New burm?

[Derekroth91]

I've been thinking about getting a Burmese python. I know they get to be big boys I've had a few ball pythons and other reptiles for a little over a year but I just love snakes more than any other reptile. I realize they can be quite some work but I don't think of other reptiles until all the ones I have have been happy and healthy for quite some time. So husbandry cage size feeding schedule and any other ideas or comments would be great! Thanks!

[TheSnakeGuy]

Having a burm is a future dream of mine. I'm sure you've done your homework as far as taking care of it. I say just make sure your home and all the people in it can accommodate the animal's full grown size.

[Derekroth91]

One thing that's great about this forum is there is so much to read and learn. If you know of any reputable breeders of pythons in general, not just Burma specifically I would much appreciate it

[reptileexperts]

Really depends on what you want for where to go breeder wise. Burmese Pythons are a controlled Species in the US and most states require some kind of permit. Check your local laws before going too much deeper as well as city ordinances if you are within your cities limits, further check state laws - Example: Louisiana has a 8' snake law that you can not own a snake longer than 8' without a proper permit issued by the state. You can have a baby burmese and it's not "illegal" technically, but once it hits 8' it will be.

Caging can be done easily or roughly. If you get a male you can house him in a 6'x3'x1.5' cage his entire life, I would rec going with an animal plastics, or Vision 632 / 622 for one of them. A female burm can be kept and raised in a Vision 632 its entire life as well keeping that you do not over feed it. You can get these directly through vision. Caging is around 560 + 150 for shipping. Add in another 120 for a t-stat, and 90 for a RHP and 20 for an UTH. So be prepared to spend JUST that on caging along for an adult. But that's down the road.

Food is your next issue. Do you have access to rabbits? Because Burmese on Rats will get VERY expensive. They will need a LOT of rats. You can buy frozen, and it's not too bad. Less than $10 a meal. But they will need to eat this kind of meal every 14-21 days to be on a healthy schedule. Males will eat less, but females will eat more. It may even require 2 rabbits when it gets large enough, or a rabbit a week. So figure in another $520 a year per Burmese in food cost alone if you plan to buy from a frozen supplier.

Going from a BP to a Burm is a HUGE jump. I'm not here to judge, just here to point you in the best direction for you. I would highly suggest you get something like a Boa (BCC or BCI) if you want the next step up. These can get to monster sizes (about 10' of strong muscle) and are what most would call the intermediate snake. IF you do not have a second person that can always be there when you need to clean / feed. Do NOT get a burmese for your own safety. Two people are needed at the least for an adult girl. Boy's are debatable, but make sure you have a check in system at the least!

Anything else Just ask. What state are you in?

[dragonboy4578]

I have owned burms in the past. It can be very rewarding to watch your little worm grow into a monster. With that said they are a huge responsibility. With snakes that large you never really know what can happen. I have had them break out of their enclosures and found them sleeping in my bed....lol Just make sure that you do tons of research, and as stated before make sure that you will always have at least one person that is good with snakes around to help with feeding and cleaning once they get larger. My rule was anything over 10 foot required 1 person and for every 5 foot over 10 I would have another person. I never had an issue, but I'd rather be prepared for the worse.

[Derekroth91]

I live in Ohio and i realize it is quite jump. I have been trying to find reliable food sources for rabbits (as mice and rats are no problem) I haven't checked laws and permits yet as I might be moving within the next year or year and a half (which could be out of state but not far because i live ver close to mihigan and indiana and To me I would consider that the near future) I have a girlfriend who is very reliable on the care of reptiles, and she (and I) realize that a burm is far from a ball. A beautiful pet to care for an take care of but also a VERY dangerous animal. we will not be splitting up. But I have friends that aren't afraid to get they're hands dirty for cleaning/feeding and safety if the problem arises. Another reason I'm waiting is to get the cage temps humidity and everything setup and regulated before I get the snake. Money isn't a concern. And I am mostly interested for the reward of keeping him/her to a full grown python. I have considered a red tail boa and am still weighing considerations since I know more about pythons than any other reptile(or animal or that matter) and don't know if a boa would be a huge change in care. I am considering breeding a few pythons (very low scale, 7 to 8 balls max) since many of my friends love the ones I have. And also for sheer awesomeness of hatching baby balls. That's more to show that I don't just think they're cool for a month or two and drop em but snakes are a passion to me. And I do realize the commitment it is to get one and take care of it. The only thing I'm worried about is getting a healthy baby burm. As I am still new to the "buying" o reptiles but I do have a basic to intermediate understanding of their needs and diseases and infections heat and humidity, husbandry and that sort of thing. But one IS written in stone, once any animal, be it a reptile dog car turtle lizard I will stop at nothin to keep it healthy happy and my safety 100%

[C&H Exotic Morphs]

I live in Ohio and i realize it is quite jump. I have been trying to find reliable food sources for rabbits (as mice and rats are no problem) I haven't checked laws and permits yet as I might be moving within the next year or year and a half (which could be out of state but not far because i live ver close to mihigan and indiana and To me I would consider that the near future)

The stuff I highlighted in Red pretty much means you can't and shouldn't get a Burm.
Ohio just passed some of the most strict exotic pet laws in the country. And large constrictors were a part of it. I don't remember the exact details, but hopefully someone else can help with them.
As far as moving goes you cannot transport Burms across state lines. It is a federal offense under the Lacey Act.

Edit:
As far as the Ohio laws go, you can still purchase large constrictors, but anything that will get to over 12' you have to get a permit for.

[reptileexperts]

^ that x2. If you even think you might move out of state don't even start to put the ground work in for a Burmese. Take the time to do the research. Transporting a Burmese across state lines is not just a slap on the wrist misdemenor, it is a felony under the lacy act, something that makes the entire reptile community look bad, and just not a smart idea to try and break . . . Ohio did pass strict laws. Double check with your state wildlife page and see what's been updated, I'm fairly positive they have a permit system in place.

[Derekroth91]

Which is why I'm waiting til after I move. These laws and permit requirements play a part in where I will move to

[Derekroth91]

And as far the setup I want to construct it is just that. A setup to see if I can get everything right. I will not be actually buying my burm til I have moved. Whether it be to another state or not depends on a few things but a big concern is the laws and permits I will probably need to acquire.