but with their size they still can use at least a 4 x 2 of floor space. If they don't use it, at least you have a bit of room to dodge a bite if you had to...

$1800 is a heck of a budget for bloods. Should give you lots of options/choices in regards to morph/age.

[XrabbitX]

$1800 is a heck of a budget for bloods. Should give you lots of options/choices in regards to morph/age.


I was looking at the 007 or goldeneye bloods, which supposedly have a better disposition. They're beautiful animals, and tempting to me even though I normally tend to think normal morphs are the best looking ones
anyway.

https://www.morphmarket.com/us/c/reptiles/pythons/blood-pythons/gene/golden%20eye

Unless I can somehow get out of my student loans, or I could feel confident that I could breed a pair and get my money back (and and then some) I don't think I could justify the price tag. The normal morphs are running $125 and I think they are gorgeous also.

I guess one possibility is getting a nice morph of a male, and then send him out to stud. But both times I've sent animals out for breeding I never got them back. I don't know how willing reputable sellers are willing to send animals back and forth with individuals for breeding, but it's something I've only had very minimal experience with.

[XrabbitX]

4 x 2 x 1 would suffice most adults of the species.

Also if you really want a blood python then source out a good breeder and maybe ask about any older animals they might have for sale. Usually once it's been a few months you're more likely to know the attitude of the snake.


That sounds like great advice, I'll have to keep it in mind! Thanks!

[craigafrechette]

My Borneo STP is an absolute sweetheart. Years of captive breeding have dulled their reputation as bad-tempered. That being said, they can be a bit unpredictable. My boy will let out a hiss here and there, but has not struck once in the 8 months he's been with me.

I would 100000% advise against buying a breeding pair and trying to recoup your money though. Being ready for a pet snake and being ready to breed snakes are light years apart. Unless you have years of experience, breeding snakes shouldn't even be a thought yet.

As for potentially getting a BP as a "stepping stone" snake. I don't think that's a good idea either. You are clearly doing some research and asking questions about bloods/STPs, so you'll know what to expect. I keep both, and my STP is no harder to keep than a BP. Probably easier husbandry and feeding wise. The STP is a bit trickier to handle though. I've kept BPs, Kings, corns and hognose as well as handled many other species of pythins, boas and colubrids. None of them handle like a blood/STP, they really need the majority of their body supported while handled. Since they are so heavier bodied and pretty much 100% terrestrial they don't climb trees, etc...so they don't wrap with their tails to hold on. If they aren't well supported they can thrash their tails around a bit. But seriously, they're no harder to keep than any other species I keep.
Keep doing research for a few months. Get your enclosure and equipment up and running and dialed in. Then, once that's all set, you'll have had more time to research the snake YOU want and you'll know if you're willing and able to meet those requirements.
Bottom line: don't buy an animal that you don't want, you'll have it for 20+ years...

[Aaron_S]

I was looking at the 007 or goldeneye bloods, which supposedly have a better disposition. They're beautiful animals, and tempting to me even though I normally tend to think normal morphs are the best looking ones
anyway.

https://www.morphmarket.com/us/c/reptiles/pythons/blood-pythons/gene/golden%20eye

Unless I can somehow get out of my student loans, or I could feel confident that I could breed a pair and get my money back (and and then some) I don't think I could justify the price tag. The normal morphs are running $125 and I think they are gorgeous also.

I guess one possibility is getting a nice morph of a male, and then send him out to stud. But both times I've sent animals out for breeding I never got them back. I don't know how willing reputable sellers are willing to send animals back and forth with individuals for breeding, but it's something I've only had very minimal experience with.

Breeding isn't reliable. So many "ifs" to deal with like "Are the animals healthy and upto size? Did they survive to adulthood? Did they actually breed? Did the female lay viable eggs? Did they hatch, and how many are good? Did the babies survive/thrive?"

That's a bunch of stuff without including the cost of incubator, food, baby bins, etc. Yes a couple of them are easy like surviving to adulthood but there's a small, small chance an animal dies for no real reason without a
necropsy. (Maybe a tumor or cancer you couldn't detect).

In addition, don't stud your snake. I've only heard of problems with breeding loans in reptiles. Even when I've done them with the best of friends it can put strain on any relationship. Just don't do it.

[Andy_G]

Breeding isn't reliable. So many "ifs" to deal with like "Are the animals healthy and upto size? Did they survive to adulthood? Did they actually breed? Did the female lay viable eggs? Did they hatch, and how many are good? Did the babies survive/thrive?"

That's a bunch of stuff without including the cost of incubator, food, baby bins, etc. Yes a couple of them are easy like surviving to adulthood but there's a small, small chance an animal dies for no real reason without a
necropsy. (Maybe a tumor or cancer you couldn't detect).

In addition, don't stud your snake. I've only heard of problems with breeding loans in reptiles. Even when I've done them with the best of friends it can put strain on any relationship. Just don't do it.

Couldn't agree more. I actually lost a snake to leukemia in the early 00's. So many what ifs with animals.