Boa or Blood Python??

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Originally Posted by Aedryan Methyus

Blood Pythons, Borneo Short Tail Pythons and Sumatran Short Tail Pythons ("Black Bloods") are 3 different species. Generally, Bloods are the largest of the 3 species, Borneos are the second largest and Sumatrans are the smallest... If you are thinking about breeding them in the future make sure you get 2 of the same species and keep their bloodlines pure. As interesting as cross breeding these species might seem like it would be you would only get brown snakes, anyway. Matrix are of the Blood Python species and breeding Matrix x Matrix will produce Ivory. 25% of the clutch would be Ivory if you hit the odds.

I would recommend building your own 28 qt. melamine rack. They are very simple and cheap to build. The prices companies are charging for simple little rack systems are absurd! I also highly recommend building the type with the sides and back enclosed. They maintain heat and humidity much more than the open type. Here is the 10 - 28 qt. rack I built:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ake-Rack-Build

And, my 10 - 41 qt. rack:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...ake-Rack-Build


Everyone will tell you the smaller the tub the better for hatchlings, but I started all of mine off in 28 qt. tubs and just filled the extra space with wadded up newspaper in addition to a hide and a large water dish. I had no problems whatsoever with them and they fit comfortably in 28 qt. tubs for at least the first couple of years. Then they can get bumped up to 41 qt. racks or 4' x 2' x 12" PVC enclosures.

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I love that 28q tub rack! Thats's almost exactly what i want! I'd only have two or three tub slots though. And I might be breeding in the future so I'm glad you added that about breeding the Matrix Bloods. I like Superball hybrids but I understand that mutts are undesierable in the snake world and I respect that :D How much did it cost you to make? Also as far as I understand you dont have any adults yet but what size tubs are good for adults?

I think adults can fit in those Christmas tree storage bins.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

I love that 28q tub rack! Thats's almost exactly what i want! I'd only have two or three tub slots though. And I might be breeding in the future so I'm glad you added that about breeding the Matrix Bloods. I like Superball hybrids but I understand that mutts are undesierable in the snake world and I respect that :D How much did it cost you to make? Also as far as I understand you dont have any adults yet but what size tubs are good for adults?

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None of the traditional tubs are appropriate for adult bloods. You're talking about a snake that has 6ft 25-30 lb potential. So, unless you want something like a freedom breeder 66, I think you'll need a pvc cage. I would say 48 x 24 floor space is the minimum required.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

I really love my Ball Python even though hes a bit boreing at times :D

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If by boring you mean inactive, then you're going to be real bored with a blood. Bloods will make your BP seem relativly active.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

I love that 28q tub rack! Thats's almost exactly what i want! I'd only have two or three tub slots though. And I might be breeding in the future so I'm glad you added that about breeding the Matrix Bloods. I like Superball hybrids but I understand that mutts are undesierable in the snake world and I respect that :D How much did it cost you to make? Also as far as I understand you dont have any adults yet but what size tubs are good for adults?

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My 28 qt. rack took 2 sheets of melamine, which are $30.00 per sheet. That was for 9 slots. You could easily make a 2 slot rack with only one sheet. You may as well just make it a 4 or 5 slot rack, though. That way you wouldn't waste any material and you would have room for a couple more Bloods/Short Tails in the future if you decide to get more. Lowes will cut the melamine to the exact sizes for you, by the way. Then you can just take them home and assemble your rack without having to even make one single cut. I used 6" THG heat tape in that rack, which costs $2.20 per foot + $2.49 for each connection set at Reptile Basics. Then you would just need a cheap Dollar Store extension cord to use for the wiring. By the way, don't let the wiring scare you. I'm about as electronically challenged as they come, but heat tape is so simple to wire up that a child could do it. You will of course need a good thermostat as well. I use Vivarium Electronics VE-100's for both of my racks as well as the incubator I just made. They work great and are very affordable. I also get those from Reptile Basics for $84.99 and shipping is free for orders over $50.00. You will need a roll of aluminum tape for taping the heat tape down and 1 1/2" screws. The aluminum tape is around $6.00 or so per roll and screws are probably $5.00. I used 1/8" laminated panel board for the backing on my racks, which costs only $10.00 or $12.00 per sheet + little nails (maybe $5.00). To make the front edges look nice you will want a roll of the laminated trim (I can never remember what it's called, but it's applied with an iron and costs about $6.00 per roll). 28 qt. tubs are $5.00 or $6.00 each at Walmart... So, I would estimate that you could build a 2 - 28 qt. rack with heat tape and tubs for under $90.00 total. To make it a 4 slot rack it would only cost you around $25.00 additional for more heat tape, connection sets and tubs...

