Future thoughts on burm/retic

Okay, now listen. Before anyone starts going off about anything know this, this thought may never happen and if it does it won't be for a while....like years. So with that said I will continue.

Ever since I can remember I have been obsessed with reticulated pythons. Their head shape, sheer size, and power..all things I loved and held with great respect. This past June at the Hamburg PA reptile show I was allowed to hold a 10' male suntiger. I'm not sure on his weight, but he was hefty and STRONG! Since that day on I had made it my goal to own one in my lifetime, however reevaluating my life it may well never happen.

I want to live in Pennsylvania, where it's currently legal to own such bohemoths, where as my girlfriend wants to live right next door to her parents. I would much rather have her pleased, so I agree with her thought as it's actually a good idea, minus the lack of a retic.

Here is where the possibility to own one might come in.
Me and my girlfriend have been looking at trailers to move into so we can get out of her parents house. Economically it seems like the best bet for us as compared to renting a 2 bedroom apartment...more ability to do things freely, and we actually own the place.

Anyways, I made mention about wanting a reticulated python and the fact that they are illegal in New York. We plan on going to college a short drive from the NY-PA border as well as work in the area. So she responds with.."Well, lets look for something just over the PA border then." Honestly, she's the one guys and gals...total support of my dreams and loves. *Needless to say she got lots of love tonight because of that statement :)...more than usual anyways. ;)*

So we will be searching for a place in PA. Hoping to have one by the end of the year, fingers crossed.

I have since been doing a lot of looking around, doing searches on here for information as to the care of retics and the possible burm. Now, I won't be getting one until I have more snake exerience..unless the ban makes the decision to buy for me. I wouldn't be aiming to breed, but I would like to have a 1.1 pair of tics just for size variety. I love the purple phase albinos and platinums so if I were to end up with a couple those would be it. I only like granite burms so that would be it for a burm as well.

Now the thing I can't seem to find is information on housing babies <4-5. I hear tubs can be bad, but they can work as well? which is it?

If I did end up obtaining a few monsters I plan on using the T65 enclosure from AP that's 96x30x18. Should allow plenty of room for even a female?

I'm curious to hear what Denial has to say as I regard his words very highly when it comes to giants.

As I said before, and I will repeat it again. This may not even happen so I am not getting my hopes up, just simply mentally preparing incase it does. And if it does it won't be for several years, unless the looming ban makes me jump in.

Thanks for any input, and please keep it clean, I am not doing anything wrong by asking. I did a search on here and google and came up empty handed. So help me rather than bash me.

Many thanks.
Kevin B.

Taking the time to read this im in the same situation as you when it comes to the realization of finally wanting to own a giant prior to my inexperience. The ban has already scared me into finally buying a green annie (which is on its way).

I myself always was the person to tackle big responsibilities regardless of my knowledge or experience, but thats just me. I just make sure i have the space and people to help me through my experience (luckily im close friends with alot of reptile breeders and herptoligists).

Tubs are too low for retics. Even baby ones. They love to climb.

a 96x30x18 is waaaaay too small for a large female (or male, or burm) retic. Some will say otherwise, but go out and actually look at one in one of these size enclosures.

My $0.02

Chris

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Originally Posted by drama x

Taking the time to read this im in the same situation as you when it comes to the realization of finally wanting to own a giant prior to my inexperience. The ban has already scared me into finally buying a green annie (which is on its way).

I myself always was the person to tackle big responsibilities regardless of my knowledge or experience, but thats just me. I just make sure i have the space and people to help me through my experience (luckily im close friends with alot of reptile breeders and herptoligists).

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Normally I would be that way as well, but when it comes to an innocent animals life I want to make sure my research is done. :)

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Originally Posted by mumps

Tubs are too low for retics. Even baby ones. They love to climb.

a 96x30x18 is waaaaay too small for a large female (or male, or burm) retic. Some will say otherwise, but go out and actually look at one in one of these size enclosures.

