I Want A Burm But Eh....

I want a Burmese but am scared of having one now that all the stories I have heard. Just a few questions:

How big can Burms get in 1 year? (I have heard anywhere from 10-12 is that true?)
Are they agressive? (I would mostly be feeding the Burm(s) in a seperate cage but here they are always looking for food.)
What sized enclosure is good for them?

I am doing research but am hearing different from different people. Thats why I asked my second family for help!;)

Daniel

I would be prepared to handle/care for one at its full size at any point in time that you own one. If you're worried that it might get that big in a year, then don't purchase one till you are ready for it to be that big.
But to answer your question more directly, snakes grow as fast as you feed them. It's certainly possible if you feed them lots, but probably not typical. Also remember there's a big difference in size between a male and a female.

No snake is aggressive. They bite out of fear or because they think your food. If a ball python gets you, it doesn't hurt in the slightest. If one of those guys gets you it sure and hell will. Your snake won't be out to get you, but don't dismiss the possiblity of ever getting bit, mostly likely it will happen at some point.

People argue about enclosure size for any snake. Personal preference really. I go for the cage length+width to be the length of the snake as a minimum.

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Originally Posted by Aeries

I would be prepared to handle/care for one at its full size at any point in time that you own one. If you're worried that it might get that big in a year, then don't purchase one till you are ready for it to be that big.
But to answer your question more directly, snakes grow as fast as you feed them. It's certainly possible if you feed them lots, but probably not typical. Also remember there's a big difference in size between a male and a female.

No snake is aggressive. They bite out of fear or because they think your food. If a ball python gets you, it doesn't hurt in the slightest. If one of those guys gets you it sure and hell will. Your snake won't be out to get you, but don't dismiss the possiblity of ever getting bit, mostly likely it will happen at some point.

People argue about enclosure size for any snake. Personal preference really. I go for the cage length+width to be the length of the snake as a minimum.

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Thanks for the help!

Daniel

You should NEVER feed a giant constrictor outside of its cage... you are just asking for trouble trying to move a huge snake that has just fed and is still in feeding mode... and how old are you again? How do your parents feel about having a giant in their house? It might be a good idea to either wait until you are on your own and able to have a giant, or make sure that you have your parents approval and support no matter what. Personally, I think you should wait and do TONS of research and hands on work with a giant before diving head first into it. Good luck!

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Originally Posted by aaramire

You should NEVER feed a giant constrictor outside of its cage... you are just asking for trouble trying to move a huge snake that has just fed and is still in feeding mode... and how old are you again? How do your parents feel about having a giant in their house? It might be a good idea to either wait until you are on your own and able to have a giant, or make sure that you have your parents approval and support no matter what. Personally, I think you should wait and do TONS of research and hands on work with a giant before diving head first into it. Good luck!

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Umm... I said I was doing research and was just wondering if you could answer any of the questions I had. My parent do approve.

Daniel

Daniel,
They can reach those lengths in a year but usually that with someone trying to hurry and get it big enough to breed. Usually with pet burms they reach around 6-9 feet in a year. I also feed all mine in the enclosures as I feel its much more dangerous moving a large snake thats in feeding mode. Your parents may approve now but may change there mind when you have a 14 foot animal that leaves elephant size poo in there house. Or when they can walk into the house and smell that the snake just pee'd.
There amazing animals and I love mine to death and would not trade them for the world but they are not for everyone.

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Originally Posted by Denial

Daniel,
They can reach those lengths in a year but usually that with someone trying to hurry and get it big enough to breed. Usually with pet burms they reach around 6-9 feet in a year. I also feed all mine in the enclosures as I feel its much more dangerous moving a large snake thats in feeding mode. Your parents may approve now but may change there mind when you have a 14 foot animal that leaves elephant size poo in there house. Or when they can walk into the house and smell that the snake just pee'd.
There amazing animals and I love mine to death and would not trade them for the world but they are not for everyone.

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Thanks alot,

I got my own snake room. It is seperate from the house, so thats a plus.

Daniel

I just noticed your address too. Make sure you're aware of your bylaws. Unless you live in the boonys, almost all cities in Ontario have laws against keeping snakes that get over 9ft.

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Originally Posted by Aeries

I just noticed your address too. Make sure you're aware of your bylaws. Unless you live in the boonys, almost all cities in Ontario have laws against keeping snakes that get over 9ft.

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Thanks alot. I am safe though;)

Daniel

My female is a little over a year old and she is 6-6 1/2 ft. That's with a regular once a week feeding schedule. If you're going to get one get it as young as possible. Handle daily, even if it's only for 5 minutes. That will get it used to being handled. You might get bit a few times but better to be bit by a one footer than a 10 footer. Oh, and invest in a snake hook.