I have a 2015 female Matrix Het T+ that is still comfortably residing in my 28 qt. rack. She would actually be lost in a 41 qt. rack at this point and she will be turning 3 years old sometime between June and September next year. Unless she is just a lot smaller than average female Blood Pythons or will be putting on A LOT of size soon, I can't see her needing a 4' x 2' x 12" PVC enclosure for at least a couple more years. And, yes... Blood Pythons are definitely much more "pet rock-like" than Ball Pythons... They are fat and lazy, but I love them all the same! lol

With regard to Superball hybrids, I am totally going to be making some within the next couple of years! They will be awesome and I guarantee plenty of people will want them! :) I will be making some Walls, too (Woma x Ball)!

Thats quiet a bit cheaper than the VE-2 and than the extra money can go to snakes :D My mother was asking about DIY cages and for the life of me I cant find a strait awnser about if I need to seal the cages because of using Pine wood

https://www.morphmarket.com/us/c/rep...gn=morphreport
I need to stop looking at these guys on MM :rolleye2:

Have you looked at Carpet pythons?

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Originally Posted by DennisM

None of the traditional tubs are appropriate for adult bloods. You're talking about a snake that has 6ft 25-30 lb potential. So, unless you want something like a freedom breeder 66, I think you'll need a pvc cage. I would say 48 x 24 floor space is the minimum required.

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This rack would only be for the first two years(Or however long it takes them to outgrow it. I'm not even sure if I am going this route yet)

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Originally Posted by MD_Pythons

Have you looked at Carpet pythons?

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I have actually but they just dont intrest me.

So I may have spoken to soon on the Carpets. I really hadnt done much research on these guys

If you do decide to get a Carpet, pick up a copy of The Complete Carpet Python. You want to get an animal from someone that keeps track of the lineage of their animals.

Carpets are the perfect snakes if you ask me! They're beautiful display animals, modestly sized, easy to care for, and typically great feeders. What more can you ask for? ;)

https://www.google.com/search?q=bana...w=1106&bih=612
I instantly doubt myself when I see these lol Im so indesisive

If we're talking different pythons.. The Leiopython. Oh my God. Still something I want a ton but can't find them anywhere here in the Netherlands.

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Originally Posted by xShevi

If we're talking different pythons.. The Leiopython. Oh my God. Still something I want a ton but can't find them anywhere here in the Netherlands.

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White lips are super cool :D

Another quick question. If I was using a 28q stand alone tub with a heat mat what brand of t-stat should I use? Would a Jumpstart work?

A Jump Start would work, a Herpstat or VE-200 would be better.

Also, I saw on the TGR website they have single level racks. What do you guys think about these?

TGR stuff looks nice from a distance, but has serious wiring issues. There’s a thread here, and probably at the BOI.


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So latest update on this. I now have been allowed $300 for a new snake and setup. Also a Blood Python or Boa may not work. Every summer I go to Michigan to my grandparents and the snakes would have to come with (I dont trust other people to keep temps and humidity) And bringing a adult blood python on a 8 hr car drive and setting it up in a temporary setup might not go well. So I'm considering smaller snake species instead.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

So latest update on this. I now have been allowed $300 for a new snake and setup. Also a Blood Python or Boa may not work. Every summer I go to Michigan to my grandparents and the snakes would have to come with (I dont trust other people to keep temps and humidity) And bringing a adult blood python on a 8 hr car drive and setting it up in a temporary setup might not go well. So I'm considering smaller snake species instead.

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Sorry haven't read through the entire thread ... are you thinking a display snake or one for handling ??


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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

So latest update on this. I now have been allowed $300 for a new snake and setup. Also a Blood Python or Boa may not work. Every summer I go to Michigan to my grandparents and the snakes would have to come with (I dont trust other people to keep temps and humidity) And bringing a adult blood python on a 8 hr car drive and setting it up in a temporary setup might not go well. So I'm considering smaller snake species instead.

