Dwarf/SD Retics

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Originally Posted by warman0712

What would I get if I want a snake that gets over full grown female ball python size but under a full grown retic or burm? How big do SD's get and how big do Dwarfs get? Also what are there prices as baby's for SD's and D's?I want something different than a carpet python but also a bit bigger. Thanks.

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"Dwarf" retics are certainly capable of getting bigger than the biggest of carpet pythons. I've seen a vid of a jampea dwarf retic that gives many 4 or 5 year old burms a run for their money.

Pure SDs don't get much bigger than 8 feet for females, 6 feet for males. On top of that they stay pretty darn skinny. A mature male SD retic might very well be outweighed by many large female BPs.

Crosses made between SDs and dwarves and mainlands (usually for the purpose of morph genes from mainlands to mix with the size of smaller locality retics) can be pretty variable, but if you find something with 50% or more SD in it you'll likely end up with a manageable snake.

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Originally Posted by pitsandpythons

To those who have SD's...

Do you have to ever use a hook with them? Are there any hints when trying to tame a more aggresive SD? I'm probably gonna be picking one up in the near future...

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IMO it's a good idea to hook train any snake that has a strong feeding response. Removing a snake from your hand during a feeding response bite, even on a reasonable sized snake, can not only be painful, but stressful on the snake.

[QUOTE=mainbutter;1215774]IMO it's a good idea to hook train any snake that has a strong feeding response. Removing a snake from your hand during a feeding response bite, even on a reasonable sized snake, can not only be painful, but stressful on the snake.[/QUOTE]

What is your suggestion if this happens...I've heard a plethora of suggestions, but the main one seems to be stay calm...The rest has been a variety from spraying, forcing or just leaving...

If your SD was to ever bite you then just stay calm. DONT rip them off of you. You will end up really injuring your snake. I was bitten by my SD on the hand and he let go as fast as he struck.

I might be getting a Dwarf that has maxed out at 10'...What size cage should I house her in? I was told I could get by in a 5' cage, but 6' is optimal and a 4' cage would be pushing the small limits?

For the SD's would a 5' cage also work? I'm really trying to save some $$ and avoid the cost of a 6' cage(s)...:(

Sorry for the repetitive question...I couldn't find a good answer using the search...

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Originally Posted by pitsandpythons

What is your suggestion if this happens...I've heard a plethora of suggestions, but the main one seems to be stay calm...The rest has been a variety from spraying, forcing or just leaving...

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1) stay calm

2) try everything you've heard that doesn't hurt the snake. Water, listerine, and waiting are generally preferred.

I've heard of some snakes that aren't really even that big (full sized SD retic sized) taking up to 30-45 minutes to release when they're particularly willful about staying attached.

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I might be getting a Dwarf that has maxed out at 10'...What size cage should I house her in? I was told I could get by in a 5' cage, but 6' is optimal and a 4' cage would be pushing the small limits?

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If you want an SD i would suggest you go with a hatchling or at most a yearling. Growing with the snake will help you learn and deal with the bigger size of that snake.

As for cage size if your going to have a 10' snake i would go with the 5' enclosure. That is assuming the depth is at least 2'. My SD male will be in a 4x2 enclosure for his life. That 8 square feet is plenty for him. If you buy a true 100% SD then a 4' cage would be fine. I just got mine 4x2's from repti-racks and ill be getting a rack in this thursday. They are great there. Amazing customer service. Most of the time you get a reply to your email in 5-10 minutes. And the product is great. I couldnt be happier. :D