PDA

View Full Version : Malaysian Blood for a first pet snake?


jheane14
04-25-12, 12:31 AM
Hi guys, i recently got a 2.5ft male blood. It was not tamed but i've already to fed him twice. any advice on how to tame him since he's already big. thanks. :)

CDN_Blood
04-25-12, 04:20 AM
Thinking that a body can 'tame' a Blood is a fun idea. Good luck with that, but while you're waiting for it to happen, you might want to get used to the idea that the snake is calling the shots and always will.

There are good Bloods, bad Bloods and some that slide up and down that scale within the same day. All you can do is work with them. These are not Royal pythons, they're not going to bend to your will, but you'll probably find yourself having to bend to it's will quite often, lol.

If you consider 2.5 feet big, I think you're in for quite a shock because that's yearling size :)

dshin963
04-25-12, 07:09 AM
It is unfortunate that you didnt get him as a hatchling... its going to be much harder to try to get him to get use to handling... I would never recommend a blood as a beginner snake... but whats done is done just before worrying about his temperament make sure you have his husbandry correct then try handling every other day for about 15 mins after a few consistent feeds (4-6)

Will0W783
04-25-12, 08:31 AM
As others have mentioned, a lot of bloods will never become tame. I had a yearling pair about two years ago- both had good days and bad days. And a blood python strike is one of the most painful for a snake its size. They have considerable mass (short, fat snakes) and they throw their entire force into a strike. That being said, some can be very docile, curious snakes. I recently adopted a horribly skinny, neglected blood python who is extremely laid-back. Bloods are picky about humidity, temperature and environment, so they do not make good beginner snakes. However, since you've already gotten one, we will do all we can to ensure your snake stays healthy and happy.

You should make Todd (CDN_Blood) your close friend- he is the resident blood python expert here and should have the best advice for you.

CDN_Blood
04-25-12, 08:47 AM
...
You should make Todd (CDN_Blood) your close friend- he is the resident blood python expert here and should have the best advice for you.

Pfffft...what?! lol

I've already put my 2 cents in ;)

SnakeyJay
04-25-12, 09:11 AM
Welcome.... :D and don't forget to post pics of the bites to come... No photo = didn't happen :D Goodluck

Terranaut
04-25-12, 11:25 AM
I have a few larger snakes already and decided not to get a Blood. You might want to do a ton of research and watch Todds handling videos before you try to "tame" him. I thought it was a bit much for me as I have kids in the house that could run in the room of make a loud noise while I was handling. Good luck and yes post the bite pics ;)
Thinking this is a good first snake is like putting a first time driver in a loaded semi. Not good :(

SerpentLust
04-25-12, 02:07 PM
Ugh, I can't believe I have to compete with TODD for resident blood expert! lol Not fair since he always says what I'm going to say, but says it sooner!

So..."what Todd said" :p

But for real, keeping bloods has been one of my most challenging and fulfilling experience to date. I have had them anywhere from being ridiculously docile to full on "maniacs" (and I use "maniacs" in quotes because most people would think that they are just absolutely crazy, but you really need to understand these snakes)

Would I recommend a blood as a first snake? Absolutely not. And it has nothing to do with the snake, I think they're on my top 3 list of incredible animals, although I think a Borneo is a better choice before getting into Bloods. But it's the husbandry and handling errors that newer keepers make that can either cost a blood his life OR cost a keeper a little bit of blood.

If you would like to read up on a fun blood rescue story of mine, check out facebook.com/CRAnimalParties and look at Bronco's album and story. Todd was around for that poor boy, and all he really needed was a more knowledgeable home and none of his ailments and eventual death would have happened.

Ok, I'm done with my sob stories ;) Bloods are amazing snakes, in the right hands. So now that you have one, don't be shy, chat us all up in the curtus forums, and make sure you're giving him the best possible home you can :)

shaunyboy
04-25-12, 02:35 PM
your bloods young enough not to do too much damage if he bites you right now

imo,you will learn to read the snake as he grows,so you will have an idea of when he's grumpy

an adult blood has one of the,fastest,hardest strikes i've ever seen

cheers shaun

CDN_Blood
04-25-12, 02:35 PM
Hah! You guys make me laugh :D

The only thing I'm expert at is skinning fools who are stupid enough to show the whole World their level of their idiocy.

When it comes to snakes, sure, mine are happy and healthy but that's because I understand their needs and treat them with respect. I've *always* done my homework and soul searching *before* deciding on whether or not to take-in a new animal, and by the time I got into Bloods I already had 15 years experience under my belt with some really outstanding reptiles, so I was ready to move to Bloods.

