Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all.

I am looking for some advice. I bought my first captive bred Blood python in December she is a juvenile born in about July. I got her home and set her up in a medium sized Rubbermaid container with a moss filled hide, ample water bowl with a temperature off 85 degrees.

I followed the advice given previous to keep her in the Rubbermaid container till she is a little bigger before letting her have the run of a 3’x2’x2’ vivarium to avoid her feeling insecure and nervous.

She started feeding with few issues and east 1or2 thawed out mice a week. She sometimes strikes and constricts her food and the sometimes just faces it but doesn’t strike. In this situation when she is left with the mouse in the Rubbermaid container she eats it virtually straight away.

I would like to know if I should be concerned by this. She always eats the mice and looks healthy and content. Is this an area for concern or is this a common situation?

The second question I have is moving onto handling and taming her. In the first week I got her she was quite jumpy after the journey home. Which I fully expected and was prepared for since then I have only had limited contact with her as I was advised to let her settle in and get 6-8 feeding under her belt before starting the handling process.

This last week I have had her out a couple of times and she has been a little feisty. She will allow herself to be picked up although is a little huffy and puffy. When you pick her up she is obviously not too impressed she can be a little rigid and a little jumpy on occasions. She tends to let you hold her for about a minute or so then starts letting you know she wants down. She has bitten on a couple of occasions to make her intentions well known.

I am looking for advice on what is the best way to tame my lovely little madam. Any advice given will be greatly appreciated.

Ian

Hey there,

Here's what I've done with my bloods as far as the handling/taming process....

Try taking your little girl out, then go sit down somewhere that is quiet. Just plop down cross-legged and set her in your lap. She's going to squirm around...just guide her back where you want her, letting her crawl over/around your hands. If she curls up under your leg or in the crease of your jeans, just let her sit there. When they get comfortable with this stage I usually start sitting with them in front of the TV or someother room that gets more traffic.

For the little bloods I also hold them as I clean their cages. Mind you, you have to be diligent of what your snake is doing (they'll roll right out of your hands), but I think this helps them get use to movement around them.

As far as huffing and puffing when you take her out..get use to it Bloods are very happy to talk to you...this doesn't mean they're going to strike or be in a bad mood, you just have to understand that particular snake's mood.

From what I've seen, bloods don't enjoy being carried around. They would much rather just sit and chill with you. Bloods are very aware of what's going on around them. If you try to tame them down in situations where there are other people moving around, she's going to get overwhelmed. Ha, the adult female I have will turn and 'lock on' to someone across the room from her.

Just keep working with your little girl. Keep it slow and quiet..she'll come around for ya. Don't move around too much when you're holding her...she'll probably get after you for it. Bloods are happy to sit down and watch the tv with you, but don't try to carry her around the house for long periods...as you've noticed they don't enjoy 'air' time.

Your girl will calm eventually, just remember that this isn't a boa your dealing with

Let me know if you have anymore questions, I'd be happy to help

Carole
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"I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable." -- Joseph Addison

I pretty much agree with C. I would just re-emphasize the patience part of it. You might only get a minute or two of quality time for the first few weeks. Pay attention to her body language and when she has had enough put her away. I would also point out that much like people they vary widely in their temperament and general demeanor. Some seem to be very laid-back while others can have "issues" that they never seem to get past. I know a local guy who takes his to parties wrapped around his neck. Something I neither condon or advise but the snake doesnt seem to mind. I have a young Borneo that I can handle for 3,4,5 days in a room without a complaint. She doesnt hiss, puff or get rigid and then one day she seems to just bite me out of the blue. A tactic that I dont enjoy, at all. Something obviously annoys her but I havent figured out what it is just yet. Learn your snake and let your snake learn you. There is a fairly long learning curve for both of you. I actually love the process. Its kind of like that movie "50 first dates" except you get bitten rather than slapped. I'm not sure which I prefer.