I can't resist and need some info just in case

[akane]

This huge (16lb) blood python has been listed on the local group forever now. It might just feel like forever because a blood python is what made me want snakes but a semi-tame, already huge python.... I have raised a rosy boa and a dekay's brown snake (like a small garter snake) so far with a bullsnake shipping (collecting in Iowa is illegal) tomorrow. I've done all natural enclosures so far with them steadily heading toward bioactive as I work on cultures and will be able to order more in spring but what the heck could I set up 16lbs of snake in? I'd have to build an enclosure even if I keep it simple like a bin cage that can be sterilized, wouldn't I? How big? I should go google that. I should also google heat, humidity, do they need to soak, and one hell of a better snake stick than what I'm planning right now. :rolleyes:

Just point me in the direction of the logistics of keeping something that big.... This is one I waver on if any amount of research will prepare me to try keeping it at this moment so I am not going in without pre- instead of post- research and some serious thought. Also my husband might divorce me over something that can eat the cat. :hmm:

Note- no amount of saying "do not get that" has an impact on me. Give me the facts of keeping it and I will decide to go ahead or not. Just saying don't usually ends up with me pissing people off despite not meaning to. I simply like to make my own informed decisions and there's good odds in the end I would agree but I will argue it to the death and keep asking questions right up until I make that decision.

[Andy_G]

Build or buy an enclosure. I wouldn't go less than 4'x2'x1' for a blood. They aren't active but still need the space because of their bulk. I would use a RHP and offer a large tip proof dish. For substrate, use something that will hold moisture well with a high mold resistance. They are a high humidity species but they like a cooler warm end than most boids. I'm sure you'll come across more info during your researching but there's a little bit to start.

[Minkness]

Andy summed it up pretty well. Bioactive may not be the way to go with it for now anyway. Also, if you can't afford a 4x2x1 enclosure right now, look at getting a Christmas tree tub. They are available right now in most places like Target and Big Lots, but you can order online too. Some are as low as 30$ others are as expensive as 70$ (which is still pretty cheap for an enclosure!).

There is no point of trying to talk you out of it. Besides, we are waaaay the weong forum for that. Haven't you learned yet that we are a bunch of enablers? Lol

Hopefully the comment about the divorce was just a joke, if not though....that would suck! After all, the snake can't eat the cat if it's locked away in it's enclosure! =D

Good luck either way. Looking forward to pics when you get it! If...I mean if.... lol

[Aaron_S]

Here's a really good question to ask yourself before jumping into bed with a blood python.

Are you a casual snake/reptile keeper or is this a deep passion and you'd seriously consider yourself a "snake person"? If the answer is the former then you may want to steer clear of this species.

Overall, the keeping of them isn't too difficult. They are just big. They have some attitude and the worst thing about them is they give NO indication that their mood has changed from being of tolerant of you/handling to "I'm done and put me back". They are ambush predators to the umpteenth degree so they give no warnings before a strike usually.

In my time owning them they are ferocious eaters, can be super rewarding and handleable to complete buttheads. You'll need to be okay living with a snake on it's terms and not yours (like ball pythons, corns, etc.)

All the advice on husbandry is good. I'd just add in a proper snake hook for hook training and a pair of hemostats for feeding.

[akane]

Ahh... tongs/hemostats were an item I was missing. A pair might be good as my bull grows. My husband dislikes the snakes and won't touch them but I agreed to give up guinea pigs which he hates even more, eat a ton, poop 4x4x4' box of dirty bedding every 4months, and take an hour to dump and fill their water so he mostly takes the trade as snakes appear and guinea pigs disappear. Although when I asked if I could hold the rosy boa while using my laptop in bed I got a firm no. Seems no snakes in the bed lol I would dive head first into snake keeping and give up various other exotic pet keeping or tanks I would have used for fish but I have always lived with people who hate snakes. They fascinated me since I was a kid and I don't get the reason anyone should complain. They mostly stay in their enclosures, don't take a whole lot of cleanup by comparison to other things, and while I do check daily that the heat didn't go out and the water hasn't all evaporated for the most part they could be left for awhile if I get sick or something or might just need misted/water top off. If it's a food day I can drag myself out there. The rest of the animals fall apart and then I have a big game of catchup or even a dead mammal or bird because my husband forgot something or didn't notice something that was off. I'm not sure he has a concept of what a bulky 6-8' snake is like though so a 2016 bullsnake is different from convincing him to get a 16lb blood python.

