Largest docile snake

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Originally Posted by Jenn

I forgot to mention that while I am looking for a very large snake, I also want one that would be safe to handle without a spotter. Where exactly is this line drawn?

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As a single herp keeper, I don't keep anything I cannot handle by myself. So far, the longest snakes in my collection are around six feet long and it's not a problem (carpet pythons). The largest snakes I own are short tail pythons. I have an adult female black blood and I have no problems handling her. I've given her shots for an RI (T-stat failed) by myself.

I sort of draw the line around 6 feet, depending on snake species. Some people draw the line at 8 feet. I would no problem keeping a red blood python. However, I am a short Asian woman, so as much as I may like some of the red tails, it's not something I feel comfortable working with by myself. (I'd take some of the central American varieties though).

I probably wouldn't work with a coastal carpet python, but they just don't have the appeal to me as much as the IJ's or the jungles to begin with.

my longest is 6.5 foot, i dont let her go around my neck unless i am with some one, cause she tends to squeeze... just to hold on, but i dont like her doing that.. shes a Rainbow Boa...
i am looking into getting a redtail later this year... hopefully... but yeah.

I would go or at least look into a Boa.
That way you can get a feel for larger snakes, without jumping right into the world of giants.
Boas are fun to handle, very curious creatures. As far as IBD goes, its pretty rare, but very serious. If you were to buy from a reputable breeder (research the breeder as much as the snake) you will get a healthy animal.

In general you can handle them a lone. I guess I really don't have a set rule for when he is larger. I am rather small so I would probably make sure I had someone else with me while handling him.

Main thing is regardless of how docile these larger animals are, or always have been in ones care, they are still wild animals. Running off of instinct. They demand respect from us, and deserve every ounce of it.

Definitely keep us updated on what you decide.

Not exactly the best picture in the world, but without a tripod and with a remote, after several shots, here's a picture that may give you a rough idea of the size of my adult black blood to myself. She's being supported by my arms and my leg in this shot.

Someday I'll try to get a better shot of this...she's around five feet long and she weighed 11 lbs over a year ago. She's about six years old at this point.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...ckbloodpic.jpg