I might get my first snake, a Blood Python... but...

[Sinnipop]

I have a guy who I met during working, and he had a younger Blood Python who used to be his ex's snake. He's selling it to me for $200.
His ex gave it to him to pay off what she owes him.. but he doesn't care for him properly. The temperature of the tank is 60ish, and when I touched him he was very cold, and wasn't moving much.
I'm wondering if when I get him here will I be able to save him? He's beautiful and I fell in love with it. <3
What do I do?

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I will be honest Blood are not really your beginner snake since mentioned it would be your first snake, however if you wanted your first snake to be a blood than my recommendation is to get a CBB animal from a breeder and not pay $200 for what I consider a rescue.

[dragonboy4578]

I would have to agree with Deborah. A blood python may not be the best snake for a beginner. Then you add the fact that it doesn't seem to take care of well will only had to the problems that you may face. I would have a hard time leaving a snake in that condition, but I wouldn't spend retail price to pick it up either....

[2kdime]

Skip trying to rescue a Blood

Youll probably warm the snake back up and it'll develop a RI which suck to deal with in Bloods

Save your money and buy straight from the breeder, from someone who actually cares about the animals

[Sinnipop]

Skip trying to rescue a Blood

Youll probably warm the snake back up and it'll develop a RI which suck to deal with in Bloods

Save your money and buy straight from the breeder, from someone who actually cares about the animals

What if it dies though? I know a lot about snakes, and I know how Bloods can be in the first place... :s

[Stewart_Reptiles]

What if it dies though? I know a lot about snakes, and I know how Bloods can be in the first place... :s

You can't save them all, and definitely should not spend $200 because of the "what if" because you feel sorry for the animal.

It's sad but if you want an enjoyable first experience as a owner and are set on a Blood it is very important that you purchase a CBB Blood from a breeder.

[Tim Mead]

I agree with the others but see your point, SO, explain the situation with the fellow and see if you can work out a 60-90 day trial period before payment is due..Making sure the animal is all that it should be and that your capable of the task at hand..

[kristan]

I disagree with bloods not being a good first snake. If you want a blood as your first snake then you should do it, although getting a snake (any type of snake) that will likely end up sick is probably not the best idea. But personally, I agree with Tim...if it were me I would explain my reasoning and try to get it off of the guy for an extremely reduced amount or try what Tim said.

[AkHerps]

Well, Bloods are a decent amount of work, depending on what type of set up you do.

The best and really almost the only way to have a perfect set up is to keep them in a tub/cage with a radiant heat panel because they do great with a set ambient temp and no hot spot.

You can't really use heat lamps because it will dry out the air, and require a giant amount of work to counter balance the dry air because of the lamp.

Radiant heat panels are quite a bit of money, and so is a good thermostat.

Bloods also have a very different personality than other snakes, and they can be very intimidating until you realize a lot of it is just bluffing.

That being said, this snake is not a "beginner snake". They get pretty big, they are strong, and they can pack a nasty punch as an adult if you don't respect them, but, with enough research this snake can be managed by a beginner, this isn't an anaconda, or reticulated.

The only thing about them is they are not as forgiving of husbandry mistakes as a ball python or a corn snake is. But that doesn't mean a responsible beginner snake owner can't have one. All you need is the right information.

If you really have wanted a blood for a while, and if you can deal with vet bills in case it gets sick, go ahead, and if you want to pay so much money for it.

If not, wait and go through a breeder.

I'm an "experienced" snake keeper as in, I've had a bunch of different types of snakes, and reptiles, and am confident that I know what I am doing to keep my animals healthy, but none were semi advanced like a blood. I got my first blood in October and he is doing awesome. I researched and researched, and made sure I had everything I needed to keep him healthy.

[Kara]

The best and really almost the only way to have a perfect set up is to keep them in a tub/cage with a radiant heat panel because they do great with a set ambient temp and no hot spot.

Or a rack with correct heating in a room that doesn't get too cold...or heck, even in a tote with no supplemental heat, in a perfectly calibrated snake room if you have the option to do so, as long as it provides for proper temperatures. A radiant heat panel is hardly the "only" way to have a perfect setup.

What works for one keeper & one setup may be completely impractical to someone else.