BLOOD PYTHON and SHORT TAIL CARE
Species: Python brongersmai (Blood Python)
Python curtus (Sumatran Short Tail)
Python breitensteini (Borneo Short Tail)
Distribution: Malaysia, Sumatra, and on the island of Borneo
Average Size: 4-6 feet
Lifespan: 20+ years in captivity
Difficulty: Intermediate
Python curtus (Sumatran Short Tail)
Python breitensteini (Borneo Short Tail)
Distribution: Malaysia, Sumatra, and on the island of Borneo
Average Size: 4-6 feet
Lifespan: 20+ years in captivity
Difficulty: Intermediate
Map credit: Unknown
Click below to get comprehensive information on the housing and keeping of the short tail complex. With permission from Kara Norris, we have linked you to The Blood Cell's site as this is the husbandry information most referenced in the short tail community.
FAQs
Pooping:
You may notice that your blood python is not defecating at the same rate as your other pythons. A few animals have been known to not let it out for 14 months! But when they do its massive. We have found that when we acquire a short tail from someone else, it takes a while for them to become regular but after the first poop they are more regular. Regular for blood pythons ranges but we have found that its about once a month for our collections. Do not fret if your python is not pooping... it will come.
Cleaning/Sanitation:
For general cleaning we use a 2% Chlorhexidine solution or Vitcon that we switch up quarterly. If an animal is in quarantine or there has been an introduction of a virus or infection, a 4% solution with 20 minute contact time, a 10% bleach solution with ten minute contact time, or a solution of F10 is used with a ten minute contact time is used..
Potential Health Problems:
Upper respiratory infection can be caused by many factors, some of which include too much humidity, stress, improper temperature ranges, lack of air circulation, or a virus. Common remedies and preventative solutions are to always spot clean and change substrate as needed, make sure the animal has proper temp ranges, their enclosure is well ventilated, and finally that they're not overly stressed or overwhelmed. If a severe case is discovered, getting a sensitivity culture done at your reptile veterinarian is highly recommended for proper treatment. Scale rot is also a common health issue and it can be caused by letting an animal remain on damp or saturated bedding as well as fecal matter or urate for excessive periods of time. Common remedies and preventative solutions are to always spot clean and change substrate as needed, and make sure enclosure is well ventilated. If Scale Rot is noticed early on a soak a couple times a week in a diluted Betadine solution, fresh substrate, and a fresh shed will typically clear it up. If more severe, consult a veterinarian.
You may notice that your blood python is not defecating at the same rate as your other pythons. A few animals have been known to not let it out for 14 months! But when they do its massive. We have found that when we acquire a short tail from someone else, it takes a while for them to become regular but after the first poop they are more regular. Regular for blood pythons ranges but we have found that its about once a month for our collections. Do not fret if your python is not pooping... it will come.
Cleaning/Sanitation:
For general cleaning we use a 2% Chlorhexidine solution or Vitcon that we switch up quarterly. If an animal is in quarantine or there has been an introduction of a virus or infection, a 4% solution with 20 minute contact time, a 10% bleach solution with ten minute contact time, or a solution of F10 is used with a ten minute contact time is used..
Potential Health Problems:
Upper respiratory infection can be caused by many factors, some of which include too much humidity, stress, improper temperature ranges, lack of air circulation, or a virus. Common remedies and preventative solutions are to always spot clean and change substrate as needed, make sure the animal has proper temp ranges, their enclosure is well ventilated, and finally that they're not overly stressed or overwhelmed. If a severe case is discovered, getting a sensitivity culture done at your reptile veterinarian is highly recommended for proper treatment. Scale rot is also a common health issue and it can be caused by letting an animal remain on damp or saturated bedding as well as fecal matter or urate for excessive periods of time. Common remedies and preventative solutions are to always spot clean and change substrate as needed, and make sure enclosure is well ventilated. If Scale Rot is noticed early on a soak a couple times a week in a diluted Betadine solution, fresh substrate, and a fresh shed will typically clear it up. If more severe, consult a veterinarian.