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Have you looked at Savu and Antaresia Pythons? They're one the smaller side but they're outside the usual ball pythons and I'm sure they'd make interesting captives. They shouldn't grow out of a 40 gal tank.

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Originally Posted by MD_Pythons

Have you looked at Savu and Antaresia Pythons? They're one the smaller side but they're outside the usual ball pythons and I'm sure they'd make interesting captives. They shouldn't grow out of a 40 gal tank.

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I've never heard of Savu's, They look pretty cool though.

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Sorry haven't read through the entire thread ... are you thinking a display snake or one for handling ??


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I'd prefer a snake I can handle.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

I've never heard of Savu's, They look pretty cool though.

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I'd prefer a snake I can handle.

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Best snake to sit quietly on your lap whilst watching TV or for a nervous friend or relative to hold HAS to be a Royal Ball python...

If you want a friendly but inquisitive and active handling experience I'd go for a Corn snake ... there are others of course


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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Best snake to sit quietly on your lap whilst watching TV or for a nervous friend or relative to hold HAS to be a Royal Ball python...

If you want a friendly but inquisitive and active handling experience I'd go for a Corn snake ... there are others of course


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Corn snakes are great! Beautiful, inexpensive (even a beautiful morph is usually under $150, or much less), and adaptable. They also do not need crazy setups. Humidity is basically a non-issue, and they do fine with lower heat requirements (actually prefer it) than BP's, for example.

My corn would eat anything anywhere. My BP, if I moved her every summer, would probably take the whole summer to adjust and eat again!

They get a good size too. They need a little more support and dart around little more than a BP (Corns are more active for sure), but are generally totally docile. I got Figment at 9G and he's now 640G and over 5 FT! He's a sweetheart. Squirmy when little, but they get used to being handled quickly once they realize you are not going to eat them. They also get more confidence with size.

Does take a little while for them to grow since they are so small and eat such small prey items. I do not believe in overfeeding and Figment took 4 years to be full grown.

Here's my thread on Figment. You can see how much he has grown!

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...nder-Corn-Baby

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Originally Posted by dakski

Corn snakes are great! Beautiful, inexpensive (even a beautiful morph is usually under $150, or much less), and adaptable. They also do not need crazy setups. Humidity is basically a non-issue, and they do fine with lower heat requirements (actually prefer it) than BP's, for example.

My corn would eat anything anywhere. My BP, if I moved her every summer, would probably take the whole summer to adjust and eat again!

They get a good size too. They need a little more support and dart around little more than a BP (Corns are more active for sure), but are generally totally docile. I got Figment at 9G and he's now 640G and over 5 FT! He's a sweetheart. Squirmy when little, but they get used to being handled quickly once they realize you are not going to eat them. They also get more confidence with size.

Does take a little while for them to grow since they are so small and eat such small prey items. I do not believe in overfeeding and Figment took 4 years to be full grown.

Here's my thread on Figment. You can see how much he has grown!

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...nder-Corn-Baby

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Stunning !!


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I should add that kingsnakes, milksnakes, and other, more common colubrids are all good. The common ones are usually common because of ease of care and ease of captive breeding, plus knowledge of the species will be readily available.

I am partial to corns (in colubrids), myself. I find them to be a little less aggressive when wanting food.

Figment will destroy a F/T mouse, don't get me wrong. However, he has never bit expecting food/hoping for food. Same with all the corns I have had over the years (3). I know kings can be very aggressive when wanting food! However, I am sure it varies from animal to animal.

My BCI has a killer feeding response as well, and in general it's a good thing, but especially if you are new to snakes, I think a corn gives the best value. Price, morphs, ease of care, handling ability, will eat anything, etc. They check all the boxes.

Good luck and keep us in the loop.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Corn snakes are great! Beautiful, inexpensive (even a beautiful morph is usually under $150, or much less), and adaptable. They also do not need crazy setups. Humidity is basically a non-issue, and they do fine with lower heat requirements (actually prefer it) than BP's, for example.

My corn would eat anything anywhere. My BP, if I moved her every summer, would probably take the whole summer to adjust and eat again!

They get a good size too. They need a little more support and dart around little more than a BP (Corns are more active for sure), but are generally totally docile. I got Figment at 9G and he's now 640G and over 5 FT! He's a sweetheart. Squirmy when little, but they get used to being handled quickly once they realize you are not going to eat them. They also get more confidence with size.

