Any Docile big pythons?

[MarkyMcFly]

I'm still new to the snake community, and even though I have a habit if getting way to enthralled with any new hobby, but i'm trying to be reasonable with myself.

I know, one day, i'm going to want a big snake. I'm just wondering if there are any that have a pretty calm temperment like the BP's or do they all tend to be a little cranky?

I wont be even considering getting one until sometime down the road, i'm just wondering about temperments, whats a good one to start with, things of that nature.

Thanks in advance guys

[Alexandra V]

Generally, burmese pythons tend to be quite docile. There are of course some that are moody, because they're all individuals, but that applies to every snake.

Of course even though they tend to be docile, you still have to be careful when you're working with large snakes like this. Everyone is going to harp this on you, so just be prepared haha. As long as you respect the animal and you bring it up with proper handling techniques, you should be fine with a big docile burm

[mainbutter]

1) Define "big"
2) Are you limiting yourself to pythons, or are boas in the mix too?

You're limited in your options if you're looking at 'true giants' such as burms, retics, afrocks, green 'condas.. because there are so few species that attain that kind of size.

Are you looking only at things that have the potential to break 150lbs? To any BP owner, a 30lb snake can sure seem huge.

Pick any species that reaches sizes over 30lbs, and I'm sure you can find individuals that are incredibly calm as well as individuals that come out swinging when you open their enclosure. There are no set rules for species personality, heck there was a thread started today asking about what to do regarding a ball python that was very defensive.

[MarkyMcFly]

See, i've always been told Burmese pythons tend to be nasty, but i'm pretty sure it was by a guy who just had a nasty Burmese.

[MarkyMcFly]

1) Define "big"
2) Are you limiting yourself to pythons, or are boas in the mix too?

You're limited in your options if you're looking at 'true giants' such as burms, retics, afrocks, green 'condas.. because there are so few species that attain that kind of size.

Are you looking only at things that have the potential to break 150lbs? To any BP owner, a 30lb snake can sure seem huge.

Pick any species that reaches sizes over 30lbs, and I'm sure you can find individuals that are incredibly calm as well as individuals that come out swinging when you open their enclosure. There are no set rules for species personality, heck there was a thread started today asking about what to do regarding a ball python that was very defensive.

Oh yeah, i'm sure any snake...as with any animal, can be very defensive. I assumed, when I asked, that this was going to be some what of an open ended question with no real right or wrong answers.

As far as size goes, I'm thinking anything 8 foot plus..I really dont know, no real limit on size either...this is also a long way down the road, just better to get prepared now I suppose

[MojaveLesser]

When it comes to temperament of a big snake I consider the Burms to be the easiest (excluding Boa Constrictors which I really don’t put in the "Big Snake" group as Burms, Retics, etc.). I have kept Burms, Retics, Rocks, and Yellow Annies and by far the easiest to train and "Tame" where Burms.

That being said I always acquired a baby of these species and raise them using the "Hook Training" method. I personally think not taking that precaution and of course not having a second person on hand to handle them when they are big is risky.

But if handled correctly and respected for what they are you can have a wonderful pet.

Of course they all have their own personalities.

[tcutting]

Burms are pretty good as they get use to the routine of things. Just remember they do have a big time feed response that makes some people say they are nasty. this is most obvious when they are younger. but like i said they can get accustom to handling pretty well in most cases. However you could consider other ones that aren’t Giants per say, such as boelens python, olivers etc but i am not sure on what the olives temper is like. Black heads can also be of a larger size and from my experience pretty good.

[Anatopism]

.Coastal carpets have the potential to get fairly large as well... but are not nearly as heavy bodied as a burm would be. Carpets have a reputation of being snappy as juveniles, but calm down once they're large enough for birds not to confuse them as worms

My experience with burms has been 1) as others have stated, very strong feeding response, and while they are typically kind of bumbly, they can react quickly to something they perceive as prey. 2) very good about handling, pretty easy going 3) only really cranky about being removed from the habitat...lots of hisses or body flails, but never any strikes.

[mumps]

When acquired as babys, and raised with proper handling techniques and with strict adherence to interaction guidelines, there are no snakes (at least non-venomous ones) that can not become calm, tractable adults.
Learning to "read" your animals as you open an enclosure can prepare you for what kind of mood they are in. Again, strict interaction guidelines should be followed. For example:

If I am feeding any snake, the prey (FT) is offered immediately upon opening the door. If not, I open the door and wait about a minute before offering my hand (as in, they start to come out and the first thing they smell is my hand). By ALWAYS following this procedure, the snake learns when to expect food and when not to. Same for animals that are fed in separate containers. Door (or lid) opens and it's either food or me. Once this practise is learned, I have had no bites in many, many years.

Chris

[MarkyMcFly]

So I just found a guy whos trying to get rid of an 11 foot albino Reticulated Python

He says its "super tame, never hissed or struck at me"

Comes with a great looking cage and everything, I don't know how much he wants for it yet.

I was kind of thinking of diving in to this, but i'm not certain