Sumatra python

[waf]

Hi! I would like to know if some of you could provide some information about this python.. (enclosure, feeding schedule, temperament, adult size, general care, etc..) anythig you can say about it, because I'm planning to get one of them... haha!

I have some experience about boas and retic, but nothing about sumatras...

Thanks for your comments!!

[Aaron_S]

Read a book.

[reptiletalk]

http://www.reptiletalk.com.cy/downloads/care-sheets/snakes/blood-python-care-sheet.pdf

[waf]

Hey! great pieces of information.... thanks!

now the question: in comparison with retics..... how is their temperament?

[reptiletalk]

It depends on each snake individually to be honest as far as i know.

[millertime89]

Retics will have a better attitude usually, but not always.

[thawes]

Read a book.

Any suggestions?

[thawes]

Waf, here are a couple great articles from Reptiles Magazine. The first is written by Kara and Ryan Norris, the second by Dave and Tracy Barker.

Blood and Short-tailed Python Care Sheet (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Snakes/Blood-and-Short-tailed-Python/)

The Blood Python (http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Blood-Pythons-Past-Present/)

If you require any additional info, or have any questions, feel free to PM me and I can point you in the right direction.

[LiL Zap]

Read a book.
Well, that was really helpful.

[Sublimeballs]

Lil zap, I can see where Arron is coming from. The guy says he's planning on getting one and obviously hasn't done of tryed to do any research; all that info can be found in 5 minutes on google.

[Aaron_S]

Well, that was really helpful.

I have no issue in helping people out. What I do have an issue with is when people go ahead and buy an animal then come say "Teach me everything about it in 10 minutes. K thx bye."

[IW17]

The Op said "planning to get one". And yes, this is something books and Google could answer in five minutes, but so is 99% of all other questions /topics posted on this forum. I think it's more about trusting were you get your information from. And there are a lot of trusted, experienced keepers on here.

[thawes]

There aren't any books specifically on bloods and shorties at the moment. VPI are working on one, not sure about a release date though.
There are species specific forums such as bloodpythons.com and Curtusforum.org. that have many great keepers who offer a wealth of knowledge through many years experience.
I suggest you look into one of these WELCOMING communities.

[Aaron_S]

There aren't any books specifically on bloods and shorties at the moment. VPI are working on one, not sure about a release date though.
There are species specific forums such as bloodpythons.com and Curtusforum.org. that have many great keepers who offer a wealth of knowledge through many years experience.
I suggest you look into one of these WELCOMING communities.

Hey Terry,

I see you're new. Take a few minutes and check things out. It's a very welcoming place.

[Zelg]

Man...as a relatively new snake owner I have to agree with those telling OP to read a book and do a little google search.

Op, you say you have experience with retics and boas yet you cant be bothered to search for a care sheet of a popularly kept species? It would have taken you less time than to make this thread.

This community is very welcoming but what sets people off is a person who is so shamelessly lazy that they cannot search for a care sheet. I would understand if you were asking for information regarding comparing different husbandry issues or something but you specifically asked for general care information.

Theres no such thing as a stupid question and most people here will be happy to answer any question of any level. Some answers may be a little harsh sometimes but people are generally nice and those that arent get called out. But I mean, its like going to buy a car but you call up a buddy who has one and ask him to tell you all of the specs of the car from horse power to wheel size and maintenance schedules. Hes not going to want to sit there and tell you all of that.

Take the criticism, swallow the pride and google something. You'll get much further along much faster and when you're ready to discuss them in more detail, you'll at least have your basics covered.

If you had no experience with any snakes (nevermind large snakes) then I imagine this wouldnt be as much of an issue with people.

[thawes]

Hey Terry,

I see you're new. Take a few minutes and check things out. It's a very welcoming place.

Thanks Aaron, I'll take you up on that

[LiL Zap]

I have no issue in helping people out. What I do have an issue with is when people go ahead and buy an animal then come say "Teach me everything about it in 10 minutes. K thx bye."
You never really know if they did the research though. What if he did research but wants some further elaboration from experienced keepers? I mean I can go around every thread saying "read a book" but that would be inappropriate in my opinion.

[Aaron_S]

You never really know if they did the research though. What if he did research but wants some further elaboration from experienced keepers? I mean I can go around every thread saying "read a book" but that would be inappropriate in my opinion.

