To get a burm or not, that is the question

Why beg to get a Boa first? It's a bit non-sensical to me. Buy a snake solely for "experience"...things like that are what supports the disposable pet trade. Personally if you want one, get one. Read as much as you can, talk to as many experienced keepers as you can...and if possible, try and get some hands on with them. The biggest thing with Burms is their temperment...they're so laid back compared to other giants its not even funny...but that "relaxed" feel and attitude makes you underestimate their strength and lulls you into a false sense of security...don't let it happen. Its a big flaw that could get you hurt.

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Originally Posted by HadesBP18

This is kind of late, but unlike Judy I have no experience with Burms. If you only have experience with a Ball Python, could I please beg you to get a Boa first? I'm not saying it is impossible or reckless to go from a BP to a Burm, but I am partial to big snakes as well. I've wanted a Burm for a long time, but I am so glad I decided to move the next step up and get a Boa. He's 5'5" and his strength is out of this world. If I went from a BP to a Burm...I can't even imagine.

I've heard some crazy horror stories from some very experienced Burm keepers. They are great snakes, but demand tremendous amounts of respect and an overall experience with snakes as a whole. If you hate the idea of getting a Boa or something of equal size then please consider, as others have suggested, getting some experience first hand. Learn procedures for feeding and what to do if you are bitten or constricted. It could save your life someday and prevent the rest of the hobby from suffering another "Burm kills/hurts owner" story. Thanks and good luck!

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Well, if he buys a boa and doesn't get attached to it then I would question his humanity. The sense of it is because you get to feel what it's like to have a snake with some real power behind it. That is what I did and I can tell you I've learned a lot from it. As you can see I haven't "disposed" of my snake. I think it is a good idea to get experience with a snake just as laid back as Burms, but not as large.

It depends on where he lives I suppose. But I know here I would never be able to find someone with a Burm, let alone who would be willing to teach me about them. Even if he could find someone with a big boa.

So yes, there is a point. Get experience with larger snakes before you move to extra large. Going from a Ball Python to a Burm is nonsensical to me. I would never do it. I have too much respect for the big snakes to risk harming them or myself.

If you are serious about getting a burm, I would start with a hatching and grow with it. You can afford to get bit a few times when they are small. As they grow, your experience at handling them will grow. The financial demands can be one thing to consider too. The enclosure, to me, is not the most expensive thing. I believe and adult burm could live in an 8'x31"x4' enclosure. I keep my temps about 90 to 92 on the hot side with 50% to 60% humidity. The most costly thing is the food. When they are small, rats are fine, but when they hit 10 to 12 feet, then rabbits are on the menu. I'm lucky to have a rabbit breeder close to me the breeds them for the meat. My albino burm is about 12 feet and eating a 6 to 7 lb rabbit every 2 weeks. I NEVER handle or feed alone. Burms are very laid back, but when feeding mode clicks in, they can get VERY aggressive.
Owning a burm is a huge responsibilty. The one I have is a "rescue" and it is the only giant I will have.
Doing the research before hand is a wise thing to do. Many states and cities are banning them, so you may need to check and see if they are banned in yoiur area.

Heres a pretty good website. http://www.albinoburmese.com/

Also, you might want to check out some rescue organizations rather then buying one. There are often plenty of burms available depending on where you look.

Mark

Thank you all for your input. Please understand that I am not new to reptiles. I have grown up around them. I have had a RTB before, and a few others. The ball python is not first and deffinently not the hardest animal I have cared for. If I come off a little unexperienced it is only because I am trying to be humble, I know there are many many people here much more experienced than I. This is the first real giant that I will be takeing care of, so I appreciate all the advice.

I was down at the reptile store yesterday. The guy that owns it is a pretty cool guy. I told him about my urge to do this, and he took me over to his 10 footer on display. He and another worker got it out, they told me to come to the middle and hold it. Once again I was reminded at how amazing these creatures are.

I will look into getting an abondoned one first if i can't then it will be a baby i go for. I understand everyones concern but I wont let you down. <== Hella corny. :rockon:

Once again there is no point in going from "large snake" to "extra large snake". Every species is different. They act differently, react differently, have different requirements etc. Even among individuals they act differently. Buying a Boa will not prepare you for a Burm, just as buying a Burm will not prepare you for a Retic...same as reading a care sheet. It can only give you a generalistic idea....something that isn't too important. Only way to get experience or "prepare" for one is to either buy one and raise it, or work with on first hand. He is not going to just buy an adult right off the bat. Hatchlings take time to raise. At that, they don't just "blow up" in size like some believe...they do grow at a rapid rate, but not what most believe...

Honestly, if you have no experience with Burms, or any other giants...then why give your opinion on them when you don't know what they are or are not capable of? Just a question I'm curious about....

