To those who have bloods...

[djansen]

I have respect for anybody who has a blood python. After dealing with a few blood pythons i think that they are the most hot tempered snake I have ever met. At least with a boa when they are pissed they let you know. Every time i see a blood it just sits there, I look into its eyes and i just see the expression of "just touch me and see what happens". At first I thought they were fat little snakes but they are just one thick spring loaded muscle. I tried to pick up a small one with a paper towel and it seemed like he just flexed his whole body and struck! almost gave me a heart attack. though i have to admit, they are very beautiful. I just dont know why you would want to keep one.
are all bloods like this?

[2kdime]

Nope!!! Mines a doll. A monster. But a doll!!!

[Kara]

I can think of maybe 3-4 out of my almost 200 that fit that description. The rest are big sweetiepiepumpkinnoodlefaces!!!

K~

[Earl]

Mine is not quick to bite even though he does not appreciate being handled but he does tolerate me. They are a very shy and defensive snake. I've had mine for a year now and he is pretty calm and I don't have any problems handling him.

It did however take a while for him to get used to me. He was never much of a biter but he would turn and face you and give off some attitude. They also chill out more as they get older.

With patience an owner can learn to read their behavior and develop a level of trust and tolerance with a Blood.

[Skiploder]

I have respect for anybody who has a blood python. After dealing with a few blood pythons i think that they are the most hot tempered snake I have ever met. At least with a boa when they are pissed they let you know. Every time i see a blood it just sits there, I look into its eyes and i just see the expression of "just touch me and see what happens". At first I thought they were fat little snakes but they are just one thick spring loaded muscle. I tried to pick up a small one with a paper towel and it seemed like he just flexed his whole body and struck! almost gave me a heart attack. though i have to admit, they are very beautiful. I just dont know why you would want to keep one.
are all bloods like this?

I have a "foster" sumatran blood that I have been caring for since early summer. A friend of ours bought it as a classroom pet for a bunch of 2nd graders. I told him that I would work with him and see if I could get him acclimated to people a bit more.

In May, the little bugger would nail me any chance he could get. by the end of summer, he would settle for trying to nail my right hand as I worked the mouse surfing the web at home (while holding him with my left).

Now? Well, last night he hung with the family as we watched Survivor - yes, 30 minutes out of the cage. However, he is still snappy with everyone else, not quite as bad, but not to where I'd trust him with young kids or inexperienced handlers.

I plan on giving him back this spring as I am working with the owner to get him and his wife used to handling him. I toyed with the idea of trading him for an extra male A. Maculosa that I have but have since reconsidered (husbandry on bloods is a bit more demanding than some other species).

So to answer your question - some bloods are very gentle, some are snappish. I depends on the locality, their sense of comfort with the owner and its environs, etc. A good, calm blood is not only a beautiful animal, but one who will pay you back with some nice handling sessions. "Nate" also has a ton of personality and several quirks that I think are unique to him... I definitely see the appeal.

[littleindiangirl]

I have respect for anybody who has a blood python. After dealing with a few blood pythons i think that they are the most hot tempered snake I have ever met.

I just dont know why you would want to keep one.
are all bloods like this?

I can't say I agree with you, but I can understand if I knew what bloods (or where) you have dealt with.
It's my understanding that the wild caught adults are quite the handful, and should be left to more experienced keepers. But any young little baby is going to be nippy! They are scared, your a huge alien monster to them, plus, I don't know that their little baby bites would really cause much damage. I have a high pain tolerance when it comes to scratches and bites... but I have also never been bit by them.

As for my little dragons, they are just the laziest snakes ever. They make my BP's look like triatholon competitors.

And you can tell if they don't want to be bothered. They tense. Breath heavy, puff up. I think all the classic "leave me alone" signs are there. If you need to pick them up when they are pissed, I think distraction is key.

When you pick them up, you have to respect their awesomeness. They are allowing you to pick them up. Don't 'hold' them, or try to control. Slow, deliberate movements are key when first becoming aquainted. After that, they are very calm and laid back.

I think animals can sense when we are relaxed or stressed, and that affects how they react to us.

Don't worry, you'll want some soon enough.

[NateDogg13]

I havent had my blood for very long but I really like him. He hasnt struck at me yet and he doesnt seem to mind being picked up too much but I havent had him out for more than 20 mins at a time or more than 4 times a week. When feeding time comes though he strikes ALOT quicker than my balls. He may be small still but packs a lot of punch, haha.

[slartibartfast]

I've had my female for over a year now, and the male for...4 or 5 months maybe? Both were acquired as babies, and neither has been remotely nippy.

The female has consistantly been the most docile and easily handled snake in my collection. I adore her. Nothing spooks or startles her...she's just steady and easy 24/7.

The male will puff and hiss a little when I first reach for him, then he relaxes and is just as mellow as her. I've wanted one ever since I met a big gentle male at the little local herp show, and I'm so glad I got them. I think I would have to meet a bad one before I had any idea what you were talking about, LOL.

[djansen]

I guess it depends on the snake. I have a BRB and he is the most gentle snake i have ever owned and from what i hear most rainbows are very high strung and nippy.

[littleindiangirl]

I can think of maybe 3-4 out of my almost 200 that fit that description. The rest are big sweetiepiepumpkinnoodlefaces!!!

K~

I can't say I've seen the "pumpkin noodle" face yet, but I'm waitin!