[PatrickV]

i would not worry much about the logistics of keeping something the size of a blood. they are not enormous or super long, just really fat. i like to use a hook to tap my larger boa's before handling them, so that might be useful, along with the other things people have already mentioned.

[akane]

So a 48-50" around 2' or a bit less bin or 6-12sq ft is the sizes I'm seeing for full adults. I think he's a little overweight on xxl rats but I prefer to confirm these things that are not major health issues, just future consideration, after something is mine and I can post all the pics I want. What do you use for a water bowl? A cost effective water bowl. How high can the sides be? How heavy taking into account the sides? Not all that hot really but what dimensions heat pad would that take? Most seem to say just lay down shipping, kraft, or news paper. If there's a wire lid would you add something that holds more humidity? That allows more hiding? A wire lid is not what I would probably do but future thought. Humidity is high most of the year here anyway so with a water bowl a winter shed would probably be the only time it might come up and misting would fix that, right?

[Aaron_S]

You can use a rubbermaid or cat litter box as a water dish. Depending on the type of enclosure you have will depend on the lid. If it's a tub then use the tub lid.

I'd use something absorbent for substrate. These guys hold in their poops for weeks and explode all at once sometimes. It'll be a lot!

[akane]

Would this work for a bin that size? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M5LE8VM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3GTKTPQZPAUYB

I think I have the smallest one of the same brand under my rosy boa. Amazon does not have a snake hook that would have any impact. I haven't secured links to good online reptile stores and there's 2 local stores I want to check out but their hours are inconvenient so it would have to be early enough on a Saturday. That just hasn't lined up.

[EL Ziggy]

I prefer ultratherm UTHs that I get from Reptile Basics. They also sell nice hooks and tongs.

Ultratherm Heat Pads (http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads)

[Andy_G]

I'd avoid paper as substrate. It does not hold humidity well and like Aaron said, when these guys go it's a LOT so paper wouldn't be ideal.

[toddnbecka]

If you do want to keep a blood python (or anything else that needs higher humidity) I'd recommend adding cypress mulch to your order along with the heat mat/s. I use it for a number of boas as well as my carpet pythons, even the Jap rat snakes that don't need higher humidity. It's easy to spot clean whether it's damp or dry and simply looks much better than newspaper, lol.

[akane]

It's 60% or more humidity most of the year before you add a water dish. It's 76% right now just in the overall air and there is a dehumidifier running in the basement with it turning winter. Most of my tanks are desert setup so I have no reason to try to add water but I misted my dekayi's temperate tank like suggested for bio-active and I spent a week trying to dry it back out. I am finally just redoing the thing with a higher sand content and better separated drainage layer since just the little water dish turns the soil soggy otherwise. Using some lamp heat is probably what helps my rosy boa stay dry enough. I also let the water dish run dry for a day or 2 before filling it again.

[Albert Clark]

My biggest concern would be the health of the animal. 16 lbs and how old is this blood python? That weight seems to be a unhealthy one. Bloods are a short stocky species but I don't know if they need to be obese? Can the seller relay all the pertinent info to your satisfaction also?

[Andy_G]

16 pounds is not abnormal for a blood, but Albert may be right as this species can become obese very easily. 16 is slightly bigger than average by a pound or 2. Any pics to post?

[akane]

I dislike running off with people's pics but yes, I believe he is overweight. He is being fed an xxl rat every 2 weeks and I've heard that can be fatty versus more frequent smaller rats. We found a diagram to help tell by spine visibility and my husband and I were arguing over where his spine should be and what is muscle edge showing. I figured it was a problem that could be addressed if necessary afterward without too much effort.

[Minkness]

Omg....that is grossly over feeding....especially for a snake prone to obesity.

You may be taking on an unhealthy animal. Buuuut, if it is a good price, you can house it, and are willing to deal with 'possible' future issues, that alone shouldn't disused you from going for it.

[akane]

Yeah, my husband's snake friend is questioning the price versus size and health. We might drive the same distance the other direction and get a 2016 cb red for $100 or they had blacks for $160 but that pushes our price range. Then it will fit in existing setups for now, we get to watch it grow, we get to control it's handling and food.... All good info though for as it grows and I can just scale things down for now.

