Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got my first snake, a ball python, recently, and have been thinking about what I'd like for my next. I won't get another one for a couple years, b/c I'm in nursing school and don't have time for another. But I'm thinking I'd like a Sumatran blood python. Do they ever go up to rabbits or can you stick with rats? Also..what type of blood python gets the biggest? Are they still manageable by one person..I'd prefer a female b/c I might want to breed one day..and I know they get bigger than the males. Also..are there any differences (besides looks) between the different types of Blood pythons? Temperment, etc? Also..I've heard that blood pythons can have bad temperments..is this mainly based on how they are handled early on? I definately want a snake that is handleable..that's one reason I love my bp so much, she's very friendly. I'd get CB, of course. Thanks for the help

Hey,
Well, I'm very happy for you and the ball python purchase or gift, but comparing a ball python to a blood (not that you are!) is like comparing apples to oranges. They just don't belong in the same category.

Bloods are really in a league of their own, and once you own one, you'll know exactly what I mean. Bloods come in all kinds of colors and sizes, and are quite remarkable for various reasons. I'll keep this short, but suffice it to say, that bloods when wild caught like most snakes, can be a bit hostile. But, that is to be expected of most snakes for that matter. Red bloods from Northern Sumatra, Mainland Malaysia, or Bangka (an insular or island type), can be aggressive when babies, but like any herp when handled with plenty of care and attention, will over time, calm down and be just as manageable as a bp. It's all in the handler or keeper. Work with the animal and it will reward you with a pleasant demeanor. Ignore it for long periods and you may find your self confronted with a nasty snake. It takes time, effort and work. But it is all worth it in the end.

Red bloods are the largest of the bloods and short-tails.
Borneo short-tails are the second largest.
Sumatran short-tails are the third largest.

-Angel
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In life you can fall many times, but you're only a failure, if you don't try to get back up!
Evil Canevil

Congrats on the BP. I am glad you are waiting to get your next snake when you are through with school, most people start collecting herps and then realise they have to move out and have to get rid of some of there snakes because of space. Also, something I personally feel pretty strong about. Look closely at any of the three types. What is common about all three? They have a small head and neck size proportional to their large and stout body. So what?!? Well, my opinion is that 'Bloods' do not need large prey items. If they did, they would have been built a little differently I believe (i.e. Larger head size). Yes, they can truck down giant prey items. My belief is that smaller prey items are more efficiently digested. I do also recognize that some Bloods will be MONSTER sized snakes and larger prey items are likely appropriate. They can be managed by one person but can sometimes be a pain to get back in there cages if they don't want to go in them. I think sumatrins are the largest followed by borneos, then black or short-tailed pythons. I would only recommend buying one that is CBB from a respected breeder, if you do that you are almost sure of one that is tame, the biggest thing i recommend is do research and only buy on CBB.

I feed my yearling sumatran a single large rat weekly. I expect I'll keep her on rats her entire life... I wouldn't want her to get fat

Go with a captive bred baby, and you'll never regret it. I sure don't!!!

Just curious..will your blood python get redder as she ages, or is that the normal color of Sumatrans? She's so pretty Thanks for the advice everyone! I"m definately gonna keep researching it (I've got 2 years to do it!) so I'll be ready once the time comes.

Most sumatrans do get redder, but there is a wide range of colors. Mine has a yellow mom and a red dad, and so far she's only gotten lighter, so I'm expecting her to stay yellowish...

That's a pretty good size for a yearling...how big is he/she? (I don't recall you saying). Do you have a weight on it? Looks really great.

Steve