Choosing: Blood, Borneo, Sumatran

So a little over a year ago I was trying to pick a new snake species and posted here asking about Bloods. I ended up getting a Diamond/Jungle Carpet Python.

Now I'm ready for another new snake and planning to attend the Daytona show coming up in August. This time I'm definitely wanting to get a STP of some sort and would like to hear more about the different species. I've already been reading up on care sheets so I feel like I understand the keeping requirements.

Bloods seem the most popular and come in a lot of color and pattern morphs. Borneos have some nice stripes, granite, etc... and generally seem to look "clean" in comparison but not as much color. I will admit that I know very little about Sumatrans though other than they turn black as they age and they're a bit smaller.

If you prefer Borneos or Sumatrans, what is it that attracts you to them over Bloods?

Do all the Sumatrans turn black when they become adults? How glossy/deep a black do they get?

Any significant differences in temperament?

I can only speak for my Borneo, Juice, who I've had for about 6 months now. He's awesome! I absolutely love him. He's so different from any other snake I've ever kept, and different from any species I'd ever handled prior. He's the epitome of a "lap snake". He's perfectly happy to just sit and chill. He'll find a comfy spot on my lap and plop himself down, keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings, but staying generally still.

As for temperament, he's so far been all bark and no bite...or should I say hiss?? He'll occasionally hiss a little bit when I first put my hand on him, but realizes quickly it's just me and settles right down. So far he's only hissed quietly, mouth shut. No big, serious hisses, just little hisses to let me know he knows I'm there. He's never struck or shown any signs that he might.

My only knock so far is that after he broke his fast he will only take live, but he's only eaten 3 meals since, is currently in shed and that's a work in progress. I'm confident he'll be back on F/T soon enough.

As for Sumatrans and bloods, I can't compare since I have no hands on experience. I chose a Borneo first because they're generally smaller than bloods and I just liked the normal Borneos a lot compared to Sumatrans. That being said, I will DEFINITELY be adding a blood or Sumatran at some point, and possibly sooner than later. There are some beautiful bloods out there and I'm really digging the blackhead Sumatrans.

Good luck, please keep us posted!

It really depends on the lines and breeding, SSTP's are usually pretty chill, bloods can be a bit more feisty and borneos in between but there are ones on all ends of the spectrum. All of them change color to a degree and that again goes back to breeding, many SSTP will end up a brownish just like most bloods, if you want a nice red blood or a dark black SSTP, find someone that's making those and it will cost you a bit more. All of them have a lot of variety in morphs, color options, patterns, it's easy to want them all!

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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

It really depends on the lines and breeding, SSTP's are usually pretty chill, bloods can be a bit more feisty and borneos in between but there are ones on all ends of the spectrum. All of them change color to a degree and that again goes back to breeding, many SSTP will end up a brownish just like most bloods, if you want a nice red blood or a dark black SSTP, find someone that's making those and it will cost you a bit more. All of them have a lot of variety in morphs, color options, patterns, it's easy to want them all!

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I second this. Bloods sometimes need a little more time to settle down after hatching and tend be me more defensive at first, while SSTs tend to start out calm and easy-going. I only have one Borneo, so I can't comment too much on them. My one Borneo is squirrelly, but not hissy. Bloods still generally grow out of the defensive phase, though.

There is a lot of variation in bloods and Borneos, but not so much in SSTs. Most SSTs get dark with age, but not all get that really deep black. Some have more browns, some more silvers. Generally, people seem to prefer the darkest ones, but I love the more contrasting silver and black ones. They do tend to stay on the smaller side. Also, with bloods and short tails, how dark they are can change day to day. It's pretty fun seeing the differences.

Anybody how how ivory bloods age? Pics would be great if you've got them. Thanks.

P.S. not trying to hijack the thread, but thought this was relevant. Sorry if anybody disagrees, I can start a new thread if so. Thanks all.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Anybody how how ivory bloods age? Pics would be great if you've got them. Thanks.

P.S. not trying to hijack the thread, but thought this was relevant. Sorry if anybody disagrees, I can start a new thread if so. Thanks all.

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Ivories start out a bit yellowish and as the age the yellow goes away and turns white



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Borneos are my favorite by far. I especially love the blue ghosts. Sumatrans are much more chill even fresh out of the egg. I had my first clutch of Sumatrans this year and they have been a joy to work with since hatching (can’t really say that about bloods or Borneos they tend to be a bit nippy till a few months old)

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Originally Posted by Goode05

Borneos are my favorite by far. I especially love the blue ghosts. Sumatrans are much more chill even fresh out of the egg. I had my first clutch of Sumatrans this year and they have been a joy to work with since hatching (can’t really say that about bloods or Borneos they tend to be a bit nippy till a few months old)

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Do you like Borneos best based on appearance or behavior?

Tomorrow I think I'm going to have the opportunity to see all three species in person which I think will help a lot.

Right now I like the Bloods with good red, like the Marter line or even some of the T+ albinos. I think the orange-head Sumatrans are pretty cool looking too as well as the all-black or black & silver ones with red/orange eyes. Borneos look really clean and elegant, I tried looking up some pics of the blue ghosts but they look sort of grayish online, maybe the color just doesn't photograph well.