Usually when someone has done that they ask specific questions such as "I've read the ambient temperature should be between XX and YY. Which is it?"

Someone who comes along and says "I plan on getting one...haha...so teach me temperment, humidity, enclosure, feeding habits..."

These are usually from people who have decided on something and now rely completely on someone spoon feeding them everything they need to know.

Look to your left a little bit. See where my avatar mentions how long I've been around for? I've seen a LOT of these posts and these type of posters usually disappear, never to return, or have animals die or ask many other questions later on when the snake isn't doing well.

[millertime89]

Usually when someone has done that they ask specific questions such as "I've read the ambient temperature should be between XX and YY. Which is it?"

Exactly. Aaron hit the nail on the head.

[CosmicOwl]

Usually when someone has done that they ask specific questions such as "I've read the ambient temperature should be between XX and YY. Which is it?"

Someone who comes along and says "I plan on getting one...haha...so teach me temperment, humidity, enclosure, feeding habits..."

These are usually from people who have decided on something and now rely completely on someone spoon feeding them everything they need to know.

Look to your left a little bit. See where my avatar mentions how long I've been around for? I've seen a LOT of these posts and these type of posters usually disappear, never to return, or have animals die or ask many other questions later on when the snake isn't doing well.

It always blows my mind when I realize you've been on this site for 12 years.

[waf]

Hey....! thanks for all your comments and links, they really help!!
I only would like to say that I decided to come and ask about this python, because I will get one, of course I clicked on google about it... but I thought it could be wise to read from real owners, their experiences and recommendations, as I mentioned, I have some experience on boas and retics, because I own them, and I clearly can share some experiences I had with them, if someone ask, no matter how much time has been around here...

Aaron... 14,858 posts and 12 years of membership over here... wow! they are big, big numbers... congratulations! but I would like to tell you somenting: Look to your left a little bit. See where my avatar mentions how long I've been around..... yes, just a few time and posts, but guy, I didn't need too much years to learn that forums are for sharing. Let me ask you a question: How many Sumatra's Blood Pythons do you have? at least one? well, with all that experience, and having readed "the book", why you just share your knowledge? that is not too bad, try it some day..

[Aaron_S]

Hey....! thanks for all your comments and links, they really help!!
I only would like to say that I decided to come and ask about this python, because I will get one, of course I clicked on google about it... but I thought it could be wise to read from real owners, their experiences and recommendations, as I mentioned, I have some experience on boas and retics, because I own them, and I clearly can share some experiences I had with them, if someone ask, no matter how much time has been around here...

Aaron... 14,858 posts and 12 years of membership over here... wow! they are big, big numbers... congratulations! but I would like to tell you somenting: Look to your left a little bit. See where my avatar mentions how long I've been around..... yes, just a few time and posts, but guy, I didn't need too much years to learn that forums are for sharing. Let me ask you a question: How many Sumatra's Blood Pythons do you have? at least one? well, with all that experience, and having readed "the book", why you just share your knowledge? that is not too bad, try it some day..

I currently don't own any bloods, blacks or borneos. In the past? About 6 or 7.

I share a lot. Go look around. Plenty of my knowledge here.

I have no problem sharing. I enjoy it. However, I prefer specific questions instead of me having to lay out every piece of information for someone. I believe forums are for sharing real experiences to help people sift through the stuff online since we all know it can be rather polarizing in opinions. So that is where specific questions come.

[waf]

Good answer Aaron... thanks..

[marvelfreak]

When you say Sumatra are you talking Curtus Curtus short-tail (blacks) or Brongersmai actual Red Bloods?

Because there is some differences in my experiences. Blacks tend to be way mellower, not as nervous and willing to strike as Reds. Blacks also tend to be more curious and active. Out side of that keeping them about the same high side 87 low mid 70s. My adult Blacks can be very vocal with huffing and puffing but never so much as a strike. Red might give you a little huff but most of the time just strike out of no where. Remember this is not true of all Reds just my personal experiences.

[thawes]

When you say Sumatra are you talking Curtus Curtus short-tail (blacks) or Brongersmai actual Red Bloods?

Because there is some differences in my experiences. Blacks tend to be way mellower, not as nervous and willing to strike as Reds. Blacks also tend to be more curious and active. Out side of that keeping them about the same high side 87 low mid 70s. My adult Blacks can be very vocal with huffing and puffing but never so much as a strike. Red might give you a little huff but most of the time just strike out of no where. Remember this is not true of all Reds just my personal experiences.