It was a conscious decision I made at the beginning of my herp life that I would gain the necessary experience first and then decide if I was ready to aim for Bloods. It's no accident that I have them; it was a very carefully planned set of moves that brought me into their world.

I'm happy to say that over 10 years later I still have my first Blood, and each one I've acquired since, but that doesn't make me an 'expert'. It just makes me someone who understands them and is willing to work with them.

In 25 years, I've never recommended a Blood python to a single person and I'd certainly not ever recommend one as a first snake, but I do like being pleasantly surprised, so I'll be watching :D

marvelfreak
04-25-12, 02:47 PM
Hello and welcome! The most important thing to learn is how to read he mood. You will also want to move slowly when handling. Watch for how it is breathing. When you open the cage if it's breathing heavy just stand still and let it calm down. When picking it up always slide your hand under it and left slowly. Never get to close to their head as they will freak them out. Remember Bloods are very insecure and nervous so when spooked the become defensive. So you need to make them feel secure.

Also if you do get bit do not put him right down or back in the cages. If you do it will reinforce that behavior. Then he will bite just to get put down. Has for handling starting out i would keep the secession to 5 to 10 minutes tops starting out till he starts feeling more secure. Something i started doing to that seems to help when handling mine is i only turn one light in the room on. My snake room as three light if i turn only one on it's darker in there and it seem to help them feel more secure.

Trent
04-25-12, 05:30 PM
Hi and welcome!!

Caylan
04-25-12, 10:30 PM
While Todd and Jenn fight over being the resident blood expert, I'll just say I know my fair share as well, I'm just quieter and less eccentric then they are :D Not to mention I don't have problems with my bloods like they do hehehe... Feel free to PM me if you'd like my side of the story as well, good luck!(a blood was going to be my first snake before I saw Maru... then things changed)

SerpentLust
04-25-12, 11:04 PM
by the time I got into Bloods I already had 15 years experience under my belt with some really outstanding reptiles, so I was ready to move to Bloods.

LMAO See what I mean? He steals my life! I've always loved snakes, and when I first became interested in keeping snakes as pets, I started going to the library (before the days of mainstream internet folks!), and researching breeds. I fell in love with Bloods immediately but knew I would have to work up to that. My first snake ended up being a Spotted Python, who I still have to this day.

After 10 years of experience under MY belt (as women are capable of absorbing more knowledge at a quicker pace than men -jabs Todd-) I purchased my first borneo, soon after the black bloods came into play and finally a red blood and a blonde blood.

And don't let Caylan fool you, he is equally as eccentric! It's the quiet ones you have to watch out for...

CDN_Blood
04-26-12, 04:48 AM
<pats SerpentLust reassuringly on the head> There-there, dear...there-there. You just keep telling yourself whatever you need to get through your day :D

The reason we're doing so well with our Bloods is because we understand them. It's only those who don't understand what Blood pythons are all about and don't respect them for what they are who have problems with them - usually BIG problems.

As for Caylan, I dunno that I'd say he's eccentric, but he is somewhat of a Golden Boy. Everything he takes on just seems to thrive and he seems to have an built-in understanding and respect for snakes, so it's no surprise that his are doing so well also.

Considering the factors of the original post in this thread, I can't help but feel that this experience is going to end badly and in short order, but let's hope I'm wrong. I'm bound to be wrong at some point, so it might as well happen now and get it over with so I can go back to be my happy and sparkling self. Did I say happy and sparkling? I meant disheartened and crotchety :D

homocapra
04-26-12, 11:37 AM
You blood folks are great! What an asset for us blood/STP newbees. I'm the person who takes on the snakes that people don't want for whatever reason. My most recent adoptee is what I believe to be a Malaysian that's probably the same age/size as jheane14's.

These snakes are fascinating! I had read a ton about them before I adopted this guy/girl, but that didn't really prepare me for the uniqueness of this snake. I've only had it for 3 weeks, but I agree, you need to pay attention to what the snake is telling you, which is harder if you don't have any experience with any other species. I can't imagine this being my first snake. You should've gotten a corn snake ;)

Snakefood
04-26-12, 11:46 AM
While Todd and Jenn fight over being the resident blood expert, I'll just say I know my fair share as well, I'm just quieter and less eccentric then they are :D Not to mention I don't have problems with my bloods like they do hehehe... Feel free to PM me if you'd like my side of the story as well, good luck!(a blood was going to be my first snake before I saw Maru... then things changed)

Is this what my rabbits will be feeding??

