I see questions about this being posted fairly frequently this time of year and I know that most of you have answered this question many times, but I am bored and feel very strongly about this issue. So, I thought I'd launch my diatribe for the newbies who havent heard my soapbox meanderings yet. My web site goes into more detail on this issue but here goes...
1. Buy CBB from a reputable BREEDER. With some species it may not be so important, but blood pythons currently have a number of origins and it is vital that you buy from somebody that knows the animals and can help you answer questions(GTPs are the same way). WC Bloods can be very, very nasty. CB or farm raised can be a roll of the dice.
2. Buy from a bloodline proven to produce healthy, docile animals. Blood python temperaments vary considerably and at least until you get the hang of it, it is important that you have animals that can be safely handled and require a minimum of maintenance. Virtually all of us that have handled a number of these animals will tell you some critters are very docile and some never will be.
3. Make sure you can properly care for a large and hungry snake for at least 20 years. These guys can grow moderately large with disproportionally large appetites. Big, neglected blood pythons are a bad thing, period.
4. If you cant afford a proper cage and equipment dont buy the snake. It really isnt very hard or expensive to set up a decent cage. Ask the breeder how to do it.
5. While on the subject of money. There is usually a reason why some baby snakes are $95 and some are $350. I would advise you to save your money and buy a better animal from a better source. You will get your money back many times over in beauty and behavior, not to mention the quality of support that a good breeder will provide.
6. FEED YOUR ANIMALS. I cant tell you how many times I hear "I think I fed him a month or so ago. I heard snakes only need to eat every 6 months". I feed many of mine smaller meals every week. Every two weeks is good to control growth rate for juveniles or for adult males. Adult females can eat every week or two. Any less than that, is less than adequate care. I find that snakes behave better if they are on a fixed schedule. They do learn and if they know that food comes at regualr intervals they will act accordingly. Hungry snakes bite.
There are many good breeders on this list. The fact that they are on this list shows that they have an interest in learning more about the species and promoting the hobby. I strongly suggest you do your homework and buy from these characters. If they dont have anything in stock most of them have friends that do. I noticed that a couple of guys on this list currently have things posted on the KS classifieds. That would be a good place to start.
Happy snakin'
-----
Steve Frist
