My first dabble in Bloods.

[catzeye21138]

I picked up my first Borneo Short-tail at Saturday's NW Captive Breeder's Expo in Puyallup. She was hatched in April 2012.

I was 100% on bringing home a red blood, so I'm still not sure why I changed my mind so severely. She's from C.E. Reptiles, and I'm trying out the name Coho because of her salmon colored head.

I did have a some questions as well, though.

When should I offer her a meal? It's been over 5 years since I've brought home a new snake and I feel uninformed. (I also forgot to ask when her last meal was. Oops.)
They have a slower metabolism, is the normal 24-36 hours enough time to let her sit and digest?
She's a bit standoffish, but hasn't struck out yet. Just some tail wagging, and body jerking. Is 5 minutes a couple times a day too much? I left her alone all of yesterday, but I'm anxious to get her out and start handling her.

I'll get some more pictures of her soon. Without further adieu! Coho!

[KMG]

I know you don't want to, but give her a few days to settle in.

I woulld just offer her a meal on your next feeding day. In true blood form I'm sure she will eat.

With my big red I wait 2 days after feeding to handle and have had no issues.

Bloods drink alot of water. If you handle them soon after they drink some of the water will come back up. Don't freak out if this happens. It will look and feel just like water, cause it is.

As for the amount of time. 5 minutes should be fine to start out. Read the snake. If it seems content being handled then start extending the time.

[05kas05]

nice looking snake for sure, i would think a week to get settled in should be good then feed and wait about two days for handling and five minutes every day or maybe every other day is what the helpful people here told me and so far mine is doing great.if you dont mind me asking what did you pay for yours?

[catzeye21138]

I ended up paying $90 for her. I'm not sure if that's GOOD for an expo pickup, but I'm glad I got her regardless.

[catzeye21138]

I was just watching her roam around, but I noticed she was rubbing her nose and eyes on her body a lot. Like she was trying to get a good scratch out of it. Is this something I should be keeping an eye on?

My temps at this very moment are
Ambient: 80 F, 56% humidity
Basking: 91 F, 49% humidity

It's a glass aquarium, and seems to change a little bit when I open the lid.

Also I have some sphagnum moss in there.

[Kara]

91 for a basking spot is pretty hot for this species. They tend to thrive at ambient temps of 80-82 with no hot spot. When we provide basking spots, it's in the 86-88 degree range. The bloods and short-tails definitely show a marked preference for cooler temps.

Also, humidity might be easier to regulate in a tub rather than a glass tank, depending on your setup. Here is some additional info on setting up a captive environment for these snakes.

Good luck with your new STP! They're rather addictive.

[catzeye21138]

I did not know they didn't like hotspots! I'll have to go fix that asap. I was using the caresheet on this website, but I spose the breeder knows best.

I have her in a tank only for the time she's in hard quarantine. When she's out of that I have a tub waiting for her soft quarantine.

[DNACurtusK]

Nice addition you have there. Welcome to the breit side!

[catzeye21138]

Thanks! I appreciate the pun, haha!

[Tim Mead]

You did right getting a Breit, we love'em and theres no doubt that it will win you over in time..They are a pleasure to keep and play with..Congrats..