SD Retic

So I have been thinking and debating. Since I was told I can't keep a SD Retic in a tub for its whole life, Can I keep it in a V-180 until its about 5-6 Foot, and then upgrade to a 6x2.? The V180 is 40"x31"x10"

I've just wanted a Retic of my own ever since I took care of one at my school many many years ago. I have experience with them. The one I took care of was a 16 foot normal female. She was very docile, and only bit me once. I accidentally stepped on her tail. So Ife I can keep it in a tub for say the first 2 years, I wouldn't mind getting a 4x2 later on

If you are going the SD route, I'd skip any kind of tub. Unless you are a breeder or space is really an issue.

Retics are extremely arboreal and enjoy climbing and perching. Obviously if you are dabbling in mainland animals, the arboreal part is probably not something most people can afford to do.

I find my SD X Dwarf X Mainland (only 18%) extremely active. I have two friends here who also had SD's, one pure and one a mix like mine. Both of those snakes were difficult keeps and both were placed. Their keepers felt cage size was important, and actually provided good sized enclosures. The pure SD was in a giant cage.

The pure SD was unfortunately a nightmare unfortunately and not all that small for a pure Kalatoa.

If you are just focusing on your own SD, why not give it some living space? They are excellent display animals and I think you'd enjoy seeing the smaller package display the wild behaviors they often show in captivity.

This cage is 6 feet wide, 2 feet tall and 30 inches deep. The snake is roughly 8-9 feet long.
https://i.imgur.com/l9oCIt0.jpg

With a pure SD, you could likely go 4 feet wide, 2 feet tall and 30 inches deep. I nice cage size for an active animal.


It doesn't get much better than seeing this action.
https://i.imgur.com/FJWTJW0.jpg

Honestly, this animal is about 50-50 arboreal and terrestrial. He is a real treat to watch.
https://i.imgur.com/GrYM26O.jpg

Just my two bits, but I'd do yourself a favor, and really the snake too, and focus on caging as part of the experience.

UNLESS, you are a breeder keeping several snakes or don't have the space.

However if you don't have the space maybe the species isn't the right choice?

Best of luck, I hope you get what you want.

At the given time of her size, I have my 75% kalatoa 12.5% jampea in a 4x2x2 with a shelf that spans across the back. She is 16 months old, bout 6 foot. Relatively new cage, so its bare at the moment. But you can see how much room she has. Shes never really used a hide so have none in there. Just going to be adding some vines, foliage and branches for her.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...b66ac2cb80.jpg

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gio

If you are going the SD route, I'd skip any kind of tub. Unless you are a breeder or space is really an issue.

Retics are extremely arboreal and enjoy climbing and perching. Obviously if you are dabbling in mainland animals, the arboreal part is probably not something most people can afford to do.

I find my SD X Dwarf X Mainland (only 18%) extremely active. I have two friends here who also had SD's, one pure and one a mix like mine. Both of those snakes were difficult keeps and both were placed. Their keepers felt cage size was important, and actually provided good sized enclosures. The pure SD was in a giant cage.

The pure SD was unfortunately a nightmare unfortunately and not all that small for a pure Kalatoa.

If you are just focusing on your own SD, why not give it some living space? They are excellent display animals and I think you'd enjoy seeing the smaller package display the wild behaviors they often show in captivity.

This cage is 6 feet wide, 2 feet tall and 30 inches deep. The snake is roughly 8-9 feet long.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/l9oCIt0.jpg

With a pure SD, you could likely go 4 feet wide, 2 feet tall and 30 inches deep. I nice cage size for an active animal.


It doesn't get much better than seeing this action.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/FJWTJW0.jpg

Honestly, this animal is about 50-50 arboreal and terrestrial. He is a real treat to watch.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/GrYM26O.jpg

Just my two bits, but I'd do yourself a favor, and really the snake too, and focus on caging as part of the experience.

UNLESS, you are a breeder keeping several snakes or don't have the space.

However if you don't have the space maybe the species isn't the right choice?

Best of luck, I hope you get what you want.

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This is something I completely agree with. I feel it is a quality of life thing for an intelligent species that is active and enjoys climbing, swimming, and exploring from time to time.

OP,

If you are really serious on a SD retic then my suggestion to you would be to get in contact with Garrett Hartle of Reach Out Reptiles. He specializes in SD and SD crosses and is a wealth of information

Quote:

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Originally Posted by asplundii

OP,

If you are really serious on a SD retic then my suggestion to you would be to get in contact with Garrett Hartle of Reach Out Reptiles. He specializes in SD and SD crosses and is a wealth of information

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yes, please contact Garrett. SUPER nice guy and will tell you straight up how to keep a SD retic. then follow-up with a purchase from him. beautful healthy animals.

SD are all different, you might get one that pushes is the main issue and smashes his face up.
My 2yr old male dwarf X SD is in a 5*2*2 and 6+ft long, he weighs 1000g.

Well I spoke to my GF about this, and when I mentioned theres a possibility of getting one that gets to 12-13Ft She said No Go. So for now the Retic is on hold. I'm hoping that after a few years with my Bloods and other species I plan on getting that she will warm up to the idea. If not. thats ok too.

When I previously spoke with her I had mentioned they get much larger, but she didn't understand how long. When I specified 13' she said no way. Its better to find out now, then to have a 12' retic with no where to live.