I think i'm ready for my first large python. Recommendations?

[Mr Green]

I've owned ball pythons for quite awhile and I recently purchased a small boa, but i've always wanted to own a python/boa that is much larger than I currently have.

What would be good options? I want something that will not top 10 feet and something that it would be relatively safe for me to handle on my own. I know that crosses out mainland retics, burms, green conda's, etc. I know that is probably not possible, but my idea large snake would be something with the personality of a ball python, but twice the size.

What do you guys think?

[reptileexperts]

May want to consider trying to find a half-dwarf Burmese Python. They do not get relatively large, and stay under the 10' mark even as females. Burmese pythons are going to be one of the closest thing to a ball python but larger. Since you want to keep it under 10, don't consider getting a normal Burmese. These can overrun your limits quick as females. Males can stay on the smaller side, but its hit and miss.

Stay away from Superdwarf / Dwarf retics IMO - If you're after the ball python experience these will bring a lot more action than you are probably prepared for, quick , intelligent, and flighty. A lot more teeth. And a lot more to clean up after. Saying that, they are still great animals, but you have to truly be wanting that experience, and be ready to handle it.

Carpet pythons may be another direction for you, Diamonds would be the one to look into, they have girth, length, and normally docile. Pure diamonds will cost you a bit, but its worth it.

All in all though, I think a boa is the right move right now. They grow slow so you can get to know it as it turns into a giant. They are one of the most docile larger constrictors out there in captivity, they are extremely forgiving for husbandry mistakes (regardless of what some people may say). And they are fascinating species for being so laid back. If you want to get into the bigger end of things, pick up a Dumeril's Ground Boa or Argentine Boa. If you want exotic, look for a Madagascar Ground boa, but these will cost in the area of 700-800 and need to be from someone who is working with zoo stock offspring due to current laws on their procession (has to be from approved breedings due to restrictions on export if I'm not mistaken). Beautiful boas though, and I plan to work with them in the near future if my plans open up a little bit.

[MonkeyShuttle]

I've owned ball pythons for quite awhile and I recently purchased a small boa, but i've always wanted to own a python/boa that is much larger than I currently have.

What would be good options? I want something that will not top 10 feet and something that it would be relatively safe for me to handle on my own. I know that crosses out mainland retics, burms, green conda's, etc. I know that is probably not possible, but my idea large snake would be something with the personality of a ball python, but twice the size.

What do you guys think?

same boat

[chilliscale]

I'm always a fan of b.c.c. and b.c.o. when it comes to large but not too large. I understand you posted this in the python section.

[kylearmbar]

Im personally a fan of blood pythons, especially red bloods. I don't know if that would be big enough for what you want?

[Expensive hobby]

Male yellow anaconda? Kinda world's away from a beeper but stay relatively small, CAN have awesome temperaments, and stay relatively safe to handle.

My boy is a little unpredictable, sometimes he will bite you 10 times in 10 seconds and other times he will bite you in slow mo. Never really hurts tho. And other times he will chill with you for hours with absolutely no aggression.

Just another "option" for a snake that gets bigger than a bp but not crazy big. The experience tho is much different.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3

[bcardi151]

redtails are nice not to big my female 7 ft 35 pounds female can get 10 feet males around 15 pounds around 5to6 feet.

[Tim Mead]

They are actually in the medium category but at 25 plus lbs they feel big..

[Expensive hobby]

They are actually in the medium category but at 25 plus lbs they feel big..

HEY TIM! I love those pictures! I would highly recommend one of Tim's bloods to anyone! And ya forgot about bloods as a bigger option. Mine are still small lol.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3

[OhhWatALoser]

I like my carpet pythons, female jag I have seems to have topped out around 9 1/2 feet. Depending on the locale, they can get the length, but not the girth of most other snakes at that length. I feel I am in no danger handing mine alone.