My Bloods

[CDN_Blood]

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

I keep eying the one at my reptile supplier shes for sale and needs a LOT of handling and love (she hisses something FIERCE when they touch her) but I'm afraid I don't have the experience

I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but Bloods really don't like being handled much at all and are usually only okay with it for short periods of time before they start visibly stressing. Once that happens they can be quite difficult.

You really need to understand what they're all about before you get one if you want an enjoyable experience keeping them. Those that don't understand what they're about usually have a horrible experience with them, so I strongly suggest talking to people that keep them as pets before deciding on a Blood. Don't waste your time talking to people who just sell them - they'll tell you anything they think you want to hear to get your cash into their hands.

[lady_bug87]

Originally Posted by CDN_Blood

I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but Bloods really don't like being handled much at all and are usually only okay with it for short periods of time before they start visibly stressing. Once that happens they can be quite difficult.

You really need to understand what they're all about before you get one if you want an enjoyable experience keeping them. Those that don't understand what they're about usually have a horrible experience with them, so I strongly suggest talking to people that keep them as pets before deciding on a Blood. Don't waste your time talking to people who just sell them - they'll tell you anything they think you want to hear to get your cash into their hands.

personally I agree on the holding thing, I dont hold my snakes for long periods of time just enough for inspection but i feel like I wouldnt even be able to inspect her without her trying to take my head off so the "lot of handling" was probably the wrong words. If I were seriously considering adding her to my collection then for sure I would be having a research marathon to make sure I was doing everything right the store has one in their educational show who tolerates handling, she isnt dog tame but she tolerates it and thats all I would require

[CDN_Blood]

"...tolerates handling..." is hitting the nail on the head, and it's the phrase I use most often when talking about Bloods. Some are more tolerant than others, but they do all share common characteristics when it comes to interaction with people, and one of those is that they really do seem to prefer to be left alone.

I'm able to handle all of mine, but my brongs are only good for up to about 10 minutes and then their attitudes change and they simply want go back home. They can get pretty obstenant and quick once that "Okay, I've had enough" phase sets in, and that makes them a handful and a formidable force to be reckoned with if you push it too far, lol.

As much as I find that to be part of their charm, in 24 years I've never recommended a Blood to anyone, and have always strongly advised anyone thinking of getting one to talk to people that have been keeping them for years to get the real scoop on them and *then* decided if they're the right choice for you. All too often people rush out and get one only to find they've made a huge mistake once they get it home and I hate seeing unwanted and/or misunderstood Bloods everywhere