Caylan
04-26-12, 03:21 PM
Ding ding! Lucy likes herself a big rabbit :D

marvelfreak
04-26-12, 06:39 PM
Got my first Blood 18 years ago. Unlike the rest of you i didn't have such luck with my first three Bloods. My first Blood was a Malaysian. She was my third snake. Also had a Ball and Boa before that. Had it about two months when it got pneumonia. I had to give it one shot every day. One day i didn't feel like waiting for my wife to get home and help. So i gave it a shot by myself and she jerk and i puncture her lung i believe. The vet was close and there was nothing i could do to help her. I just held her in my hands and cry while she took her last few breath. Even if the vet had been open she would have been dead before i drove half way there.

My second Blood was three years later. Had it a few months when it was stolen along with my first BRB, JCP, and Yellow Anaconda. I had went out of town for the weekend to come home and fine them gone. Always believed it was the guy i bought the Yellow from.

Year later i got my third one. It die when i was at work and my air went out and the temp in my trailer hit well over a 100 degrees. Poor guy was cooked. After that I wait 8 years before even think of giving a Blood another try.

Snakefood
04-26-12, 06:40 PM
Ding ding! Lucy likes herself a big rabbit :D


awesome, 4 lb it is!!:D

jheane14
04-26-12, 09:06 PM
Hi guys,

thanks for the comments.. i think i'm not aftraid of the bite but i'm afraid because i don't know when and where will i get bit if ever.. hehe.. i love to try balls for a 1st pet but i'm stun when i see a blood. so i decided to try it. here's the recent photo of him.. =) I think his a bit skinny. his on pre shed right now. Another question guys if his done with shedding it's advisable to give him a food or will just wait for a days after he shed?


http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p608/jheane1414/DSC06705.jpg

Caylan
04-26-12, 10:36 PM
Nice looking, and you can feed it the day it sheds, that's fine.

Caylan
04-26-12, 10:43 PM
You must be doing wrong :D

Trent
04-27-12, 12:41 AM
Very nice indeed!

CDN_Blood
04-27-12, 04:34 AM
Got my first Blood 18 years ago. Unlike the rest of you i didn't have such luck with my first three Bloods. My first Blood was a Malaysian. She was my third snake. Also had a Ball and Boa before that. Had it about two months when it got pneumonia. I had to give it one shot every day. One day i didn't feel like waiting for my wife to get home and help. So i gave it a shot by myself and she jerk and i puncture her lung i believe. The vet was close and there was nothing i could do to help her. I just held her in my hands and cry while she took her last few breath. Even if the vet had been open she would have been dead before i drove half way there.

My second Blood was three years later. Had it a few months when it was stolen along with my first BRB, JCP, and Yellow Anaconda. I had went out of town for the weekend to come home and fine them gone. Always believed it was the guy i bought the Yellow from.

Year later i got my third one. It die when i was at work and my air went out and the temp in my trailer hit well over a 100 degrees. Poor guy was cooked. After that I wait 8 years before even think of giving a Blood another try.

Good heavens, Chuck! Now you know that shots should always be administered in the posterior section of the snake, but that's a hell of a way to find out :(

We're gonna make sure you're armed with everything you need to know this time around. There are some pretty good Blood keepers frequenting this place, so you're bound to pick up a few tricks :)

jheane14
04-27-12, 05:15 AM
tnx guys,
i'll post a pic after he finished shedding. btw i'm also a inverts collector for the past 4 yrs i tried to apply the knowledge i gain from inverts to snake but damn.. it was way way to different.. i've been watching video clips for caresheets, etc about snakes for a month. but gaining one and taking care of it is also way to different and yet very exciting too. hope my first attempt on this will end well.. =))

CDN_Blood
04-27-12, 05:30 AM
We hope it goes well, too. Given your location, I'd imagine this snake is wild-caught and that would explain it's attitude. If it is wild-caught, don't count on it's attitude changing - it will likely remain quite defensive. If it's not a wild animal, there's a chance you can get it calmer, but Bloods are always moody snakes and can swing from being a real treat to be around to an absolute freak show, lashing out wildly and savagely all in the same day.

The first Bloods I ever saw in person where the very first 2 imported to Canada by Tom Hough (at the time, Canada's foremost authority on reptiles and amphibians) back in the 90s. They were HUGE wild-caught specimens which he got permission to bring to Canada in order to study their reproductive behaviour. These things were enormous, they were deep blood-red and they were totally unapproachable. These snakes never calmed down at all, but seemed to get more and more aggressive as time went on. I think they were just spiteful. Anyhow, Tom was the first guy to get them to breed in captivity in Canada, and discovered he had to simulate the rainy season for a number of weeks to get them going. My-my, things sure have changed since then, lol. Tom was kind enough to let me have a behind the scenes look at his facility and I'll tell you, I've never forgotten those Bloods - biggest, reddest and meanest Bloods I've ever seen. They scared the hell out of me :)

jheane14
04-27-12, 05:41 AM
@CDN Blood
are you cdn bloods also on youtube? i'm watching the video of dealing a blood on a bad mood.. hehehe...

