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Originally posted by CDN_Blood

Can you manage a water basin in it's enclosure large enough for it to soak in? That's always better than trying to bend a Blood python to your own will...

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Originally posted by CDN_Blood

Yes, they know what they're doing as long as they have the things they need to do it with. Bloods love water - they're heavy, clumsy snakes, so like Anacondas, they're much more comfortable in the water. I've observed mine soaking for day and even weeks at a time.

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Originally posted by CDN_Blood

Btw, on the subject of enclosures, I can guarantee you 2 things about Bloods; they do *not* appreciate large enclosures and they do *so* much better in plastic tubs than anything else I've tried. I've only been keeping Bloods for 11 years, but you can take those 2 things to the bank and I can't stress these items enough to anyone. Food for thought :)

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Originally posted by CDN_Blood

Blood pythons are nervous, insecure and rather paranoid creatures, which is why they don't like open spaces. They're generally much happier in smaller spaces because it makes them feel more secure. I've tried custom enclosures as well as large terrariums and there's a reason I switched to tubs with paper. The Bloods are actually *the* reason I switched to tubs, which I was loath to try for years.

Getting a Blood python out of a custom-built or large enclosure can be quite...challenging. The more space they have, the more defensive they tend to get, whereas with a tub of suitable size, they feel secure and don't offer nearly as much resistance. I think you'll also find that anyone who understands what these snakes are really all about will advise against front-opening enclosures. When they get frightened they get defensive and that can trigger uncontrolled lunges, but when these things do get to that point, they throw themselves into it with all their might and they usually get completely airborne in the process, so front-opening enclosures can have your frightened snake literally leaping right out and onto the floor, which only scares it more and compounds the problem.

My Bloods are quite well behaved because I do understand and respect them, as well as spend quite a bit of time keeping them as social as they'll allow me to (they don't like extended periods of interaction and usually start showing signs of stress after about 5 minutes), but they were indeed more difficult to work with in larger tanks or custom enclosures, so finally switching to tubs was quite helpful in that aspect, as well as keeping the right mix of humidity and fresh air that they require.

As you suspected, they do seem to use their tub as a single hide. I don't even bother using a hide in their tubs because they seem to feel secure enough in a tub without a hide, so that is another bonus.

It is difficult to find quality information on them - there are a lot of know-it-all-know-nothings out there, but there are also a handful of truly sincere keepers who've been keeping Bloods a long time and making quality observations and they're the ones you want to be picking the brains of. Try a search for National Reptile Fans and you'll find two others there of high calibre who are always happy to provide input - it's what we're there for :)

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Originally posted by CDN_Blood

but there are also a handful of truly sincere keepers who've been keeping Bloods a long time and making quality observations and they're the ones you want to be picking the brains of.

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Originally posted by zig-zag

One more for you CDN, lol. Sorry!

I'm very curious to find out how you feed your snakes, came across your rants on the website which included one about tongs and hand feeding. But you didn't mention what technique you used?

Have to say you have made me think twice about using tongs if what you say about them is true.

Siggi

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Originally posted by MrBD1980

Hey, sorry to butt in but I currently use tongs to feed my BRB....I'd be interested to hear the points against their use. (not being cheeky, just new to this game and trying to learn!)

Cheers

Bri

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Originally posted by CDN_Blood

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Originally posted by zig-zag

One more for you CDN, lol. Sorry!

I'm very curious to find out how you feed your snakes, came across your rants on the website which included one about tongs and hand feeding. But you didn't mention what technique you used?

Have to say you have made me think twice about using tongs if what you say about them is true.

Siggi

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I simply place a thawed food item at the opposite end of the cage, close the lid and walk away. They track it down and eat it unless I stay there, in which case they hunt me instead because the scent of food gets them excited and I'm the thing that's moving, so it's best that I leave the room.

Bloods have a *very* strong feeding response and trying to use tongs to feed them is a good way to make the evening news. They can be just plain dangerous when they smell food, so I strongly recommend not even attempting this.

New snakes can be a little shy about food, but once it's had a few meals in your care and it comfortable eating, you'll notice a huge difference in it's response to the smell of food. They're fast, powerful and not that smart, to you need to be faster than they are and smarter than they are - they're running on pure instinct and adrenaline when they smell food, so you need to run on pure intelligence and use all the speed you can muster to get yourself out of their vicinity after introducing food.

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