Blood Python (Python curtus)

Blood Python Python curtus
Name	Blood Python
Name Lat.	Python curtus
Family	Pythons
Family lat.	Pythonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Rainforest, swamps
Diet	Small mammals
Humidity	80-90 %
Behavior	Nocturnal, semi-aggressive
Keeping	Individual, pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	15-20 years
Protection	CITES Appendix II; EU Annex B
Metric Units
Size	120-180 cm
Temperature	28-32 °C
Temperature Local	36 °C
Housing Size	180 x 120 x 130 cm
US Units
Size	47"-71"
Temperature	82-90 °F
Temperature Local	97 °F
Housing Size	70" x 45" x 50"

Distribution and habitat

The crepuscular and nocturnal, ground-dwelling Sumatran short-tailed pythons occur exclusively (endemically) in western Sumatra. There they live in the dense vegetation of the rainforests, in the swampland and as crop followers in plantations, from the lowlands up to 1,000 m altitude.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals:

1-2 animals

1,0KL x 0,5KL x 0,75KL (L x W x H)

Body length (KL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal the floor space should be increased by 20%. A terrarium of e.g. L 180 x W 90 x H 130 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

They need a terrarium structured with roots, stones and cork tubes (hiding places and visual protection) with a loose, moisture retaining substrate, e.g. of peat-soil mixture with foliage and Sphagnum moss (no sand or gravel) as well as a large, easy to clean water basin (approx. 1/3 of the bottom surface) for bathing. Much of the substrate should be kept slightly moist at all times. Several times a day the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better.

Temp. day: 28-32 °C

Temp. night: 22-25 °C

Temp. local: up to 36 °C

Humidity: 80-90

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs. depending on the season. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal.

Diet

According to their size, they feed on mice, rats, guinea pigs and other rodents, as well as chicks and small pigeons. After acclimation, they often succeed in switching to dead food animals. Juveniles should be offered food every 8-10 days and adults every 14-20 days, with occasional periods of fasting (e.g., skipping a feeding). If the snake is disturbed after feeding, this may result in vomiting of the prey. Generally, it is better to offer several small feeders, rather than one large one. If it does not eat for a long period of time, both the timing and the food should be varied. It is important to fortify the food animals with vitamins and minerals. Since the snake could be injured by live rodents, it should not be left unattended with them.

Reproduction and breeding

Probing by the veterinarian is the only reliable method of sex determination. The female lays up to 28 eggs in a warm, moist trough and incubates the clutch for about 75 days at approx. 30 °C. Muscle contraction allows the female to maintain a constant temperature. The 30-45 cm large young can be fed with young mice after the first moult

The life expectancy can be 15-20 years.

Species protection

The animal population must be reported to the competent authority in writing immediately after the start of keeping. Your pet store will be happy to provide you with further information.

Protection of species: WA Appendix II; EU Appendix B. The proof of purchase is the required proof of origin for the animal. Please keep it safe!

Important

The former subspecies bongersmai and breitensteini now have their own species status. They behave peacefully towards conspecifics, but are considered easily irritable and strike at lightning speed

If the air temperature in the terrarium is lower than the temperature in the water tank, there is a risk of respiratory infection

For the resting period, for 2-3 months, shorten the lighting period by 3-4 hours. When handling always have ready snake hooks, protective gloves and cold water.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Christian Sänger; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderung an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF