Considering a Borneo Blood Python? What You Need to Know Before Bringing One Home

The Borneo blood python is a captivating and often misunderstood species, known for its vibrant colouration, muscular build, and unique personality. Once notorious for being defensive and unpredictable, captive breeding has dramatically improved their temperament, making them a rising star among experienced reptile keepers. If you’re considering keeping a Borneo blood python in the UK, here’s what you need to know to ensure a successful and responsible ownership experience.

Introduction to Borneo Blood Pythons

Borneo blood pythons (Python brongersmai) are a subspecies of short-tailed python native to the lowland forests and swamps of Borneo, Sumatra, and Peninsular Malaysia. Despite the name "blood python" referring to the rich red colour of some individuals, they can also appear in shades of orange, yellow, brown, and even silver.

These snakes are heavy-bodied but relatively short, typically reaching lengths of 1.2 to 1.5 metres (4 to 5 feet), though some can exceed this. What they lack in length, they make up for in girth and presence, often weighing more than many longer snakes.

Legal Requirements in the UK

No Licence Needed

Borneo blood pythons are not listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. Therefore, no special licence is required to keep one in the UK. However, you must still provide appropriate care in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Ethical Sourcing

Purchase from a reputable UK breeder who specialises in captive-bred individuals. Wild-caught specimens, which were historically more common, tended to be defensive and prone to stress-related illnesses. Captive-bred blood pythons today are usually much calmer, healthier, and better suited to captivity.

Setting Up the Ideal Habitat

Enclosure

• Size: A minimum enclosure size of 90 x 60 x 45 cm (3 x 2 x 1.5 ft) is recommended for adults. Provide ample floor space, as these snakes are terrestrial and rarely climb.
• Substrate: Use coconut husk, cypress mulch, or a soil mix that retains humidity. Spot-clean regularly and replace substrate fully every 1–2 months.
• Décor: Include at least two hides (one at each end of the thermal gradient), a large water bowl, and foliage or cork bark for security and environmental enrichment.

Temperature and Humidity

• Thermal Gradient: Maintain a warm side at 31–32°C (88–90°F) and a cooler side around 24–26°C (75–79°F).
• Night Drop: Allow temperatures to drop by a few degrees at night.
• Humidity: Maintain humidity between 60–70%. Mist lightly if needed, and ensure good ventilation to prevent respiratory infections.

Diet and Nutrition

Borneo blood pythons are ambush predators that feed primarily on small mammals in the wild.

• Feeding Frequency: Juveniles should be fed once every 5–7 days, adults every 10–14 days.
• Prey Size: Offer appropriately sized prey no wider than the thickest part of the snake’s body. Rats are the most common choice.
• Feeding Tips: Use tongs to offer frozen-thawed prey and avoid live feeding, which can lead to injury and stress.

Health Considerations

With proper husbandry, Borneo blood pythons are generally hardy. However, their stocky build and sedentary nature make them prone to certain health issues:

• Respiratory infections if kept in poor humidity or drafty enclosures
• Obesity due to overfeeding and lack of exercise
• Scale rot from damp, dirty substrate
• Shedding difficulties if humidity is too low

Regular health checks, appropriate feeding schedules, and clean, well-maintained enclosures are vital for long-term wellbeing.

Handling and Behaviour

Blood pythons historically had a reputation for being defensive, but captive-bred individuals today are often calm and curious when handled correctly.

• Handling Approach: Start slow and gentle. Support the full body and avoid sudden movements. Handle regularly but not excessively to build trust.
• Temperament: While some individuals can be moody, most captive-bred blood pythons are docile and tolerate handling well once acclimated.

They are not fast-moving, but they are strong and may hiss or bluff if startled. Confidence and calmness go a long way with this species.

Conclusion

Borneo blood pythons are a bold and beautiful species that reward patient, informed keepers with their striking appearance and surprisingly tractable nature. While they are not ideal for absolute beginners, they make an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced reptile enthusiasts ready to invest in proper care. If you're after a snake with serious character and presence — without the excessive size — the Borneo blood python may be the perfect match.