[Andy_G]

That is a LOT of food. I'd be staying away from that adult myself. Bloods average around 10-15 pounds, with males being on the smaller side, and some individuals of either gender being much heavier because of length. I can see a 16 pound blood being within "normal" limits...but with that feeding regimen it DOES NOT sound like the case here and at this point I would concur with Albert and Mink on their points. I'd get a baby instead like you're thinking of doing.

[Minkness]

Babies are the best anyway XD

I can't wait to start breeding lol. I will probably keep all tue babies for a while jist to have babies around all the time. To me, they are better than puppies! Haha.

[Aaron_S]

Babies are the best anyway XD

I can't wait to start breeding lol. I will probably keep all tue babies for a while jist to have babies around all the time. To me, they are better than puppies! Haha.

You're welcome to clean my baby bins anytime!

[Minkness]

LOL ok, I get 25% commission from sales though ;)

[Andy_G]

LOL ok, I get 25% commission from sales though ;)

That's a hefty price for pewp skoopin! Haha.

[Minkness]

Oh. And you have to pay for travel expenses AND provide room and board ;)

[Aaron_S]

LOL ok, I get 25% commission from sales though ;) No you don't. You get to work with some really cool animals and learn from one of the best. "Experience" is enough.

Oh. And you have to pay for travel expenses AND provide room and board ;)

Sure. It's why I keep trailblazer around for.

[Minkness]

Lol is that so? And what does hebsay about you dedicating his $$$ to my cleaning your baby pewps? =D

[trailblazer295]

How did I get involved in this?

You need me Aaron. You'd be begging me to stay. You should have a live in snake nanny. I'm in the boonies.

[Aaron_S]

Lol is that so? And what does hebsay about you dedicating his $$$ to my cleaning your baby pewps? =D

I dunno. I just volunteered him for it.

How did I get involved in this?

You need me Aaron. You'd be begging me to stay. You should have a live in snake nanny. I'm in the boonies.

You aren't in the boonies. I KNOW where you live. Also don't ignore my e-mails.

[akane]

That blood python is still there and despite picking up my sumatran it tempts me. I debate asking if he'd go down in price at this point but I really shouldn't.... I need to borrow $100. I can make $10 and sometimes $20 monthly payments. It would help with treatment of my addiction since there is no cure.

[GyGbeetle]

That blood python is still there and despite picking up my sumatran it tempts me. I debate asking if he'd go down in price at this point but I really shouldn't.... I need to borrow $100. I can make $10 and sometimes $20 monthly payments. It would help with treatment of my addiction since there is no cure.

I'm not a good commenter, because my advice is, go for it. If a snake speaks to you for that long, it's for a reason. I recently bought a woma after spending 3 months watching her in the store I typically purchase my feed at. I've held her a few times, but just never brought her home with me. But she was always on my mind, and now she's home. There was a reason, and she's awesome.

This guy may be overweight, but if it's still relatively young, I am thinking the risk of syndromes like fatty liver syndrome are less likely, if you can get the weight under control after purchase. Just something to consider with the larger, overweight babies.

Good luck, whatever you decide! Oh, and I used to be terrified of snakes. My husband said he wanted a snake early on in our marriage, and I said hell no every single time. Now we have 11 and I absolutely love them all like they are my children. so maybe your husband has hope?

[akane]

I would but I spent the money on the sumatran (plus another $600 somehow) and I'd have to buy a bin to hold him and all supplies beyond the cost of the snake because I'm not far enough in the hobby to have excess laying around yet.

[SnakeyJay]

Since it's a new species for you I'd stick to the baby for now and hone your skills..

Far easier to learn and adapt your methods with a small one than a 16lb angry adult blood I'd say.. �� Good luck, any pics of this baby one?

[akane]

There's a thread of when I drove to pic up Eoghan. This was the last pic I took and he's of course considerably more massive. I forgot to weigh today so I should do it tomorrow and get a pic.

http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/u548/takakageri/snake/Eoghan/DSCN4120_zpshdflhmdg.jpg (http://s1321.photobucket.com/user/takakageri/media/snake/Eoghan/DSCN4120_zpshdflhmdg.jpg.html)

Just for consideration not much intimidates me. I grew up telling horses what to do, I have rescued akitas including one that turned on my husband and I had to put him on the floor, I love my bull snake who is all bluff and I just scoop him up, and I calmly stood there with my hand over the tank in case she fell when a rosy boa decided I might make food while my husband was asking people how you get a boa off your hand. Having to disinfect and potentially get teeth removed from a python wound would probably hurt a lot but I have probably done worse. It's more that I don't know the logistics of care and handling of a big snake than being worried about dealing with it's temperament.