CDN_Blood
04-27-12, 05:46 AM
@CDN Blood
are you cdn bloods also on youtube? i'm watching the video of dealing a blood on a bad mood.. hehehe...
Yup, that's me. That video was recorded to show a friend who was getting her first Blood what to expect when they're in one of their moods. That particular snake can be a really good boy sometimes, and sometimes he's like what you see there. I've also seen him chase me out of the room and go crazy in attack mode where he throws himself into the air over and over and over and over at nothing because something startled him. This goes on until he exhausts himself, but the vast majority of the time he just sits there and watches me really closely, lol.

He's the example I refer to when I say they can swing from one end of the mood spectrum to the other in the same day. My others are pretty stable in their behaviour, but he's a little more on the wild side.

jheane14
04-27-12, 06:11 AM
damn i'm thinking if that would happen to what will i do then.. xD ur video was coll.. may be i'll sit more here to watch the other vids.. =))

homocapra
04-27-12, 07:55 AM
I don't know about you guys but for me, biting is not a deal breaker. Even if an animal is absolutely wild and hates to interact with me, there are ways to safely do what needs to be done to care for the beast. If this is the snake's natural behavior then so be it. But I think this has a lot to do with why you live with animals in the first place. Some people just want a cool snake to show off but some of us are sincerely interested in the animal and want to learn about what it does and why. I volunteer in the education department of my local Zoo and of course most wild animals are not safe to be around but just because you can't hug a lion or a chimp doesn't make taking care of them and observing them any less rewarding.

SerpentLust
04-27-12, 10:06 AM
I think my worst blood encounters with with good old Bronco. He was previously super tame, then a kid adopted him and brought him into a party house as a free roaming snake. There he got a really bad mite outbreak, a severe respiratory infection and a pretty large laceration that had to be stitched. I adopted him, free to good home snake, the kid realized that he had bitten off more than he could chew. Probably the only smart decision he ever made about that animal.

The day he came home he was actually pretty mellow but had that insecure I will snap at any second look. Once I took him to the vet he turned into an extremely defensive animal, I ended up taking a little 'kiss' to my hand so the vet could work on getting him sedated in peace without a lashing bucking tank of a terrified blood. Once he bit my leg the second time he calmed down.

But there were days where I needed to provide him with care and had I have not had a helper there I'm not sure how it would have gone.

I never disliked him or ever wanted to get rid of him because of this. After what he had been through I was amazed I could even handle him on his food days. But I do admire their personality quite a bit.

shaunyboy
04-27-12, 02:12 PM
I don't know about you guys but for me, biting is not a deal breaker. Even if an animal is absolutely wild and hates to interact with me, there are ways to safely do what needs to be done to care for the beast. If this is the snake's natural behavior then so be it. But I think this has a lot to do with why you live with animals in the first place. Some people just want a cool snake to show off but some of us are sincerely interested in the animal and want to learn about what it does and why. I volunteer in the education department of my local Zoo and of course most wild animals are not safe to be around but just because you can't hug a lion or a chimp doesn't make taking care of them and observing them any less rewarding.

^^^^^
i couldn't agree more mate

i only handle my carpet pythons when its neccessary

i keep them to observe and hopefully breed good looking high quality snakes

cheers shaun

marvelfreak
04-27-12, 04:02 PM
Good heavens, Chuck! Now you know that shots should always be administered in the posterior section of the snake, but that's a hell of a way to find out :(

We're gonna make sure you're armed with everything you need to know this time around. There are some pretty good Blood keepers frequenting this place, so you're bound to pick up a few tricks :)

I had been giving the shots just like the vet had showed me in the same area each day. But that day without someone to help hold her still while i gave it to her when she jerk she moved almost 5 inches and jammed the needle right in her own side. I always thought it puncher her lung because it got harder and harder for her to breath. It was when i felt air coming out of her side when she would exhale that i new she was going to die.

One thing that has really help is having the internet it make finding good information and help a lot easier. :)

marvelfreak
04-27-12, 04:03 PM
Good heavens, Chuck! Now you know that shots should always be administered in the posterior section of the snake, but that's a hell of a way to find out :(

We're gonna make sure you're armed with everything you need to know this time around. There are some pretty good Blood keepers frequenting this place, so you're bound to pick up a few tricks :)

I had been giving the shots just like the vet had showed me in the same area each day. But that day without someone to help hold her still while i gave it to her when she jerk she moved almost 5 inches and jammed the needle right in her own side. I always thought it puncher her lung because it got harder and harder for her to breath. It was when i felt air coming out of her side when she would exhale that i new she was going to die.

