Best big snake?

Thank you for that post, MiniJ83 :gj:

I just bought my first giant-esque snake. I got a half super dwarf reticulated python. We're expecting him to get anywhere from 8-10 feet but will be fully prepared if he grows larger than that. We figure, might as well work our way up the size ladder. Try a smaller retic and if we decide later that we're ready for something bigger, we'll go for it.

But, we just got him a few weeks ago, so we'll see how it works. What works for us may not work for everybody else. Hope this helps.

I entirely see the point on both sides.

Like I was saying once, the ease when handling a ball python isn't comparable to a full grown large snake like a boa.

My boa, when he wants to go somewhere, he will go. His strength and will power is quite a bit more determined than any of my ball pythons. When he grips my arms, or hangs onto furniture, I'm pleasantly surprised. He is strong, just pure muscle and grip.

I can move him where I want him to go... eventually. :P But I couldn't imagine trying to get a retic or burm to go if they don't want to.

I say, keep that in the back of your head. It is useful to get experience with larger snakes, but none of it will prepare you fully until you get to experience giants first hand, but it is a first step.

I also believe for the sake of the animal and our community, that you really prepare yourself, and act responsibly when considering a giant animal. It is unfortunate to see these beautiful animals let go, in rescues, etc because your life has changed in where you cannot keep the animal, or can no longer cater to his needs for the rest of his long very expensive life. ;)

Just my .02 cents (even though I have never owned a giant, so some may believe I'm just blowing smoke in respect to what I consider common sense ;))

Advice cannot be given if experience, is not acquired.

I dunno - I'd probably listen to the person who has giant experience over those that do not...

It doesn't really make sense to keep a large snake to prepare for a giant - you end up having to feed a large snake with a different attitude and it's not even the animal you want! Save that money for feeders and large equipment - you're gonna need it!

If you want to prepare for a giant, find someone who owns them and volunteer to work for them for a few weeks - handling, changing substrate, etc.etc.etc. That's the only preparation i can think of that makes any sense at all - so you can get a sense of what the end-point could end up being. As far as "working up" to that end point goes - you're pretty much forced to practice with a progressively larger and larger snake anyway by having your giant grow up right in front of you. Clever how that works, isn't it?

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Originally Posted by CeraDigital

These are not Ball Pythons, nor Boas. They show a much higher degree of intelligence and awareness...that I will back up.

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I have a JCP, BP, and BCI boa. They all act differently...but can I claim that one is "more intelligent" than another? This I am uncertain about. I will say that my JCP is the most visually aware...my BP probably being the least. I find my boa to be the most active when she is taken out...and is the most "thoughtful" in her movement.

Can you explain to me how a larger snake is "more intelligent" than a smaller one?

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Originally Posted by clapton924

I have a JCP, BP, and BCI boa. They all act differently...but can I claim that one is "more intelligent" than another? This I am uncertain about. I will say that my JCP is the most visually aware...my BP probably being the least. I find my boa to be the most active when she is taken out...and is the most "thoughtful" in her movement.

Can you explain to me how a larger snake is "more intelligent" than a smaller one?

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Talk to any Retic, or AfRock keeper any you will understand. Not only are they incredibly alert snakes....they will follow your movement, size you up (including possible prey), "learn" their surroundings, and can, to an extent, differentiate between people, and places. They are very clever, intelligent snakes. It takes first hand experience to truly understand, and admire their intelligence.

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Originally Posted by CeraDigital

Talk to any Retic, or AfRock keeper any you will understand. Not only are they incredibly alert snakes....they will follow your movement, size you up (including possible prey), "learn" their surroundings, and can, to an extent, differentiate between people, and places. They are very clever, intelligent snakes. It takes first hand experience to truly understand, and admire their intelligence.

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Are burms also considered "intelligent" ?

I would consider burms an intelligent snake yes. Maybe not as intelligent as a retic, but very very keen

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Originally Posted by clapton924

Are burms also considered "intelligent" ?

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Burms are basically the same species as African Rock Pythons. So yes, they are very intelligent.