Welcome Wallace.

Vital Exotics "Wallace" arrived yesterday at 0930 central time. Hatch date, June 1, 2016.

I love the FED-X truck pulling into the drive. It brought me back a few years in time and reminded me of the excitement I had during my BC delivery. I have a nice little package in my possession! I usually have a "comfort bin" ready while I check new snakes out prior to placing them in their quarantine cage.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3559.jpg

The snake was and calm when I removed him from the box. I'm certainly no expert, but I learned a few things about early handling from the carpet python experience I had in 2014. I like my new snakes to secure themselves on a branch (if they are semi arboreal) and decide when they want to crawl on my hands instead of forcing the action. It seems to work as Wallace was eager to explore everything.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_1790.jpg

I like I-Phone pictures (they suck) to start with because they are easy and I can get them out quicker. I think the big eyes on these guys are really cool.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3563.jpg

I let him zip around for a bit and he seemed to be relaxed and stress free, although I'm not a small snake and could not tell you what he really felt like.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3565.jpg

I love the tiger pattern. He has some other genetics involved, but I'm not overly interested in them. I just love this look and would probably say it my favorite of all snake patterns.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_1795.jpg

A very knowledgable friend told my he didn't think this guy would hit 10 feet. That's about perfect IMO. Reptile Experts also reaffirmed, that with the proper feeding plan, this guy should be right in that ball park.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3567.jpg

I'll get some REAL pictures when I feel he is settled. He is eating small rats, and he has taken a few swipes at me since he's warmed up but once in hand, he is fine.. I love that "on your toes" feeling, as it keeps things interesting.

Thanks for checking out Wallace.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3572.jpg

Beautiful critter you have there Gio. I'm looking forward to seeing lots of pics as he grows. It's so cool to me to see them start out as little worms and grow into big beautiful beasties. Congrats!

Pretty boy, I can never get over how long they are even so young. The eyes are very intense. Will be awesome seeing him grow like a weed.

Thanks you two!

This is new territory but not my first rodeo.

Life is good! My son's royal even ate today.

4 or more snakes is a good number.

I'm already planning my next iconic enclosure.

I'll get some really nice pictures up when I get this guy settled in with the rest of the collection.

Vital Exotics is a really good spot to shop if you are looking into the smaller retics. Kris really does know his stuff!

"4 or more" leaves things pretty open lmao! I said no more last year, and no more this year too, now let's see if I can stick to it!

Feels so good when those picky eaters take it-totally understand that, I was ecstatic finally getting my bp swapped to frozen rats and he takes them great now. Down to one fussy eater at my place and even he took a ft this week and my new baby ate like a champ too. Nice when everything falls into place.


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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

"4 or more" leaves things pretty open lmao! I said no more last year, and no more this year too, now let's see if I can stick to it!

Feels so good when those picky eaters take it-totally understand that, I was ecstatic finally getting my bp swapped to frozen rats and he takes them great now. Down to one fussy eater at my place and even he took a ft this week and my new baby ate like a champ too. Nice when everything falls into place.


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Well said LOL!

Its never really the last one!!

Congrats! I really like the tigers, too, but don't have room for a second giant at my current place. These guys don't beat my love for boa constrictors, but they're definitely an interesting species to keep. :)

What a handsome little dude! Congrats on your new addition Gio, and on getting your picky eater eating :) I look forward to updates on Wallace.

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What a handsome little guy you got there :) he looks awesome! Tigers are my favorite! And I like his dark rich colors :)


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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

What a handsome little guy you got there :) he looks awesome! Tigers are my favorite! And I like his dark rich colors :)


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Thanks "Fitzy"!

I can do this all day LOL!
Proud daddy I am.

Kris at Vital is a busy guy and he had to deal with a lot of my questions. I'm NOT a huge buyer or big name breeder. I love the hobby and I genuinely love my small, diverse collection.

I think he sent me a very pretty boy here.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3598.jpg

I used to drool over patterns like this that came in the 7-10 foot range. Now,,,,, I have one for myself!

The tiger in this guy keeps his head pretty clean. It makes his eyes really pop. I'm hoping you can all see this guy in my care 10-20 (I know that's long) years from now.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3599.jpg

In speaking with a VERY knowledgable friend, I learned humidity can be quite important with retics. Not dripping, cage wall humidity, but the actual dew point moisture. Wallace is using a nice, mossy hide in his quarantine cage and it is proving to be an excellent tool to maintain his iridescence. You can also see the SD influence here. He has a lot of greens mixed into his pattern.

Mr. Rainbow. Love that coloring on his head!
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3600.jpg

One of the concerns I have and always have had with this species is size. I always see keepers post their "new reticulated python" just like I'm doing here. Sadly after a few years, I don't see a lot of reposts because things change. Usually because somebody stepped in a bit too deep.

I'm a well established adult, yet that still doesn't get me off the hook if Wallace ends up HUGE. I think Cody (Reptile-Experts) has broken up some of the myths and half truths about this species. I certainly would never have ventured into the retic world if I thought my chances of having a giant were high.

I have a backup plan if for some reason this guy ends up much larger than expected or wanted. This snake could out live me, but by that time both of my kids, who love snakes could and would care for my collection. In 3 years my son will likely be able to assist me with a large animal as well.

That said, as Cody has stated again and again; Buy from a trusted breeder, know the dwarf and SD percentages should you be seeking a smaller sized retic and look at males.

I'm rather optimistic that this particular snake will climb to my favorites list. There is no doubt. EVERY experienced, mature, solid keeper of this species raves about them.

I will continue to listen and learn from the experts and established keepers as that's why these boards exist.

At the moment, I'm still jumping up and down because I am so happy to have this guy.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3601.jpg

This has been a wonderful week for me! : )