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Blood Python (Python curtus brongersmai)

     Blood pythons are found throughout Southeast Asia and Indonesia.  In the wild, these snakes are usually found near irrigated rice farms, swamps, and the surrounding forests.  The blood python is a stocky and powerful snake.  Adult blood pythons are medium sized snakes and adults range between 6-9 feet.  Blood pythons are known to be nervous captives and may take some time and effort to tame down.  With proper care blood pythons are long lived snakes and they can live 20 years or more in captivity.  Hatchling blood pythons are not red, but slowly develop their adult coloration.  Within three years these snakes will display their brightest colors and then darken as they age.  Like most snakes, blood pythons are secretive and it’s best to provide them with some type of hiding place.  Prehistoric Pets promotes responsible snake ownership and we recommend locking cages that prevent accidental escape.   Large constrictors and other escaped snakes can have a negative impact on the general public which can lead to a ban of snake ownership. 

Temperature

     Blood pythons should be maintained between 84-88 degrees during the day with a hot spot under the light reaching 90 degrees.  Nighttime temperatures need to range between 75-80 degrees.  Daily misting should be used to maintain humidity between 75-90 %.  Snakes shed in one complete piece, if yours is shedding in pieces the humidity is too low.  Another option to increase humidity is to provide a box with a small entrance, for the snake to enter, filled with damp potting soil and moss.

Housing

     Baby blood pythons can be kept in 29 gallon or larger terrariums.  Adults can be maintained comfortably in 4 x 2 x 2 or larger terrariums.  An ideal cage will include multiple hiding spots for your snake to feel secure.  The larger the snake, the more room you want to provide.  Never place a cage near a window where sunlight can directly shine on your cage.  Cages placed in direct sunlight can easily overheat and ultimately lead to the death of your snake. 

Bedding

     Our recommendation for bedding is bark, coconut bark, or Eco Earth.  This bedding holds moisture very well and duplicates their natural environment. 

Food

     Blood pythons feed on pinkie, fuzzy or small adult mice as babies and juveniles.  As your snake grows it will soon move up to rats.  We recommend that you feed baby and juvenile blood pythons 1-2 times per week.  Adult blood pythons can be fed once every 7-10 days to maintain proper body weight.  Like most snakes, blood pythons typically will not eat when they are preparing to shed.  After your snake has shed you can return to your normal feeding regiment.  If your snake doesn’t eat make sure you remove the rodent from the cage.  Rodents can bite snakes when they are hungry and can injure or kill your snake. 

Cleaning and Handling

     The terrarium should be cleaned as necessary. Any fecal matter should be cleaned out several times a week. The bedding should be completely changed once a month and fresh clean water should be provided at all times.  The inside of the terrarium can be cleaned out with an appropriate reptile cage cleaner, we recommend Natural Chemistry’s Healthy Habitat.  Blood pythons can be handled on a daily basis and always wash your hands before and after handling them.