My $0.02

Chris

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Do you have any hatchling/juvi enclosure suggestions, or something to lead me the right way? And ill take your word on a female being to small in there, I was hoping to be able to get a premade enclosure with the heating already built in. I'm not sure exactly how you would put flexwatt on a plywood enclosure and have it work?

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Yeah dont get me wrong i do my research, iv been studying up on annies since i was a kid. BUT this will be my first time handleing one. Luckily its a baby....for now lol. And do i look forward to getting bit? Hell yes lol. Its just all apart of the learning experience.

I wish you the best of luck with your first retic or burm friend!

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Originally Posted by drama x

iv been studying up on annies since i was a kid.

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Just out of curiosity, how old are you now?

Chris

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Originally Posted by mumps

Just out of curiosity, how old are you now?

Chris

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Me? 22

Why? Wanna take me home with you?

Lol @Drama. I'm 20. I look forward to the possibility to get a retic or burm...possibly both.

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Originally Posted by drama x

Me? 22

Why? Wanna take me home with you?

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:rofl:

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Originally Posted by drama x

Me? 22

Why? Wanna take me home with you?

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As long as you help take care of the herps!

So can anyone comment as to what size enclosure would work for an adult female retic?

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Originally Posted by kevinb

So can anyone comment as to what size enclosure would work for an adult female retic?

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i keep looking for a "spoon feed smile",, there really needs to be one...
if you dont have the time, or the pacients to find out about simple housing / husbandry needs of an animal, that tells me that your NOT READY for it.
spooky

Not sure if this has been asked, but have you ever physically handled a 15+ foot snake before? I mean, the 10 foot male you held years ago doesn't really compare to a full grown female...

You also have to take into consideration, do you have someone (other than your girlfriend, who appears quite small from the pictures you've posted) who can help you with caring for this giant? I've held a 15+ foot female retic at NERD, and it was not an easy task in the least, and I had 4 (4) grown men helping me. I considered getting a male burm due to the recent bans, and decided against one simply because I'm not in any position to even think about it right now. If you are serious about this, I suggest physically handling them, more than once. Find a breeder or a friend in your area and ask to help out, attempt cleaning a monster poo, just once, with you and your girlfriend. At that point, then you should consider it.

I'm no expert on giants in the least, however this is all info given to me when I was looking into a male burm, and they don't get nearly as large as female retics...

A REALLY big female retic can get over 20 feet, easily. I would recommend an enclosure 12 x 6 x 6 for something that large, AT LEAST.

Our local reptile zoo had a female retic 23 feet and about 300lbs. She was in an enclosure that size (although a little taller) and she seemed okay in it. I helped move her around a few times and man it was not easy even with 3 or 4 of us at a time. A lovely, docile and intelligent animal she was.

And drama, I only asked because I've seen people say "I've been studying these since I was a kid" before, and it turned out they were like 13 or so.

Good luck with your annie, if you have any questions I'm here.

Chris

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Originally Posted by mr.spooky

i keep looking for a "spoon feed smile",, there really needs to be one...
if you dont have the time, or the pacients to find out about simple housing / husbandry needs of an animal, that tells me that your NOT READY for it.
spooky

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Not sure if this has been asked, but have you ever physically handled a 15+ foot snake before? I mean, the 10 foot male you held years ago doesn't really compare to a full grown female...

You also have to take into consideration, do you have someone (other than your girlfriend, who appears quite small from the pictures you've posted) who can help you with caring for this giant? I've held a 15+ foot female retic at NERD, and it was not an easy task in the least, and I had 4 (4) grown men helping me. I considered getting a male burm due to the recent bans, and decided against one simply because I'm not in any position to even think about it right now. If you are serious about this, I suggest physically handling them, more than once. Find a breeder or a friend in your area and ask to help out, attempt cleaning a monster poo, just once, with you and your girlfriend. At that point, then you should consider it.

I'm no expert on giants in the least, however this is all info given to me when I was looking into a male burm, and they don't get nearly as large as female retics...

