i made up my mind.

[Iceman]

for around 7 months i thought of getting a blood python..and after reading care sheets over,and over,and over,and over again,i decided im getting one..
but i will not buy it from my local reptile shop,because seeing the bloods there how they were,turned me away from bloods completely,and the person at the place said its 99% chance you get a mean blood, 1% chance you dont..then i started reading the care sheets,and everyone here's comments about them,that changed it around..every blood in the cage at this place strikes at the glass when someone is near it..(well most of them)
at henry piorun's website it shows quite a few bloods,and in the description's it says there calm and easy to handle..from the information i got, i will believe that..

now what im wondering is any advice you guys have for me?
like male or female(or pair,lol)certain kind?
certain age?
and what do most people use as substrate..cause i use newspaper for my snakes now,but i prefer a more natural look,like actual substrate.
i would like any tips from people who have bloods..
let me know

[axwielding1]

Well, I would say that a pet store is not a good environment for a blood. Think of all the kids tapping the glass from day to day, people walking by and gaulking. Especially for a young blood. They're very shy, and timid, and don't like to be stared at, especially when their young. I think that if you were to buy one and acclimate it properly, it'll straighten right out for you. They need quiet time to acclimate, and really don't want to see people walking by and bothering them. In a home environment, they'll settle in and become nice, and after they begin eating regularly, you can begin handling them so they can feel comfortable with you. Once they attain some size, they get confident and become really easy to handle.
As far as acclimating, it would probably go better if you ordered a really nice young one from a breeder. That way you wouldn't have to undo any bad pet store habits or stress caused by insufficient care. They're really nice animals, but need to be acclimated properly when young to make the transition easy. Once you get the acclimation under your belt, they're very easy.
ax.

[Iceman]

thanks,i know what you mean,when i go to amazon,i see people knocking on the glass,the bloods start striking at it,and the laugh and knock on the glass again,i will most likely order one from henry piorun,he says his are all calm,and great feeders,and plus his prices are better then pet shops..but tell me,is it better to use newspaper,or that bark stuff,that i use to use for my ball and burm,they liked it,but i see the dangers of getting a piece of bark stuck in there mouth when there trying to eat,i know,i had to pull a big piece of bark out of my ball python's mouth,i know for sure i need a big water bowl,a hide spot or 2,and so on...but i think i should use newspaper?

[NewLineReptile]

Borneo all the way

Brandon

[beaglegod]

Ice I would go with a male Borneo or a Male Sumatran Short Tail as a first. Simply cause they stay a very managable size, as you already know I just recieved my first from Kara and Ive gotta say, I love this species already. In fact I think its safe for me to say I could see my self having a collection of only Short Tail Pythons since I cant have nearly as many snakes as Invictus (yes Im jealous, so what). Kara (from NERD) realy knows about the STPs since they are a specialty of hers, I would highly recommend you give her a call or send her an e-mail and have her send you her "Bloodrant" paper. It realy gives insight into how to care for short tails through their different stages of developement,and helps you get a feel for what makes em tick. After your all read up and set up,just tell her to pick one out for you thats well started. I promise you, you will not be dissapointed.