Do I really want a Rock Python???

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Originally Posted by jim020cricket

Big snake, big attitude, big EVERYTHING! I'd go with Ed's simple answer....NO Way!

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I think a lot of people wuld say that

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Originally Posted by uro1001

this is coming from someone who deals with mostly ball pythons? is that a steriotype? africans are not as nice as indians but mines a sweetie(sometimes hehe) rocks are like pitbulls,they look mean and people dont like them. if you want a large snake go for it. if you dont want a possible pissy snake dont.

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It is coming from someone who is very very smart. Not all afrocks and bums, and anysnake for that matter is "a sweetie".

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Originally Posted by mousch

I only have one Ball Python, but from what I've read about Afrocks, if you aren't stamping to get one and dream about them every night, you are not going to want to put up with their temper and their upkeep.

I think if you're flipflopping about the ownership of an african rock python, you're probably not going to be its best home.. You have to be prepared to devote a room of your house, a WHOLE LOT of freezer space, a lot of time, and the time of another keeper. It's a big decision to make!

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I am no expert on afrocks, but a whole room is not needed for even a 20 foot snake.

I really don't have much time right now to post due to a family emergency. I'm back in Ohio right now, waiting to go to school so I have a little time on my hands right now...so I'll help you:)

Much is debated on the AfRocks aggressiveness, and general handleability. In my opinion, a CBB African Rock makes a wonderful captive, if your prepared. Unlike the Burms and other Rock Pythons; you need to handle this species with confidence without being overly cocky about it. Hesitation and a general nervousness while handling the species can cause some problems. As well as making you nearvous and uneasy about it, it can very well make an uneasy situation for the snake causing it to react with defensiveness. Handle the snake gently but confidently and you will be alright. When you handle the animal, Do Not Restrain It. AfRocks can and will take this as a threat to them, and retaliate. This will break trust and cause problems with taming the animal down...
Unlike Burms which calm down fast and become tractable relaxed captives, the AfRock takes some time to build some trust with but they make for one of the most rewarding captives. The snake isn't going to tame overnight, or just like that; it takes time and lots of bandaids :P There is a flaw with the AfRocks in a way....its commonly mistaken for aggression, when really it isn't. They have a tendency to flip on you from time to time. Every now and then they get in a bad mood...all snakes do. With AfRocks, they don't display this right away. They won't come racing out of the cage, mouth wide open. What happens is when the animal is removed from the cage it will appear to remain calm and such, and in a split second/heartbeat, its the snake you regret picking up that day. You need to watch for this. After keeping the species, or even individual for a period of time, you learn to read their movements and reactions and get atleast a hint of what kind of mood they're in that day. Simple misconception is that these snakes are overly aggressive. They're not. African Rocks grow slower than Burms and Retics as well. They hatch out at roughly 16-18" long, where as Burmese Pythons and Retics hatch out longer. They hit on average, 5-7' by their first year, and grow at a fairly steady rate. African Rocks average out at 9-13' for males, and 14-16' for females. There are exceptions to this, and you may wind up with a larger animal. It takes time and patience with these animals...they are nothing to take lightly, but after that hard work; this would be a proud part of your collection. Compare them to a Burmese Python on speed...they're constantly on the move when pulled out of their enclosure ;)...

Yes Burmese Pythons are a species of Rock Pythons, but every species is different...and really every individual snake is different. To treat an animal as a species, rather than an individual is pure ignorance, and to speak of them as such is more so when it comes to their attitude, behavior on a personal level, and tractability when it comes to a handling session or 'aggressiveness'. In my opinion, if you want the snake, take the snake in. If your having doubts or are worrysome about if you'll be successfull or not, then don't. You can't expect to own a Burm, and be ready for a Retic; or own a Retic and be ready for an AfRock. Simply put, to gain experience for the species, you need to work with the species first hand. Every species is different. Personally if you feel comfortable with owning this animal, go for it. It is also a bad rumor, that I'd like to know who started :P Giant Pythons don't need as much room as people think. A 6' x 2' x 3' enclosure would do perfectly for an average male, and an 8' x 2' x 3' enclosure would suit a female as well. Large rooms or closets are undesireable for giants, and can cause a myriad of problems. African Rocks are highly profficient ambush predators, and are generally inactive most of the time. Majority of their time is spend lying coiled up.

