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

[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.