Does take a little while for them to grow since they are so small and eat such small prey items. I do not believe in overfeeding and Figment took 4 years to be full grown.

Here's my thread on Figment. You can see how much he has grown!

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...nder-Corn-Baby

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A corn snake was the first snake I owned and since have had boas, pythons, and other colubrids. We bought a normal corn snake for my fiance who was new to snakes and I totally forgot how cool they are! hes so curious and active I really enjoy having him.
Yours is awesome looking! We just picked up a baby okeetee from Kathy Love, cant wait to see her grow into her colors.

OP i second corn snake.

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Originally Posted by djansen

A corn snake was the first snake I owned and since have had boas, pythons, and other colubrids. We bought a normal corn snake for my fiance who was new to snakes and I totally forgot how cool they are! hes so curious and active I really enjoy having him.
Yours is awesome looking! We just picked up a baby okeetee from Kathy Love, cant wait to see her grow into her colors.

OP i second corn snake.

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Aren't Corn snakes known as the 'gateway' snake [emoji4]

I also started with ONE Corn snake and now have a total of 20 snakes inc Royals , Corns , Kings , Rat snakes , Burm , Retic , Boas etc etc


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I'm defiently considering something in the colubrid family :) Corn's or maybe even a king. I was considering another Royal but I get agitated when Dean(Current BP) misses just one meal. :rolleyes: I got lucky with a pretty reliable feeder and I dont know if I want to deal with a problem feeder.(Not to say that I would'nt do whatever I needed to to help the snake eat). Also I think a colubrid would be better with moving each summer! Any colubrids you guys like besides corns and kings?

Edit-Wow! Thats alot of new reply's!

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Aren't Corn snakes known as the 'gateway' snake [emoji4]

I also started with ONE Corn snake and now have a total of 20 snakes inc Royals , Corns , Kings , Rat snakes , Burm , Retic , Boas etc etc


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Love it, "Gateway Snake."

I don't know what you are talking about.

Or, should I say, "Hi, I'm Dave, and I am a reptileholic."

Although, admittedly, I started with a BP.

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Originally Posted by BallPythonWannaBe

I'm defiently considering something in the colubrid family :) Corn's or maybe even a king. I was considering another Royal but I get agitated when Dean(Current BP) misses just one meal. :rolleyes: I got lucky with a pretty reliable feeder and I dont know if I want to deal with a problem feeder.(Not to say that I would'nt do whatever I needed to to help the snake eat). Also I think a colubrid would be better with moving each summer! Any colubrids you guys like besides corns and kings?

Edit-Wow! Thats alot of new reply's!

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Try no to get agitated when they miss meals; it will happen. Much harder on the keeper than the snake!

Other people post about Russian Rat snakes, texas rat snakes (which get much bigger and can be aggressive), etc.

You are very safe with a corn or king, but have a huge variety of coloration/patterns to pick from! I know, personally, they do very well with easy husbandry and are great eaters. Also, (I have better experience with corns), once not tiny babies, they do well with handling and are generally not even slight aggressive. Downright puppy dog tame if you ask me.

I "only" have 3 snakes and 5 reptile tanks total. So I spend a lot of time with my snakes handling them. Usually almost daily when young (unless eating or digesting) and a little less as adults when tame as can be, but still often.

Point is, BP's, Corns, etc. are not aggressive species, in general (you can get an angry one - lol), but if you work with them, they will grow to be very docile adults.

With a corn baby - squirmy is ok. Biting they will grow out of 99% of the time, but I'd start with one that doesn't bite to begin with and you will likely never have a problem.

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Originally Posted by SDA

Bloods get big as in girth which means they can get over 20 pounds. I think one recently topped over 70 pounds. If you want something in the boa family that is not as long as a BC than rainbows or hog islands might be something to look into. Now boas don't get all that huge so it's not like you will end up with a 14 foot monster.

I think an nice male hog island can be perfectly happy forever in a 4 foot cage.

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Your absolutely right SDA... Dwarf boas are great! They don't get big in girth and don't get long as they max out at about 4-5 feet ( depending on sex). I have a female Sonoran het leopard boa and female Hog Island boa. Both are wonderful snakes and easy to care for. Just keep in mind the bigger the snake the bigger the enclosure, bigger prey, bigger clean ups and more $$$. Plus bigger is not always better!

If I were to ever get a colubrid it would probably be a Russian Rat Snake...