Intermediate
Blood python
Python brongersmai
Stocky, short, dramatically patterned — bloods are some of the heaviest-bodied pythons relative to their length. Modern captive-bred bloods are a fraction as defensive as the imports of the '90s, but they still have personality.
Enclosure
Adults: 4×2×1.5 ft minimum. Bloods are heavy-bodied and not climbers; floor space matters more than height. Solid hides on both sides, large water bowl.
Temperature
Warm side: 86–90°F. Cool side: 76–80°F. Belly heat (mat under tank or RHP). Bloods do not need extreme heat.
Humidity
60–80%; consistent humidity prevents the respiratory issues bloods can develop in dry homes.
Feeding
Adults: rats every 14–21 days. Bloods are easy keepers and prone to obesity in captivity — feed less than your instinct says.
Handling
Calm and consistent. Modern captive-bred bloods tolerate handling fine; reading body language matters — if they're tense, set them down and try later.
Common mistakes
- Overfeeding — leading cause of premature death in pet bloods
- Under-humidifying; respiratory infections are common in dry setups
- Buying based on price — wild-caught and farm-bred imports are still on the market and require very different husbandry