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To both of you, I said it a few times in the initial post. This probably may never happen, but if it does it won't be for a few YEARS.....I know how strong they can be even just from the male I held by myself. And it wasn't years ago it was this last june (8 months ago). I plan to get some bci as my larger snake intro, maybe even a dumerils as they get pretty hefty. Like I said this probably won't be for long time, if at all.

I did look for enclosure sizes but its so varied, from 6-9' enclosures for females? That's more of a variety than id like. Is it really just personal experience on cage size? Its all too confusing.


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Originally Posted by mumps

And drama, I only asked because I've seen people say "I've been studying these since I was a kid" before, and it turned out they were like 13 or so.

Good luck with your annie, if you have any questions I'm here.

Chris

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Yeah i know mumps, i was totally just messing with you bud :P

And i know what you mean, i myself have seen kids on forums say that as well lol. I appreciate the concern seeing as annies arnt the easiest snake to raise.

If i have any troubles i will deffinantly contact you, thanks for looking out :gj:

I'm not looking to be spoon fed. There is just to much variety on caging size. Everything else is pretty simple to get (feeding, temps, humidity, etc.)

I'm been told 8' is to small for a female yet people keep them in 6' enclosures? I just want personal experiences from someone who has owned one.

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Not sure if this has been asked, but have you ever physically handled a 15+ foot snake before? I mean, the 10 foot male you held years ago doesn't really compare to a full grown female...

You also have to take into consideration, do you have someone (other than your girlfriend, who appears quite small from the pictures you've posted) who can help you with caring for this giant? I've held a 15+ foot female retic at NERD, and it was not an easy task in the least, and I had 4 (4) grown men helping me. I considered getting a male burm due to the recent bans, and decided against one simply because I'm not in any position to even think about it right now. If you are serious about this, I suggest physically handling them, more than once. Find a breeder or a friend in your area and ask to help out, attempt cleaning a monster poo, just once, with you and your girlfriend. At that point, then you should consider it.
I agree, I thought at one time it would be nice to have one of these giants, but after weighing out all of the needs for one of these, and the safety issues (it would only be me and my wife handling it), it would not be in the best interest of the snake. I'm a competent keeper, but due to the size of these creatures IV decided that there not for me. We have bloods, and I don't get them out unless someone else is in the house. Not because of my safety, but for the safety of the animal. Even if a blood python was to stick on to you, it would be safer for the animal to be removed by two people. My bloods are about 20 pounds, I couldn't imagine a snake over 100. Just something to think about.
spooky

I'm no expert on giants in the least, however this is all info given to me when I was looking into a male burm, and they don't get nearly as large as female retics...

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some how IV managed to mess up this quote,,,, go figure

I saw a pretty big albino burm at Repticon. There's just no way one person could of handled that thing. It was massive and long! Honestly, I think a snake that big needs it's own bedroom.

I thought at one time it would be nice to have one of these giants, but after weighing out all of the needs for one of these, and the safety issues (it would only be me and my wife handling it), it would not be in the best interest of the snake. I'm a competent keeper, but due to the size of these creatures IV decided that there not for me. We have bloods, and I don't get them out unless someone else is in the house. Not because of my safety, but for the safety of the animal. Even if a blood python was to stick on to you, it would be safer for the animal to be removed by two people. My bloods are about 20 pounds, I couldn't imagine a snake over 100. Just something to think about.
spooky

I agree with all that's being said. I may not even get a female, as I said there is no intention to breed. A male would be much more manageable if there is such a thing with giants. It will be just me and my gf doing the care, so we will see. Its still a while off, but you can never be too prepared. I mean even if I don't get one atleast I can say I know lots about them.

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Well dont let nobody talk you outta getting one. Just plan ahead is all we're saying. Plan out the funds of how much everything will cost including the food, enclosure, etc.

I will agree with ONE thing the OP said.. cage size. There are WAY to many opinions.. even people with snappers burms have there opinions.. I asked retic/Burmese owners at Tinley about cage size. I got FIVE different answers.. even I must say, I'm a little stumped on it...

