Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Be honest, is the blood python really as tempermental as some say? I understand that if you work with almost any snake they will mellow out, but what are my chances with a blood. Im looking for a snake under ten feet, but I want somthing with a little color. I have had ball pythons before. Can you recommend anything? thanx

The common idea that bloods are nasty is just plain old fashioned untrue. It stems from the early imported Malaysian adults that were hell on earth. A few people got bit and voila!!! a myth was born. The only partial truth is that hatchlings as a general rule require a bit more security (like a nice tight hide) to keep them happy and calm. If you don't provide this then they can oftentimes be a bit skittish. I can't speak for everyone, but I can say that every single blood that I've ever worked with for an extended period (about 25 total) has been not only docile, but downright lazy. In fact I have a pair of blacks that a friend gave to me because they in his words "just lay there." I have a wild caught female Sumatran with scars down her back from when she lived in the jungle that I let my 3 yr. old nephew kiss on the nose. So to answer your question not only are bloods not ill tempered, but when cared for properly are some of the most downright layed back boids in the hobby. If you get a blood and learn how to keep it you'll fall in love... I promise

Here is an adult male and female Malaysian and an adult female Sumatran. Generally I've found babies are going to be nippy but they will grow out of it. Few animals are as impressive as an adult blood python!!!

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John Light
JL Exotics
Contact Me

Well, I think picture #2 (what a great picture, a couple of beauties!) says all you need to know about the “temperamental attitude” of bloods. Properly cared for cbb bloods are just as tame as any other properly cared for cbb python. If you’re looking for a big, but not giant, snake with lots of color you won’t do better than a blood.
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Dennis

Here's my boy with our blood. I trust my blood with anyone more than our rtb. Neither has ever bitten anyone or even tried but our blood is just more relaxed.

If someone came to me looking for a good snake to have as a pet, Bloods would be way down on the list of snakes I would recommend. I've had quite a few and most have been pretty relaxed, but they are definitely more temperamental than your common Boas, Ball Pythons, and most Colubrids.

I think it's awesome that there are lots of tame animals out there, and I love seeing the photos, but to guide someone into buying a Blood as a first time snake owner would be irresponsible.

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"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose." (quote from Jim Elliott, "Shadow of the Almighty"

Really like that blood python! Do you have better pics? Thanks, Jim Elliott

Jim-
Good to hear from you. The Blood in my previous post has "moved" to New Mexico...
here's another photo of him:

and a female albino currently in my collection:

and finally, a recent purchase...a het for albino female. I really like this animal:

All the best-
Jim L
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"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he can never lose." (quote from Jim Elliott, "Shadow of the Almighty"