My experiences are similar. I keep all three species, and they are all very vocal, but it seems only my brongs will strike at me ( only a few). With the exception of hatchlings, my SSTP's and Borneos are all hiss and no kiss. Borneos would rather flail their body violently in defense than strike when they've had enough handling... at least some of mine anyway.
One thing I do different than most, is I don't offer a temperature gradient. I heat my room to 82, and it doesn't get much warmer. I also humidity the room and run a fan 24/7. Ventilation and cleanliness is of the utmost with these snakes...with the water waste they expelled regularly, a respiratory infection can set in quickly.
At the end of the day, they're a pretty rewarding species to keep. Small, yet impressive, and they come in all kinds of colors as well.
Kinda like ball pythons for men...

[marvelfreak]

My experiences are similar. I keep all three species, and they are all very vocal, but it seems only my brongs will strike at me ( only a few). With the exception of hatchlings, my SSTP's and Borneos are all hiss and no kiss. Borneos would rather flail their body violently in defense than strike when they've had enough handling... at least some of mine anyway.
One thing I do different than most, is I don't offer a temperature gradient. I heat my room to 82, and it doesn't get much warmer. I also humidity the room and run a fan 24/7. Ventilation and cleanliness is of the utmost with these snakes...with the water waste they expelled regularly, a respiratory infection can set in quickly.
At the end of the day, they're a pretty rewarding species to keep. Small, yet impressive, and they come in all kinds of colors as well.
Kinda like ball pythons for men...

LMAO thank you for the laugh Terry.:D:D:D The All Hiss and No Kiss should be your motto.;)

[Aaron_S]

It always blows my mind when I realize you've been on this site for 12 years.

Blows my mind too.

I need a better life.

[waf]

When you say Sumatra are you talking Curtus Curtus short-tail (blacks) or Brongersmai actual Red Bloods?

Because there is some differences in my experiences. Blacks tend to be way mellower, not as nervous and willing to strike as Reds. Blacks also tend to be more curious and active. Out side of that keeping them about the same high side 87 low mid 70s. My adult Blacks can be very vocal with huffing and puffing but never so much as a strike. Red might give you a little huff but most of the time just strike out of no where. Remember this is not true of all Reds just my personal experiences.

Mine is a Brongermai... Hey... Do these pythons huff like boas?? My only experience with pythons is with my retic, and she never huffs or puffs... but... my boas do it all the time.

[waf]

LMAO thank you for the laugh Terry.:D:D:D The All Hiss and No Kiss should be your motto.;)

I think: Cats swipe, dogs bite, snakes strike... In this snake world we are in... a strike is imminent...

My only concern is if a brongersmai will be handable like a retic, with some handling, good meals and good enclosure conditions? or I have te expect a strike from time to time... My question is because sometimes, my friend's kids like to handle my snakes...

[waf]

Blows my mind too.

I need a better life.

You have a better life with snakes...!!
man.. I did parrots, turtles, tarantulas, edgehogs, fish, also, I did fox.. and I got all them away... but my snakes... they own the visitors room in my home.. (so, I got visitors away too... haha!).

[millertime89]

Bloods are still in the "unknown attitude" stage that retics were in about 15 years ago. Relatively new to the market and not widely kept or bred. There are people that claim they calm down and some claim they never do. In my (albeit limited) experience with bloods they do huff and puff. I would not trust a blood (or any other larger or heavy bodied snake) around a child unless you have control of the head.

[Aaron_S]

You have a better life with snakes...!!
man.. I did parrots, turtles, tarantulas, edgehogs, fish, also, I did fox.. and I got all them away... but my snakes... they own the visitors room in my home.. (so, I got visitors away too... haha!).

Very cool.

Also, I may be getting a pair of each species of bloods, borneos and blacks in the future. Depends on a few things.

[waf]

Bloods are still in the "unknown attitude" stage that retics were in about 15 years ago. Relatively new to the market and not widely kept or bred. There are people that claim they calm down and some claim they never do. In my (albeit limited) experience with bloods they do huff and puff. I would not trust a blood (or any other larger or heavy bodied snake) around a child unless you have control of the head.

yes..... you are right, anyway, once I get mine, it will take a long time before allow anybody else to handle it, mustly children.

