Burms vs. retics

[Daniel Dow]

I am in no way ready for a bigger snake yet, im happy with my bps, but later on after expanding my collection a little bit I do plan on getting a big snake, So heres my question.
Which are better temperament all reputation aside, which are smarter, and which seem to be better eaters or have easier husbandry? all details are appreciated thank you

[grits]

I have both. If you work with the snake on a daily basis while its young both with have a great temperment. Feeding responce will be different from snake to snake. My curent burm doesnt have a very big feeding response. I have had others that were very agressive when it came to eating.
The husbandry with both will beabout the same as they both get to be big snakes. The burm will out grow its smaller cages sooner because of its greater girth.
I love Burms but in my opinion Retics are smarter and more interactive than burms.

[Daniel Dow]

Alright thanks thats what I heard, and of course, I have just read about overall temperaments. I think when I move on to bigger snakes im gonna go with a retic I am so excited, its a few years a way but im still pumped

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

In my opinion, Burms seem to be like a big ball or boa when they are properly handled and tame. Retics do seem to have a different personality and intelligence but it always varies from snake to snake.

I had an albino burm years ago that was so laid back, I took him to childrens reptile speaks at a local preserve and nature center. He also went to one certain carnival with me every year which had a most exotic pet contest every year. He was wonderful. Then again, a friend had a green anaconda which was the very same way. He was invited to appear at our local movie theater on opening day of "Anaconda" to be allowed to properly educate people on the snake.

So it isn't just retics that can be like that. With the giants it really depends on how it is raised. Of course retics do seem to have a better memory and may never be the same if they experience a trauma in your care. They may or may not be the snake you can hand off to a friend. They tend to choose who to be comfortable with and who not to.

Just do research and try to get some hands-on experience handling big snakes of different species and ages.

[Denial]

burms are big and lazy, Retics are big an active. There both great to keep.

[Muddyredneck]

In my opinion, Burms seem to be like a big ball or boa when they are properly handled and tame. Retics do seem to have a different personality and intelligence but it always varies from snake to snake.

I had an albino burm years ago that was so laid back, I took him to childrens reptile speaks at a local preserve and nature center. He also went to one certain carnival with me every year which had a most exotic pet contest every year. He was wonderful. Then again, a friend had a green anaconda which was the very same way. He was invited to appear at our local movie theater on opening day of "Anaconda" to be allowed to properly educate people on the snake.

So it isn't just retics that can be like that. With the giants it really depends on how it is raised. Of course retics do seem to have a better memory and may never be the same if they experience a trauma in your care. They may or may not be the snake you can hand off to a friend. They tend to choose who to be comfortable with and who not to.

Just do research and try to get some hands-on experience handling big snakes of different species and ages.

excellent points, most of the big snakes have there past sterotypes which when speaking to actual keepers are the exception rather then the rule.
i love burms and cant wait to add one to my own collection but what he said about retics was dead on, i have a 8ft male who some days cant stand my girlfriend, he'll huff and puff if she comes near him but i can pick him up mid huff, its all about the snake/keeper relationship or if im holding him anyone can touch him, i established early on (which yes does work with retics) that i was the "boss" tho and wasnt going to be intimidated or what not. retics are extreamly smart and can learn scheduals and do have good memories, mines shown me all of these.

ur doing the right thing askin questions but mabye the better questions would be, what size are you going to be comfy with and what are u looking for? a 15ft snake who is going to go where it wants or a 10ft couch bum who just lounges? if you ask me u cant go wrong with either but maby if u say what your looking for in a giant we can better help u, i have a pet peeve about people choosing a burm or retic because of size and simple things like that

[Jeremy Browning]

burms are about 13 ft. for females and 10 ft. for males. retics are anywhere from16-30ft. I have experience with both. Burms are a lot more easy going and predictable. retics are very unpredictable of course there are mean burms and easy going retics. one thing about retics that burms don't have is what i call the retic "stare". Retics, always seem to be pondering in thought and always look like they're up to something bad.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

I love the Retic stare! You do learn what they mean by it eventually. They are very inquisitive and expressive. A stare from my male means bad news. From my female it just means, hey are you going to take me out or what?

Whatever you decide on, it may be best to start with a hatchling male. Males don't get as big and a baby is much easier to handle.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

And it's the things "she" said... Lol

[Amon Ra Reptiles]

Just personal opinion here and I'm somewhat biased a's I have never had a retic with any real size but as far as burms I have owned probably 15-20 over the years and have only had one real ass. Other than him all of my burms have been docile and pretty much lazy lol. The only time I got much of a rise from them was at feeding time. Much like my teenage daughter. Anyway I would go with a Burm but again it's just opinion because I have a feeling a lavender albino retic is in our future at some point wow they are hot! Here is a pic of our current 2010 albino granite Burm (just cause I really like her lol)