Post by LadyViper on Nov 15, 2006 18:17:31 GMT -6
Blood Python
Python brongersmai
Other Names - Red blood python, Malaysian blood python, Sumatran blood python
Characteristics - Blood pythons are squat, heavy-bodied serpents with variable markings. The body
ranges in coloration from yellow, tan and brown to a bright red, cherry red or oxblood, with lighter
tan, gold, orange and black blotched markings. The head is typically gray, although specimens may
exhibit black, light gray or even red heads. This Indonesian species is found in palm plantations,
tropical forests, and marshes in the Malaysian peninsula, eastern Sumatra, and outlying islands.
Requirements - The daytime temperatures should be kept at levels between 84 and 88 degrees, with a
basking spot no hotter than 92 degrees. Nighttime temperatures can be lowed to between 76 and 80
degrees with a spot in the enclosure that is at 85 degrees (use a thermometer). The humidity should be
50%-60%the enclosure should be at least as long as 2/3 the snakes body and width of at least 1/3 of the
snake’s body. Make sure to provide a hide box or shelter for the snake to hide under, a water bowl
large enough for the snake to fully submerge itself in, a climbing limb, and a suitable substrate (paper
towels, newspaper, and reptile carpeting) as the snake may swallow its substrate. Never use any
substrate containing cedar, as this is deadly to reptiles! The enclosure should be easy to clean and free
of sharp objects. Only heat only one end of the enclosure so the snake can get away from the heat and
thermo regulate itself (or cool off). Keep light on in the enclosure for 12 hours then turn off the light
source for 12 hours, continuous light will cause stress on the snake. Never use a heat rock, your
snake will burn itself on it!
Diet - Mice, rats, gerbils, etc. Increase the snake’s food size, as it gets bigger. They should be fed every
7 days. Only feed your snake frozen thawed or pre-killed prey.
Size and Life Span - Females average 4'- 6', males average 3' - 5' adult size. Maximum size is around 10
feet, although 8'+ specimens are considered large. Blood pythons may live 25 years or more in captivity.
Handling - You should always support the snake’s body and avoid any fast movements. Try to avoid
restraining the snake. Avoid public situations that may be stressful on the snake. A nervous snake
may occasionally bite, snakes bite for two reasons: 1) they mistake you for a food source or 2) they are
in fear for their safety.
Python brongersmai
Other Names - Red blood python, Malaysian blood python, Sumatran blood python
Characteristics - Blood pythons are squat, heavy-bodied serpents with variable markings. The body
ranges in coloration from yellow, tan and brown to a bright red, cherry red or oxblood, with lighter
tan, gold, orange and black blotched markings. The head is typically gray, although specimens may
exhibit black, light gray or even red heads. This Indonesian species is found in palm plantations,
tropical forests, and marshes in the Malaysian peninsula, eastern Sumatra, and outlying islands.
Requirements - The daytime temperatures should be kept at levels between 84 and 88 degrees, with a
basking spot no hotter than 92 degrees. Nighttime temperatures can be lowed to between 76 and 80
degrees with a spot in the enclosure that is at 85 degrees (use a thermometer). The humidity should be
50%-60%the enclosure should be at least as long as 2/3 the snakes body and width of at least 1/3 of the
snake’s body. Make sure to provide a hide box or shelter for the snake to hide under, a water bowl
large enough for the snake to fully submerge itself in, a climbing limb, and a suitable substrate (paper
towels, newspaper, and reptile carpeting) as the snake may swallow its substrate. Never use any
substrate containing cedar, as this is deadly to reptiles! The enclosure should be easy to clean and free
of sharp objects. Only heat only one end of the enclosure so the snake can get away from the heat and
thermo regulate itself (or cool off). Keep light on in the enclosure for 12 hours then turn off the light
source for 12 hours, continuous light will cause stress on the snake. Never use a heat rock, your
snake will burn itself on it!
Diet - Mice, rats, gerbils, etc. Increase the snake’s food size, as it gets bigger. They should be fed every
7 days. Only feed your snake frozen thawed or pre-killed prey.
Size and Life Span - Females average 4'- 6', males average 3' - 5' adult size. Maximum size is around 10
feet, although 8'+ specimens are considered large. Blood pythons may live 25 years or more in captivity.
Handling - You should always support the snake’s body and avoid any fast movements. Try to avoid
restraining the snake. Avoid public situations that may be stressful on the snake. A nervous snake
may occasionally bite, snakes bite for two reasons: 1) they mistake you for a food source or 2) they are
in fear for their safety.