As for the room enclosure...First off, the heat and humidity. It's somewhat difficult and gets expensive to keep the heat and humidity at proper and safe levels for the animal. Too much can be as detrimental as too little. This species is very sensitive to sudden fluctuations in either as well, which can cause stress and illness. Second would be making the room snake proof. Rock Pythons are very strong animals, and you'd want to make sure they can't pop a vent out, or push a door open. After all this you need to set this up months ahead of time to get everything at the ideal level for the snake. The high humidity can very well rott the room out. If its plaster walls, or drywalls, you can say goodbye to them holding up. In my opinion, much better for both the animal and you to keep them in a proper sized enclosure. More room isn't always best ;)

If you want to take this animal in, I am going to PM you my phone number, so I can help you a little more and faster....that if you'd need help with anything, or need me to walk you through anything all you'd have to do is call :)

@Uro1001- where are you getting your information from? Indians are a bit harder to work with than other common giant species. I'd compare them to an almost equal level of difficulty as the AfRock. AfRocks aren't an easy species to keep either. They are very sensitive to temperature changes and humidity fluctuations, as well.

Well there's my little slur of words :P I apologize for how slopping and mixed up it is right now. I really couldn't think of how to type it out as I'm not going through the best situation right now, but I can help out if you want to take the animal in, or possibly work with the species in the future. This will probably be the last time I get to hit up the forums for a long while, so shoot me a call ;)

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

I really don't have much time right now to post due to a family emergency. I'm back in Ohio right now, waiting to go to school so I have a little time on my hands right now...so I'll help you:)

Much is debated on the AfRocks aggressiveness, and general handleability. In my opinion, a CBB African Rock makes a wonderful captive, if your prepared. Unlike the Burms and other Rock Pythons; you need to handle this species with confidence without being overly cocky about it. Hesitation and a general nervousness while handling the species can cause some problems. As well as making you nearvous and uneasy about it, it can very well make an uneasy situation for the snake causing it to react with defensiveness. Handle the snake gently but confidently and you will be alright. When you handle the animal, Do Not Restrain It. AfRocks can and will take this as a threat to them, and retaliate. This will break trust and cause problems with taming the animal down...
Unlike Burms which calm down fast and become tractable relaxed captives, the AfRock takes some time to build some trust with but they make for one of the most rewarding captives. The snake isn't going to tame overnight, or just like that; it takes time and lots of bandaids :P There is a flaw with the AfRocks in a way....its commonly mistaken for aggression, when really it isn't. They have a tendency to flip on you from time to time. Every now and then they get in a bad mood...all snakes do. With AfRocks, they don't display this right away. They won't come racing out of the cage, mouth wide open. What happens is when the animal is removed from the cage it will appear to remain calm and such, and in a split second/heartbeat, its the snake you regret picking up that day. You need to watch for this. After keeping the species, or even individual for a period of time, you learn to read their movements and reactions and get atleast a hint of what kind of mood they're in that day. Simple misconception is that these snakes are overly aggressive. They're not. African Rocks grow slower than Burms and Retics as well. They hatch out at roughly 16-18" long, where as Burmese Pythons and Retics hatch out longer. They hit on average, 5-7' by their first year, and grow at a fairly steady rate. African Rocks average out at 9-13' for males, and 14-16' for females. There are exceptions to this, and you may wind up with a larger animal. It takes time and patience with these animals...they are nothing to take lightly, but after that hard work; this would be a proud part of your collection. Compare them to a Burmese Python on speed...they're constantly on the move when pulled out of their enclosure ;)...

Yes Burmese Pythons are a species of Rock Pythons, but every species is different...and really every individual snake is different. To treat an animal as a species, rather than an individual is pure ignorance, and to speak of them as such is more so when it comes to their attitude, behavior on a personal level, and tractability when it comes to a handling session or 'aggressiveness'. In my opinion, if you want the snake, take the snake in. If your having doubts or are worrysome about if you'll be successfull or not, then don't. You can't expect to own a Burm, and be ready for a Retic; or own a Retic and be ready for an AfRock. Simply put, to gain experience for the species, you need to work with the species first hand. Every species is different. Personally if you feel comfortable with owning this animal, go for it. It is also a bad rumor, that I'd like to know who started :P Giant Pythons don't need as much room as people think. A 6' x 2' x 3' enclosure would do perfectly for an average male, and an 8' x 2' x 3' enclosure would suit a female as well. Large rooms or closets are undesireable for giants, and can cause a myriad of problems. African Rocks are highly profficient ambush predators, and are generally inactive most of the time. Majority of their time is spend lying coiled up.