One thing that has really help is having the internet it make finding good information and help a lot easier. :)

jheane14 very nice looking Blood. About how big is it?

jheane14
05-01-12, 09:05 PM
hi guys, just a question again. i mention in my prev post that brad is on pre shed since i saw him with a cloudy skin and blue eyes. but this morning i saw him with completely no cloudy skin and blue eyes and i thought he was just finished shedding but when i check his tub i couldn't find any skin. Is this normal?

SnakeyJay
05-02-12, 01:28 AM
He will clear up for a few days before shedding... Normal.

Terranaut
05-02-12, 03:01 AM
Yup. Blue then clear then shed a few days later very normal.

jheane14
05-02-12, 03:13 AM
yey.. thnx guys.. i thought i do something wrong.. got a new info.. hehe...

shaunyboy
05-02-12, 03:24 AM
after going back to looking normal,it can take anything from 3 to 10 days to have their shed

so no worries mate

cheers shaun

Caylan
05-02-12, 03:35 AM
My one girl, Lucy, goes clear and sheds in 2 days. Ashe, my other girl, goes clear and sheds over a week later.... Lazy girl likes wearing her clothes too long :D Good luck, keep the humidity up!

jheane14
05-02-12, 07:39 PM
@snakey-jay, terranaut,shaunyboy,
tnx guys for the info. ;)

@caylan
i see so some times it also take a week before it totally shed. i'll just try to keep the humidity up and hope it will shed soon. can't wait to see his 1st shed on me... :D

jheane14
05-23-12, 01:12 AM
Hi guys,
try to vid brad and missie's feeding.. =))

Brad
blood python (Live Feeding) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhXvePombzY&feature=g-up)

Missie
blood python (Live Feeding) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhXvePombzY&feature=g-up)

Terranaut
05-23-12, 02:08 AM
Both videos are the same one. Good but the same.

jheane14
05-23-12, 02:21 AM
crap.. mess with the links... hehe

heres brad...
Blood Python (Live Feeding) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-jooJuQvjg)

toadfist
05-27-12, 03:52 AM
So I am rather new to Bloods myself, so don't go asking for any expert advice from me, but I figured posting some really good general husbandry stuff for bloods could be quite useful.

Pro Exotics Reptiles, the Nation's finest captive bred Snakes and Monitors, your source for Infrared Thermometer, Temp Gun. (http://www.proexotics.com/blood_article.html) Article from Reptiles magazine written by Robyn over at Pro Exotics.

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/python-curtus/92701-blood-python-quirks.html Ongoing thread on blood quirks.

Also, no offense, but the shedding question leads me to wonder if your if your enclosure is setup properly. Sometimes it can be quite tricky getting temps right.

What is your setup like now? How sure are you that you have the temps and hides setup right? Temps and hides are going to be your main causes for avoidable behavior problems, whether extra aggression or not feeding. Obviously, fixing hides and temps won't make an aggressive animal "tame", but bad temps or a crappy hide can make the nicest animal a anorexic monster.

jheane14
05-27-12, 06:10 PM
hi sir toadfist,
i think the temp here in philippines was fine with them. my setup is this.. a big tub (not yet been measured) though.. inside it is a smaller tub full of wood shavings (this is for the hide).. and a water dish.. is this fine? >.<

jheane14
06-20-12, 01:14 AM
just an update on missie.. my female blood.. :D

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/eman2107/DSC08021a.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o69/eman2107/DSC08026a.png

marvelfreak
06-20-12, 12:11 PM
She a beauty for sure.

Snakeman8
09-26-12, 06:18 PM
Bloods ARE monster eaters,iheard, my friends cousin still has scars from where his Tried To Eat her hand!

Snakeman8
09-26-12, 06:20 PM
I love bloods, especially THe superball!
(bloodxball)

Skumbo
09-28-12, 02:10 PM
crap.. mess with the links... hehe

heres brad...
Blood Python (Live Feeding) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-jooJuQvjg)

Brad doesn't mess around, lol.

As for missie - she waited for the mouse to nibble her face first then was like "AWW HELLL NOO"

COBRATGB49
09-28-12, 05:15 PM
looking to get a red blood next year...have to make room for the cage it's going to demand...so really enjoyed the feedback here(sandbagging...sorry...lol)