I snapped a quick trio shot of yearlings of the 3 species - the Borneo is a little younger, I think, and obviously growing a little more slowly. :)

Maybe it will help with your decision, or you'll have to get one of each!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BG...8=w992-h654-no

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Originally Posted by aahmn

I snapped a quick trio shot of yearlings of the 3 species - the Borneo is a little younger, I think, and obviously growing a little more slowly. :)

Maybe it will help with your decision, or you'll have to get one of each!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BG...8=w992-h654-no

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Nice!!
I appreciate when somebody with the knowledge and experience can put 3 very similar, yet different species together side by side.

I'm not well versed in the Blood/STP world and these pictures put a few things into perspective.

Thanks for posting up!

I may need to just more than one, I can't decide :)

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Originally Posted by aahmn

I snapped a quick trio shot of yearlings of the 3 species - the Borneo is a little younger, I think, and obviously growing a little more slowly. :)

Maybe it will help with your decision, or you'll have to get one of each!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/BG...8=w992-h654-no

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Borneos come out a lot smaller then the other two


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by dboeren

Do you like Borneos best based on appearance or behavior?

Tomorrow I think I'm going to have the opportunity to see all three species in person which I think will help a lot.

Right now I like the Bloods with good red, like the Marter line or even some of the T+ albinos. I think the orange-head Sumatrans are pretty cool looking too as well as the all-black or black & silver ones with red/orange eyes. Borneos look really clean and elegant, I tried looking up some pics of the blue ghosts but they look sort of grayish online, maybe the color just doesn't photograph well.

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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...120ce39043.jpg
One I hatched out a few years ago

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e95261cfee.jpg my breeder male blue ghost



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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5e0c3aeb06.jpg
Honey ghost. Borneos >>>> Bloods & SSTP


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Well, I think I'm going to start out with an orange-head Sumatran. I'll also be attending the Daytona show and may end up getting another short tail of some sort depending on what I find there.

I'll post pics once I have anything to show :)

Update...

I've got my 4x2x1 Boaphile set up with a nice new VE-300 thermostat and it's been holding temp steady at 84 for days with no issues. I'd say it's ready for somebody to move in - or maybe two since I should be able to put two tubs side-by side inside it. I'll need another 4x2x1 eventually but it will take a while before they grow out of 15-16qt containers. Probably best to do one first, then I can pick up a second one down the line unless maybe it's a discount deal buying two from the same breeder.

I've been perusing a lot of online pics and trying to narrow down my options. I've decided that for now, I'm not going to aim for any sort of breeding and I'm going to stay away from higher priced morphs. I'm also sticking to Males for slightly smaller size, though I'd be willing to do a female Sumatran (which are a little smaller than Bloods already).

The down side is that I don't think I'm going to be able to make the Daytona show after all as it turns out my parents will be visiting that weekend, which means I'll be relying on pics and buying online.

So, I'm probably going to get either a high-red normal, a T+, and either one could potentially be a Matrix. There's more selection in 2018 babies but I'd kind of like to get more like a yearling - sometimes when the babies hatch you can find people giving up some holdbacks if you're lucky.

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Originally Posted by dboeren

Update...

I've got my 4x2x1 Boaphile set up with a nice new VE-300 thermostat and it's been holding temp steady at 84 for days with no issues. I'd say it's ready for somebody to move in - or maybe two since I should be able to put two tubs side-by side inside it. I'll need another 4x2x1 eventually but it will take a while before they grow out of 15-16qt containers. Probably best to do one first, then I can pick up a second one down the line unless maybe it's a discount deal buying two from the same breeder.

I've been perusing a lot of online pics and trying to narrow down my options. I've decided that for now, I'm not going to aim for any sort of breeding and I'm going to stay away from higher priced morphs. I'm also sticking to Males for slightly smaller size, though I'd be willing to do a female Sumatran (which are a little smaller than Bloods already).

The down side is that I don't think I'm going to be able to make the Daytona show after all as it turns out my parents will be visiting that weekend, which means I'll be relying on pics and buying online.

So, I'm probably going to get either a high-red normal, a T+, and either one could potentially be a Matrix. There's more selection in 2018 babies but I'd kind of like to get more like a yearling - sometimes when the babies hatch you can find people giving up some holdbacks if you're lucky.

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The largest snake in my collection is a SSTP.


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If you're still interested in getting an Orange Head Sumatran, I would get a hold of Steve Tillis at Reptillis Herps. He usually has them available...

Yes, I've been to his page and actually visited him briefly on our way up from Florida but our 7 year old was uncooperative so we had to cut it very short. At the time, I didn't have my vivarium ready yet either so I didn't feel right buying one to take with me as tempted as I was.

Anyway... I think I may be starting off with a T+ Blood from a seller in the FB group - I've got it down to two guys I'm currently talking to and waiting for some pics or a video tonight when the guy gets home from work. We go down to Florida every few months and pass right by his exit so there's a good chance I may pick up something from Steve Tillis as part of a future trip. My first pick of his orange-heads actually got sold, but my 2nd pick is still there.

May also be worth mentioning that he didn't breed anything this season due to starting his Phd this fall so what he has now is all he's going to have for a while.

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Originally Posted by dboeren

I may need to just more than one, I can't decide :)

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Have you considered a Black Blood !?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0ba0ec3dba.png


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Yes, I've looked at Black head Sumatrans also - I really like the contrast between the black head and the orange/red eyes! I think some people may find them a little sinister looking though.

I don't know if I'll get into short tails enough that I will have several, or if I'll want a more diverse collection. There are so many awesome snakes out there and I'm also considering getting a boa someday too.