Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All,

I just picked up a 16 inch baby red blood python at the show in tucson, Saturday. I've cared for and worked with burms, RTB's, Balls, Kings, corns and rats. I decided I wanted a big snake that might be a little more of a challenge but nothing I'd have to give a room to. I did all my research before hand and have him set up in a rubbermaid container with newspaper substrate, a hide, water bowl, and the deli cup he came in filled with sphagnum moss. His temps are between 85-88 degrees and humidity between 65-75%. I've had him now for 5 days and I offered him a fresh killed mouse yesterday. He sucked it down. I'm not messing with him yet as far as handling, I figure I start that after he eats next week.

Now I have a few questions.

After he eats a mouse would it be fine to keep offering more until he stops taking them for that day?

I know most info says small cages. If I where to set up a moderately sized cage 2'L x 1' x 16" and fill it with plenty of nice tight hides would that still be a recipe for a stressed out snake. With my monitors they always have an option of like 3-5 hides and I figure I should give the snake the same option.

Also I've seen figures on humidty as low as 50% and as high as 90%. I have him at 65-70. What has been a happy medium for you?

Thanks for the help.

Nate

Are you thinking something with solid walls for a tank, or an aquarium type setup? I figure with all the snakes you've raised you might have something nice laying around you've got in mind???

I kept my baby in a tub that was twice as long and much more open than what most people recommended, but it was the only thing I had that was secure. It worked fine for me, so I say go for it. Also, since I've put my snake in a boaphile, which of course has 5 of 6 black walls, my snake is more likely to sit with more of her body out of the substrate, and her feeding response has increased. So if you're planning on putting him in a cage like that, you're probably even better off than I was with my overly large, clear storage tub.

A nice layer of mulch and some good hides and you should be fine.

I would keep him in the smaller cage until he is ready to move on to another. Usually a hot hide and a humid hide are the most a blood would need. But if he is in a little shoebox rubbermaid just a waterbowl and a hide, and keep it around 84 degrees. As for humidity I tend to steer in the 60% or a little under range with them. However I will usually mist babies once a day or so as they really little ones tend to dry up some. Good to hear hes eating and settling in nice. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Jordan
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"It's my snake, I trained it, so I'm going to eat it!" - Mad Max, The Road Warrior