Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi im new to blood pythons and have been looking to get one for a while, but I heard they are mean. I also heard that certain breeders produce very docile snakes. If can offer some help, I'd really appreiciate it.

Not mean, they just have personality! Actually the growing number of captive bred offspring have proven this myth to be false. Stressed, sick snakes of any species can be "mean". How else do they tell you they don't feel good.

Lots of great breeders out there and we are only at the beginning. Check out the classifieds and if in doubt ask for breeding and hatching photos to prove they did it. You will find many like to show their baby pictures off

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I don't own a blood, but am hoping to get one soon, so all of the following is from what I have read, not personal experiance.

Bloods seem to be well-known for having a bad attitude, but you must also consider that until recently, most of the bloods in the pet trade were all imported. If you get a healthy, captive-bred baby, it will most likely settle down. Babies are snappy, but too small to inflict any real bites, and you can wear gloves if you want to.

If you get bit by a snake, DO NOT put it back in the enclosure. That is teaching it that if it bites, it will get what it wants. Let it chew on you (if it's a strong or large snake, you may want to wear gloves) until it realizes that biting does no good. Most snakes will eventually give up.

As for breeders, I have heard wonders about three: The Blood Line, VPI, and NERD.

Good luck!
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