How to Care for a Blood Python
Having a blood python can be fun and rewarding. However, a person should have experience with snakes before trying to raise one. There are several things to consider in the care of a bloody python.
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Things You'll Need
- Breathable Container
- Digital Thermometer
- Newspaper
- Mulch
- Heat Source
- Water
- Rodents
- Leather Glove
Instructions
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1
Choose the right container. A plastic container with ventilation holes or a glass aquarium with a secure screen top will do nicely. The bottom of the container should have an area of six to twelve feet.
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2
Line the cage with newspaper or cypress mulch. Cypress mulch stays moist when misted, but newspaper is easier to clean.
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3
Watch the temperature. The temperature should be in the lower 80s. Provide a basking spot in the cage that is between 85 and 90 degrees. This can be accomplished using heating pads that go under the cage or using basking bulbs. Use a digital thermometer to ensure adequate temperature. It is not okay to guess.
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4
Control the humidity. The proper humidity for the care of a blood python is between 50 and 60 percent. Misting the cage every few days or placing a bowl of moist moss in the cage will help to maintain proper humidity levels.
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5
Provide a hiding spot for the snake. Snakes love dark, tight spots to hide. Put flower pots in the cage or crumple some pieces of newspaper for the snake to hide underneath.
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6
Provide fresh, clean water at all times. It is not unusual to find a blood python soaking in the water dish as well as drinking from it.
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7
Feed your python once a week. It will need to eat two or three times a week before shedding. It is best to feed the snake dead rodents, since live animals can hurt or kill a blood python.
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Tips & Warnings
Soaking blood pythons in 80 degree water once a week helps to keep them hydrated and aids in shedding.
If you are using a screen on top of an aquarium, cover it most of the way to preserve the humidity.
Wear a leather glove when handling a blood python to avoid being bitten.
Never stick your hand into the cage when you are feeding.
Too much humidity can be just as harmful to a blood python as too little.