[Tsubaki]

Dont have time for a long message. Just wanted to say, a bite by a large python is significantly more dangerous than just having some teeth in a wound. There is potential for serious lacerations, Not just painfull, with some bad luck it could actually be very harmful.

[MartinD]

I read somewhere of a guy who got bit by a large "puppy dog tame" python, it bit him right on the neck and punctured his jugular, claret everywhere, but lucky enough he had 2 friends with him and one was a trained Paramedic who thankfully help save his life.

[SnakeyJay]

There's a thread of when I drove to pic up Eoghan. This was the last pic I took and he's of course considerably more massive. I forgot to weigh today so I should do it tomorrow and get a pic

Just for consideration not much intimidates me. I grew up telling horses what to do, I have rescued akitas including one that turned on my husband and I had to put him on the floor, I love my bull snake who is all bluff and I just scoop him up, and I calmly stood there with my hand over the tank in case she fell when a rosy boa decided I might make food while my husband was asking people how you get a boa off your hand. Having to disinfect and potentially get teeth removed from a python wound would probably hurt a lot but I have probably done worse. It's more that I don't know the logistics of care and handling of a big snake than being worried about dealing with it's temperament.

That's a sweet looking snake mate! 😀

Is not so much about what intimidates you, its about being sensible...

As has been said, a decent bite from almost any large snake species can end up in stitches and having tendons put back together... followed by months of rehab and physio therapy at times...

None of this is meant to put you off getting it, just to get it across that it's a completely different ball game to a bull snake. My retic is still young and tiny but I treat him now as I would a full grown giant, with respect and following set procedures.

Taking a bite like that isn't "being brave" or a medal of honour, it just means that a mistake was made.

[akane]

Yes, odd events can result. I have plenty of experience with that too and some time in physical therapy. I'm not scared of Eoghan but it's kind of like the difference between when we are using wooden or dull edge blades for practice in Japanese sword versus when someone draws a live blade. You still stand on the mats and do class but attention doubles and you don't lose track of where that particular sword is and where it's going. Normal precautions are more strictly followed when moving around the whole room (not just on the training mats) during live cutting class. That's kind of how it feels between handling the bull snake and the sumatran. Getting whacked by a dull blade could still put you in the er and out of class for awhile but you'll probably be fine. You could lose a thumb just putting a live blade away but you won't if you paid attention and did it correctly.

[TeamSlitherin]

Gah! I just had to talk myself down from an adorable baby just like that this week!! How has being a first-time blood parent turned out for you so far? Asking for a friend ;)

[akane]

Weird *** snakes lol Compared to most they can be unique in behavior and are very smart. The babies are extremely sensitive though. I'd rather have started with at least a juvenile. Get one from a breeder who really breeds for calm snakes or be prepared to bin them out of commotion in a dark sided bin and slooooow adjustment. Otherwise mine would turn extremely aggressive. To move his bin to a quiet room upstairs we had to do it without the edges of the lid sticking out and he was striking out the bin at us at only about a foot long. He calmed right down in the quiet though and I do have him back downstairs just the past few weeks. He's in a tank but it's lined with cardboard for now and he's still not in the room the dogs have access and we spend most of our time. He does less random strikes in response to stress though. I haven't seen it until he started to shed. He's in a horrible mood the whole time he sheds. Whenever stressed he also goes back to refusing f/t for live.

I'm not saying he's aggressive though. He's bluffed every strike even if he hits like a battering ram and my hand has been in his mouth when he got pissy I was scraping stone tiles rearranging his cage but not a mark left behind. He finally stopped being weird and insisting he's a 70-75f snake and actually uses the hot side now and moves back and forth the 4' length with 1' long hide on each end and a damp hide in the center so it's not that open. He'll sit on me for an hour or 2 watching things. I got some good advice to stop hiding him away even if it's slightly stressful and just put him somewhere still on or near me as often as possible even if his enclosure is in a more isolated place. They apparently adjust a lot better with that time of being forced out of their safety but left to look around without being messed with too much and then put back into the quiet.

All my other species I just stuck in a display tank with plenty of shelter within a couple weeks and often right away. They might hide most of a week and then are fine. Not baby blood pythons. Dark, small, quiet bins is actually a necessity to start with for the first time.