Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ive decided on getting a blood python. I heard that malaysian bloods are known to be more tempermental. I also heard that the sumatran blood can be more so docile than the malaysian bloods. Are these statments myth or do they have some truth to them? I just looking for a blood as a pet strickly for handling daily, not for breeding. i appreciate your help!

Malaysians are rare as it is and hard to determine if they are true Malaysian unless shipped in wild caught.So thats why it might be said they aren't as docile.My female is supposently a malaysian and has never struck.Just buy from one of the the guys popular from here on the site or a reputable dealer and you should be fine.Regular handling as a baby and they are good as a ball python.I take that back my ball python was way more mean than any blood I've own.

thank you for your help

Fishkiller is correct in that true Malaysian bloods (P. brongersmia) are rare in captivity and very difficult to distinguish visually from those of Sumatran origin. However, wild caught Malaysian specimens are on average much more aggressive than wild caught Sumatran bloods. Malay specimens that are captive born are usually similar to captive born Sumatrans, but act more alert and sometimes aggressive, but usually tame rapidly as captives. I have 2nd and 3rd generation captive born specimens of both types and the Malaysians still show this behavioral distinction in that while they never attempt to bite or show any type of aggression, they are however more active and squirm around some when handled, as opposed to the typically calm and laid back Sumatran temperament.

Kelly