What makes a nice Blood?

[aballpython]

In your opinion, what makes a nice Blood/STP? What patterns and colors are most people interested in? I've been researching Bloods/STPs for a little while, but I come across babies (from the same breeders) that look nearly identical to me, but have a price difference of $50-75+...

Also of the 3 different types, is there a noticable size difference? I've heard Brongersmai are the largest and Curtus being the most small. I will probably be getting a male for the smaller size, but is there really that much of a difference between the 3 types? I ask this because I love the colors on the Brongersmai, but would rather have the smallest of the 3.

If I end up picking one up, what size tub should I start a baby in? I've heard of many people keeping their full grown Bloods in sterilite tubs... Isn't the height of one of these tubs a bit small for such a large diameter snake, or will they be fine in tubs as adults?

[Patrick Long]

I dont know about everone else, but i look for high contrast in colors, very bright colors.

[bender29]

I dont know about everone else, but i look for high contrast in colors, very bright colors.

I'm going to agree with Pat on this one. Something to add to this, do Blood's colors dull out as they grow older? (Like Balls)

[Patrick Long]

I always read that they brighten with age......I dont know.

[Kara]

All three species go through a color change as they grow, but Borneo short-tails (P. breitensteini) change the least.

If you're trying to pick out nice reds, seeing pictures of the parents really helps, as selective breeding goes a long way with these snakes.

Most adult bloods & short-tails in captivity are within the 4' - 5' range, very manageable snakes. If you're worried about size, you could go with an orange-headed/yellow-headed Sumatran short-tail (P. curtus), as they're the smaller race of these snakes. Keep in mind that they can get fairly big & heavy as well...I've seen some very big yellow-headed female curtus.

Just for comparison, my biggest short-tailed python at this time is a 6'+, 28-lb, 13-year-old female. These snakes need age to really attain massive size. A 6' blood/STP is a VERY impressive snake.

$.02...

K~

[NateDogg13]

Personally I think the redder the better. Take a look at the parents to get an ida of how its color is going to change. Take a look at some of the snakes that Kara has, even the one in her avator is super bright. Theyve got great snakes at NERD

[Schlyne]

It varies between species for me. In borenos and sarawaks I look for a bright interesting contrast pattern. I've seen some brongersmai that looked almost a caramel color...I was much more interested in those than the other "normal" bloods being sold by the same person at the same time. I like a really dark curtus...the kind that it's only really evident to see the entire pattern when they go in shed.

[Peachy_Pythons]

I think so many of them are so pretty. I really love the high red ones, but like the other posters said, ask to see pictures of the parents. Babies are likely to take on the same colors of their parents (though that's not always true). If their parents are darker or more faded, chances are your red baby will fade as well. On the other side, if you have a brownish baby but its parents are brighter, chances are you will get a brighter one as it sheds. Personally, I think their patterns are just beautiful even if their colors are less impressive on some individuals.

Borneos are different as they tend to be more brownish and yellow, but there are some interesting morphs of them out there including the marble, which I think looks really, really cool. There are also some high yellow ones out there that look pretty amazing.

VPI has some impressive animals in their gallery and I suggest you check them out. They have pictures of the smaller "black bloods" as well. Dave and Tracy (owners) are just splendid to work with.

I am getting a pair of het for T+ albino bloods from VPI this summer For babies you can just keep them in 15qt tubs and upgrade as they grow. Adults need more floor space but VPI's site gives a lot of detailed information on their husbandry requirements.

[redpython]

as far as actual red bloods, i like the reddest ones. some of the yellow ones are nice too, just not my thing.

i like nice clean stripes, so i make an exception for yellow one in that arena.

brown ones, totally not my thing.

i learned the hard way in the beginning, buying cheap bloods that just turned brown...then i figured it out, either buy red sub adult/adult snakes, which will cost a fortune or buy snakes from actual breeders who can show you the parents....

i will be having some great babies (6 clutches of red blood python eggs) over the next few months from RED parents. from normals to albinos.