As for the room enclosure...First off, the heat and humidity. It's somewhat difficult and gets expensive to keep the heat and humidity at proper and safe levels for the animal. Too much can be as detrimental as too little. This species is very sensitive to sudden fluctuations in either as well, which can cause stress and illness. Second would be making the room snake proof. Rock Pythons are very strong animals, and you'd want to make sure they can't pop a vent out, or push a door open. After all this you need to set this up months ahead of time to get everything at the ideal level for the snake. The high humidity can very well rott the room out. If its plaster walls, or drywalls, you can say goodbye to them holding up. In my opinion, much better for both the animal and you to keep them in a proper sized enclosure. More room isn't always best ;)

If you want to take this animal in, I am going to PM you my phone number, so I can help you a little more and faster....that if you'd need help with anything, or need me to walk you through anything all you'd have to do is call :)

@Uro1001- where are you getting your information from? Indians are a bit harder to work with than other common giant species. I'd compare them to an almost equal level of difficulty as the AfRock. AfRocks aren't an easy species to keep either. They are very sensitive to temperature changes and humidity fluctuations, as well.

Well there's my little slur of words :P I apologize for how slopping and mixed up it is right now. I really couldn't think of how to type it out as I'm not going through the best situation right now, but I can help out if you want to take the animal in, or possibly work with the species in the future. This will probably be the last time I get to hit up the forums for a long while, so shoot me a call ;)

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Say it like it is brother.:rockon:

Jeff I speak from experience here! I produced 100's of baby burmese pythons every year in the late 80's and early 90's and had some afrocks that I was raising up for future breeders and decieded after a short time I did not like their attitude and did not think they were a suitable pet snake. and I sold them off because of their unpredictable behavior. and I still would not recommend an afrock as a pet, their are better choices for someone that wants a big snake. :)

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Originally Posted by uro1001

this is coming from someone who deals with mostly ball pythons? is that a steriotype? africans are not as nice as indians but mines a sweetie(sometimes hehe) rocks are like pitbulls,they look mean and people dont like them. if you want a large snake go for it. if you dont want a possible pissy snake dont.

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Very good thought... Thank You

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

I'd sit back and do a bit of thinking on this. Don't ask yourself if *_you_ really want* a rock, but do think on *if _you_ are ready to own a rock now and when it gets to be adult size...may hit 20+ feet *. Are you going to be able to house this snake when it gets bigger, feeding bill, vet trips, heating, etc. It will be very very hard to place this snake in a new home once it gets to be adult size. I know of people who have just let their burms go when they hit 10-12 feet because not a lot of people are willing to take on a big snake like that. I'd really really really think about all of these things before jumping on and owning one.

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Very good thought... My goal is to make sure that it gets away from the home that it is in and into a home that it will be happy... Some stupid sold it as a first pet to a kid who had NO experience and then that kid sold it to another kid who has NO experience!!!! SOOO Stupid!!!!

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Originally Posted by stangs13

Man I wish Andrew were here!!:mad: He could help you out. I really don't want to know what that kid will do if he doesn't find a home for that snake... but I don't want you to get it if your not ready..

I know!! Tell him to contact the zoo!!! They dont have an afrock!! If I had the experiance, I would take him in, maybe at the small size, I could? I can keep it till I get ahold of andrew, andrew might take him in.:rockon:

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I want to thank you for your time and effort in this thread... This is a little 3' guy who needs the attention and devotion of someone who is devoted to his happiness... I am afraid I do not have time for him but PM me if you would like to have him... The boy does not need him and he knows that... He would like to have a Rat or Corn snake instead and I think that's a great idea for him... He only wants to trade or $50 for him... It is worth $50 to me to just get him into a good home... :)
Thanks Again
T

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

I really don't have much time right now to post due to a family emergency. I'm back in Ohio right now, waiting to go to school so I have a little time on my hands right now...so I'll help you:)

