Considering a blood!

[TDent1]

I've been doing a little research into getting a 2nd snake... I know that statement alone may raise some eyebrows here, but I feel confident that I can provide a comfortable enclosure and all the time needed to any snake I decide on. I hate the idea of getting an animal and not giving it the best home I can, which has ruled out plenty of reptiles that I'd absolutely love to have. I know bloods have a bit of a reputation and can be hit or miss as to whether or not they're docile, but that seems like a challenge I'd love to meet. Also, I'd prefer a snake that I can keep in a tub. They just seem to be cheaper and make caring for the animal that much easier. So, I'd love some references. The more material on how to properly care for a blood would be great. Owner input is also appreciated!

[tsealock]

Read the thread above this one

[Crazy4Herps]

Actually, my Borneo short tail was my second snake. They're more difficult in terms of temperament, and require higher humidity levels than ball pythons and other "beginner" snakes, but a captive bred hatchling blood or short tail is by no means an "inappropriate" second snake to own, if you are very dedicated to giving it a good home.

Temperament can definitely be iffy with bloods, but if you get a CBB baby and handle it on a regular basis, you're going to have a manageable adult. The really nasty bloods are typically the wild caught ones. My Borneo definitely had an angry phase where he would be hissing and snapping and squirming at me all the time, but that was mostly show; he never actually bit me, and now, as a two year old, he is a total sweetie.

Bloods and short tails are really awesome snakes to own; they have so much personality! If you really want one and you are committed to meeting its needs and working through possible aggression when it's young, I'd say go for it!

Here's some good reading.
http://www.vpi.com/publications/bloo...ation_and_care

[mainbutter]

I'm in love with bloods.

To be honest though, I'm of the opinion that if you're strictly looking for a species that does best in a tub throughout its entire life, you might stray away from bloods. While tubs are GREAT for most of their life, full grown adults really seem to do best in large cages. The couple breeders I got to talk to at NARBC ALL use 4 foot long AP cages and really convinced me that such caging is the way to go for adults.

[Crazy4Herps]

I'm in love with bloods.

To be honest though, I'm of the opinion that if you're strictly looking for a species that does best in a tub throughout its entire life, you might stray away from bloods. While tubs are GREAT for most of their life, full grown adults really seem to do best in large cages. The couple breeders I got to talk to at NARBC ALL use 4 foot long AP cages and really convinced me that such caging is the way to go for adults.

Agreed. A 4' acrylic cage (either an AP or a Boaphile or something along those lines) is a must for an adult blood. They're not cheap, but they are lightweight and easy to heat, humidify, and clean; they're well worth the money.

[tsealock]

That is the main reason I'm waiting until I have more space to get into bloods. I was considering picking up a breeding pair of het albinos, but I live in a one-bedroom apartment.

[TDent1]

I'm certainly not apposed to getting a larger enclosure when she's full grown, and I like the AP enclosures.

[aahmn]

That is the main reason I'm waiting until I have more space to get into bloods. I was considering picking up a breeding pair of het albinos, but I live in a one-bedroom apartment.

I managed in a 1 bedroom. If you are creative, you can make it work. I used a 2 high set of 4' x 2' cages as an end table in my living room, and baby racks doubled as nightstands. People didn't realize the big cages were even cages until they went to the other side where they opened to (the 'table' and chair next to it kind of split the room).