Hey, I've been told that this bloods are a little agressive when joung, but they calm down as they grow.... do you have some experience on this?

[Aaron_S]

Bloods are still in the "unknown attitude" stage that retics were in about 15 years ago. Relatively new to the market and not widely kept or bred. There are people that claim they calm down and some claim they never do. In my (albeit limited) experience with bloods they do huff and puff. I would not trust a blood (or any other larger or heavy bodied snake) around a child unless you have control of the head.

I find bloods to be unpredictable. They can be a very middle of the ground snake. Okay one day and not so much the next. However, I've met my fair share of complete peaches. No different than any other docile species. I always used a hook to let them know I was around. lol. Not a species I like to surprise.

[waf]

Very cool.

Also, I may be getting a pair of each species of bloods, borneos and blacks in the future. Depends on a few things.

Sounds good! mine will be at home in the next few days! I will post some pics.

[waf]

I find bloods to be unpredictable. They can be a very middle of the ground snake. Okay one day and not so much the next. However, I've met my fair share of complete peaches. No different than any other docile species. I always used a hook to let them know I was around. lol. Not a species I like to surprise.

I do something similar... there is a rule I keep: if I will take any of my snakes out of the enclosure, I always touch their head with the hook, to let them know that is time to get out...

[thawes]

Blood pythons get a bad rap, they're not all monsters. The "bad apples", are more of the exception than the rule these days, with multiple generations of CB animals. There's no doubt blood pythons can be as tame as the next species.
Here's my oldest son with a decent sized blood
http://images.reptilescanada.com/images/2014/12/10/040GK13.jpg

[Minkness]

Woah.....that snake is as big as the kid! Lol

Kid seems to be enjoying it though. Looks like me when I was little and allowed to handle reptiles hehe. Future herper ahoy!

[Tsubaki]

I've had 3 breitensteini's, very nippy as babies but they grew out out of it. Female remained a bit on the unpredictable side, she had her her good and her bad days.

[waf]

Hey! very nice blood.. congratulations!
I read somewhere that temperature of the nest will define 2 important things: 1) sex, if nest is around 30°C most of the babies will be female, but if nest is around 32°C must will be male (we all know that) but the interesting thing is, 2) females out of a 32°C nest, will be more agressive than the ones out of the 30°C nest...

[thawes]

The jury is still out on temperature sexing. I incubated 4 clutches at 86.5-87.5 (around 30), and I was male heavy in every clutch except one.

[waf]

Say hello to Isis......

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Ok guys.... tell me what you think...

[marvelfreak]

Mine is a Brongermai... Hey... Do these pythons huff like boas?? My only experience with pythons is with my retic, and she never huffs or puffs... but... my boas do it all the time.
With Bloods they don't puff their throat out and open mouths like boas do. It more like a big huff of air coming out their nostrils. Sometime you'll see them exhale other times you won't see it you'll just hear it.

I think: Cats swipe, dogs bite, snakes strike... In this snake world we are in... a strike is imminent...

My only concern is if a brongersmai will be handable like a retic, with some handling, good meals and good enclosure conditions? or I have te expect a strike from time to time... My question is because sometimes, my friend's kids like to handle my snakes...
One thing i learned is regular handling is a must with them as babies to get them use to it. you just have to learn to read your snake. Some i can just open the cage and tell their mood. Others it not till i pick them up i can tell their mood.

The jury is still out on temperature sexing. I incubated 4 clutches at 86.5-87.5 (around 30), and I was male heavy in every clutch except one.
Same here i had two clutches (same temps) 27 babies and both were very male heavy.

[marvelfreak]

Say hello to Isis......

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Ok guys.... tell me what you think...
She looks like a nice healthy girl.

[thawes]

Very nice looking blood!

[millertime89]

I do something similar... there is a rule I keep: if I will take any of my snakes out of the enclosure, I always touch their head with the hook, to let them know that is time to get out...

It's pretty much the same thing I do.

Good looking little blood. Congrats on the new one!

[waf]

Hey.... at the pet shop told me that Isis is a girl.... looking to the pics, what do you think is it a girl or a guy? I've got in dubt...

[thawes]

You can't tell the sex of a blood by looking at the tail unfortunately.