Ball or Blood?

[zina10]

I've had Balls, Carpets, Borneo, Blood, Boa's (Rubber, Redtail, Brazilian) and a few more.

A Ball Python will make the best choice if you want a "docile" snake. They are also most shy and some of them will try to get away the entire time you are handling. That is still preferable to being bit

That said, IF you have a TAME and calm Blood Python, they actually make better "pet's" imho, then Balls. Because they tend to be calmer, more curious, less head shy (less shy overall) and "hang out" more.
Like everyone mentioned though, that is if you have one of the calm/tame ones.
If you want to get a TON of info on them, lots of pictures, stories and experiences, there is a great blood python group on facebook. I would read there for at least a couple of weeks before making up my mind. Most of the reputable breeders post there as well. Lots of pictures of beautiful snakes, some being handled by the children of the keepers.

Yes, your husbandry has to be on the spot. Perhaps more so then with some other snakes. For me personally, that isn't a issue. I'm picky about ALL my snakes husbandry needs. A Blood needs it cooler then a BP, they need fairly high humidity BUT good airflow through the enclosure as well. You don't want swampy conditions with tepid air. Bloods and shorttails poop far less often then BP's but they pee a LOT. And you need to keep them clean.

I feel like everything has already been said, and you have gotten a ton of good advice here !

Let me add one thing in case it hasn't been brought up, if at all possible, pick your snake up in person, ESP. a Blood or Shorttail!!! If you can to to Reptillis, that would be awesome. Pick one by temperament, not "looks". While all young snakes can be nervous and even defensive, there are definite differences. If you want a smaller (and usually calmer) species, pick a Sumatran short tail (wrongly known as Black Bloods).

Good luck, and have fun finding your new friend