Much is debated on the AfRocks aggressiveness, and general handleability. In my opinion, a CBB African Rock makes a wonderful captive, if your prepared. Unlike the Burms and other Rock Pythons; you need to handle this species with confidence without being overly cocky about it. Hesitation and a general nervousness while handling the species can cause some problems. As well as making you nearvous and uneasy about it, it can very well make an uneasy situation for the snake causing it to react with defensiveness. Handle the snake gently but confidently and you will be alright. When you handle the animal, Do Not Restrain It. AfRocks can and will take this as a threat to them, and retaliate. This will break trust and cause problems with taming the animal down...
Unlike Burms which calm down fast and become tractable relaxed captives, the AfRock takes some time to build some trust with but they make for one of the most rewarding captives. The snake isn't going to tame overnight, or just like that; it takes time and lots of bandaids :P There is a flaw with the AfRocks in a way....its commonly mistaken for aggression, when really it isn't. They have a tendency to flip on you from time to time. Every now and then they get in a bad mood...all snakes do. With AfRocks, they don't display this right away. They won't come racing out of the cage, mouth wide open. What happens is when the animal is removed from the cage it will appear to remain calm and such, and in a split second/heartbeat, its the snake you regret picking up that day. You need to watch for this. After keeping the species, or even individual for a period of time, you learn to read their movements and reactions and get atleast a hint of what kind of mood they're in that day. Simple misconception is that these snakes are overly aggressive. They're not. African Rocks grow slower than Burms and Retics as well. They hatch out at roughly 16-18" long, where as Burmese Pythons and Retics hatch out longer. They hit on average, 5-7' by their first year, and grow at a fairly steady rate. African Rocks average out at 9-13' for males, and 14-16' for females. There are exceptions to this, and you may wind up with a larger animal. It takes time and patience with these animals...they are nothing to take lightly, but after that hard work; this would be a proud part of your collection. Compare them to a Burmese Python on speed...they're constantly on the move when pulled out of their enclosure ;)...

Yes Burmese Pythons are a species of Rock Pythons, but every species is different...and really every individual snake is different. To treat an animal as a species, rather than an individual is pure ignorance, and to speak of them as such is more so when it comes to their attitude, behavior on a personal level, and tractability when it comes to a handling session or 'aggressiveness'. In my opinion, if you want the snake, take the snake in. If your having doubts or are worrysome about if you'll be successfull or not, then don't. You can't expect to own a Burm, and be ready for a Retic; or own a Retic and be ready for an AfRock. Simply put, to gain experience for the species, you need to work with the species first hand. Every species is different. Personally if you feel comfortable with owning this animal, go for it. It is also a bad rumor, that I'd like to know who started :P Giant Pythons don't need as much room as people think. A 6' x 2' x 3' enclosure would do perfectly for an average male, and an 8' x 2' x 3' enclosure would suit a female as well. Large rooms or closets are undesireable for giants, and can cause a myriad of problems. African Rocks are highly profficient ambush predators, and are generally inactive most of the time. Majority of their time is spend lying coiled up.

As for the room enclosure...First off, the heat and humidity. It's somewhat difficult and gets expensive to keep the heat and humidity at proper and safe levels for the animal. Too much can be as detrimental as too little. This species is very sensitive to sudden fluctuations in either as well, which can cause stress and illness. Second would be making the room snake proof. Rock Pythons are very strong animals, and you'd want to make sure they can't pop a vent out, or push a door open. After all this you need to set this up months ahead of time to get everything at the ideal level for the snake. The high humidity can very well rott the room out. If its plaster walls, or drywalls, you can say goodbye to them holding up. In my opinion, much better for both the animal and you to keep them in a proper sized enclosure. More room isn't always best ;)

If you want to take this animal in, I am going to PM you my phone number, so I can help you a little more and faster....that if you'd need help with anything, or need me to walk you through anything all you'd have to do is call :)

@Uro1001- where are you getting your information from? Indians are a bit harder to work with than other common giant species. I'd compare them to an almost equal level of difficulty as the AfRock. AfRocks aren't an easy species to keep either. They are very sensitive to temperature changes and humidity fluctuations, as well.

Well there's my little slur of words :P I apologize for how slopping and mixed up it is right now. I really couldn't think of how to type it out as I'm not going through the best situation right now, but I can help out if you want to take the animal in, or possibly work with the species in the future. This will probably be the last time I get to hit up the forums for a long while, so shoot me a call ;)

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Thank You all for your opinions on this thread... I think I have decided against keeping this guy forever but I am devoted to finding him a new home... He needs a home where someone has plenty of time on there hands and being that I am a single mom of two kidos and several pets I just feel that I would not be able to give him the time and devotion he deserves... If anyone is interested in giving this little guy a good home please PM me so we can talk about it... I will probably be picking him up this weekend and then I must find him a better long-term home... If you are interested I can help you with appropriate housing... I sell pet supplies for a living and I have 3 aquarium companies who also do custom work...

Thank you all again!!!

Giants need love too!!!!