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Originally Posted by HadesBP18

Well, if he buys a boa and doesn't get attached to it then I would question his humanity. The sense of it is because you get to feel what it's like to have a snake with some real power behind it. That is what I did and I can tell you I've learned a lot from it. As you can see I haven't "disposed" of my snake. I think it is a good idea to get experience with a snake just as laid back as Burms, but not as large.

It depends on where he lives I suppose. But I know here I would never be able to find someone with a Burm, let alone who would be willing to teach me about them. Even if he could find someone with a big boa.

So yes, there is a point. Get experience with larger snakes before you move to extra large. Going from a Ball Python to a Burm is nonsensical to me. I would never do it. I have too much respect for the big snakes to risk harming them or myself.

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Apparently you are neglecting to see the point. Never have I said RTBs are anything like Burms. The point is the size. It is so you can get an idea of the SIZE. It's not so you can be prepared to understand everything there is about Burms. It's so you can understand how different even a 5 foot snake is from a BP. Is there anything else you need clarification on? And I also believe I clearly stated I had no experience, I was just merely giving my opinion/advice in a thoughtful manner. Never did I try to give opinions on the care or husbandry of giant snakes. Perhaps you should gather all facts before writing me off. The forums are for opinions so I gave mine. There is no use in being snotty about it. But I thank you for your opinions as well.

ANYWAYS, I'm sorry I misdjudged your experience with snakes. Actually, that was really the only reason I gave my opinion about getting an RTB first. I'm glad you understand how much work these big guys are (I know I don't know first hand, which means I'm useless...right?). Good luck and let us know how you make out!

Never was I snotty about it, and I believe your the one who neglects to gather any facts stated...


Let me clarify this once again....Size isn't the only factor here. Strength, and their feeding response is what needs to be looked at. Once again, B. c. i.'s aren't nearly as strong as the Burmese Python, nor the other giant's. Their feeding response is out of this world. Things that need to be taken into consideration. The reason I had "written you off" is because your recommending him buy a one species to gain experience for another. In my opinion as an experienced giant keeper....I'd say its very nonsensical and rediculous. Anything else you'd like me to clear up bub?

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Originally Posted by HadesBP18

Apparently you are neglecting to see the point. Never have I said RTBs are anything like Burms. The point is the size. It is so you can get an idea of the SIZE. It's not so you can be prepared to understand everything there is about Burms. It's so you can understand how different even a 5 foot snake is from a BP. Is there anything else you need clarification on? And I also believe I clearly stated I had no experience, I was just merely giving my opinion/advice in a thoughtful manner. Never did I try to give opinions on the care or husbandry of giant snakes. Perhaps you should gather all facts before writing me off. The forums are for opinions so I gave mine. There is no use in being snotty about it. But I thank you for your opinions as well.

ANYWAYS, I'm sorry I misdjudged your experience with snakes. Actually, that was really the only reason I gave my opinion about getting an RTB first. I'm glad you understand how much work these big guys are (I know I don't know first hand, which means I'm useless...right?). Good luck and let us know how you make out!

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

Let me clarify this once again....Size isn't the only factor here. Strength, and their feeding response is what needs to be looked at. Once again, B. c. i.'s aren't nearly as strong as the Burmese Python, nor the other giant's. Their feeding response is out of this world. Things that need to be taken into consideration.

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Agreed.

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

Let me clarify this once again....Size isn't the only factor here. Strength, and their feeding response is what needs to be looked at. Once again, B. c. i.'s aren't nearly as strong as the Burmese Python, nor the other giant's. Their feeding response is out of this world. Things that need to be taken into consideration. The reason I had "written you off" is because your recommending him buy a one species to gain experience for another. In my opinion as an experienced giant keeper....I'd say its very nonsensical and rediculous. Anything else you'd like me to clear up bub?

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But did I ever say anywhere that I was trying to give advice on feeding responses? But you were right on the strength factor! That was what I was trying to get at. My advice had nothing to do with learning about Burms' feeding responses or their temperment or anything. Because as you blatantly stated, I have no knowledge on that. I think that is where you are confused and putting words in my mouth.

The only thing I was trying to get at, was the size. Ignore the fact the boa is a boa and the burm is a burm. Size is simply size. Take two snakes of different species, of relatively same body build, and of the same size and tell me that they wouldn't have relatively the same strength? That was what I was trying to suggest. I realize you don't agree, but I suppose there is no more point of going back and forth about it. I just wanted you to understand what I am trying to say. If I ever do decide to get a Burm, I'll feel a lot more comfortable dealing with them now that I've had experience with my Boa. Not saying that's the only road to take, but I think it has worked well for me. If I ever decide to get into Giants, I'd be more than willing to come to you for advice on feeding responses and temperment :)