Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am looking into buying a breeding trio 1:2 of sumatran red blood pythons ... If at all possible I would like to buy sub-adults to adults ... If I cant find any I will buy babies ... I know most have the "typical blood temperments" but I am trying to find some that are atleast somewhat "tame" ... Who should I buy from ... All help would be appreciated ...

Thanks
Eric White
Reptiles Exotics

Hey Eric,

From experience I will highly recommend Kara at NERD. She has a bunch of 04' animals that are very well started. From reputation I will recommend Kevin Marter or Tracy at VPI (there are probably other, but it's 1:15am and my brain isn't working fast). Now if you're considering Black bloods, Jeff Hartwig has some KILLER blacks! I WISH I had some space to buy a few of his animals.

I recently purchased 15 bloods from Kara and only one was a little devil, but she's calmed down significantly with lots of gentle handling. All but one of the 15 have eaten 5 or more meals since I got them (about a month ago). The first blood I purchased from Kara back in April is the SWEETEST thing in the whole world (and a GREAT feeder to boot). I've fallen asleep watching movies with her on my lap, only to wake up 3 hours later with her still there.

I truly thing it's two things, how much you handle them and HOW you handle them. Sometimes you have to take a hit and gently pick the animal back up and take another hit just to show it that you aren't going to eat it, but you also aren't afraid of it. Kara gave me some great advice...if the animal is turning it's head to strike, turn your body with it. I also think that something as simple as sitting on the couch, watching TV or a movie with the animal on your lap helps tremendously.

Anyway, I hope this helped. Time for bed.
Take care.

Matt

E-mail me I can definately help you. KINGKUTLOPEZ@HOTMAIL.COM I tried to e-mail you,however I'm not sure if you recieved it.Ash Lopez
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Send me an email. I know a guy getting out of bloods, he has subadults and adults. fargo731@aol.com

I am interested in buying adults too. Does he still have some?
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1.1 Cal Kings
1.1 Northern Pines
1.1 Honduran Boas
1.1 Tangerine Honduran Milks
1.2 Pueblan Milks

I'm going to write this like you've never owned a snake before. Obviously you have owned plenty of snakes before. I am certainly not trying to insult you but there are people who read these posts who in fact haven't owned a snake before. I am really saying this for all to read. Ignore the parts where I sound like your third grade teacher. My wife has that down to a science.

I dont think there is such a thing as "typical blood temperament". There are a lot of misconceptions out there about blood pythons. At this point I've handled quite a few of them and no two were ever alike. A few are rotten. WC can be very rotten, though not always. According to the Barkers many individuals from Malaysia, even captive bred individuals, can be pretty tough to handle. In my experience Bankas can also be a little unpredictable. Some bloods are moody, often due to mishandling, poor or no socialization or improper living conditions. Some are just like ball pythons, you can show them to your friends, play with them in the yard and generally have a curious and interactive pet. Bloods are shy and insecure and tend to bite if they feel threatened or are not properly taken care for. Some are more insecure than others. Think of it this way- a ball python hides it's head when it gets scared. A blood bites when it gets scared. Granted I'd much rather they hid than bite, but let's face it bloods are sooo much prettier than balls, ha!!!

I have a blood python resource area on my web site "links" page. There are several breeders listed there. I got edited the last time I wrote this but the name of my web site is Genesis Herpetoculture. I dont have any bloods for sale but many of my links do. Also watch KS classifieds. I just sold a great adult red male on there. Several list members such as Kara, Ryan, Rich and Jody have some animals for sale. If you cant find their emails drop me a note and I'll forward their contact info.

Note to one and all: Buy carefully... If this is your first blood purchase buy CBB from somebody with a good reputation and prefferably with the parents on site. Take proper care of them and be patient. I think you'll find yourself with a new definition of "usual blood temperament".

Steve 5rings@netscape.com

N/P