Remember this.. food adds up. My four balls in 1 month eat what my burm eats in a week two tops. And he's still recovering from his RI. (Putting on some good weight. :) )

I really don't think a lot of inexperienced people jumping to larger snakes is helpful... the ban may have "stimulated" the sales... but I really don't think a lot of people should own them.. I'm not saying you're bad. Don't take that. But they're A LOT of people out there who shouldn't...

As long as you think ahead and understand I don't know why you shouldn't. If you can house it and care for it.then all power to You.

I'll also say... having a Burmese bite you and coil around you isn't fun. ;) just a fyi...lol

Have you looked into Dwarf or Super Dwarf Retics? Same look and personality in a smaller package. I just picked one up and love working with her. Just a thought. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by drama x

Well dont let nobody talk you outta getting one. Just plan ahead is all we're saying. Plan out the funds of how much everything will cost including the food, enclosure, etc.

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I'm not letting anyone talk me out of it, it really all depends on if we find a place in PA. That's what it boils down to. I am planning very far ahead...that's what this thread is for.

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Originally Posted by zeion97

I will agree with ONE thing the OP said.. cage size. There are WAY to many opinions.. even people with snappers burms have there opinions.. I asked retic/Burmese owners at Tinley about cage size. I got FIVE different answers.. even I must say, I'm a little stumped on it...

Remember this.. food adds up. My four balls in 1 month eat what my burm eats in a week two tops. And he's still recovering from his RI. (Putting on some good weight. :) )

I really don't think a lot of inexperienced people jumping to larger snakes is helpful... the ban may have "stimulated" the sales... but I really don't think a lot of people should own them.. I'm not saying you're bad. Don't take that. But they're A LOT of people out there who shouldn't...

As long as you think ahead and understand I don't know why you shouldn't. If you can house it and care for it.then all power to You.

I'll also say... having a Burmese bite you and coil around you isn't fun. ;) just a fyi...lol

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Its very confusing. I have been to numerous sites and it just varies too much to get a real measurement on housing. I agree that lots of people don't need to own such animals, but id like to think I'm mindful enough to know what I'm getting into. I have looked at food prices (xxl rats/ rabbits) and it would be quite pricey, but chances are I won't have one if I get one until I get my BSN degree in which I should be making good money along with my gf who will be a nurse as well.

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Originally Posted by DemmBalls

Have you looked into Dwarf or Super Dwarf Retics? Same look and personality in a smaller package. I just picked one up and love working with her. Just a thought. Good luck.

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I have actually looked at them and they are a possibility as well. Thanks for the recommendation.



I will make sure I know every detail of care and handling a large snake before I get one. I've never been an impulse buyer.

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So I've been doing a lot of chatting with Ben Renick and I think I will be getting two (2) 4' cages from AP for the juvies with the male ending in a 6'x30"x18" unless he gets bigger than 16' and the female will go into a 8'x3'x2' unless she gets massive massive massive. Looking into a Platty Sun male and Platty female.


For anyone looking at Ben Renick, let me just say....stand up customer service and terrific guy to talk to regardless of what it's about.

Two thumbs up! :gj::gj:

Renick is a solid guy to do business with. If I even commit, and convince others in my house, he'll be the guy I talk to about a large snake.

He's extremely knowledgeable. I feel confident in every bit of info he gave me as a good way to go about things. Just need to find a place in PA to live now that's close enough to the NY border. :colbert:

I can't believe someone recommended a 6x2.5x1.5 for a 15 foot male.... :O

Probably a breeder who is more concerned with getting a lot of animals into a given amount of space than someone who wants one or two large snakes to enjoy...

Chris

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Originally Posted by mumps

I can't believe someone recommended a 6x2.5x1.5 for a 15 foot male.... :O

Probably a breeder who is more concerned with getting a lot of animals into a given amount of space than someone who wants one or two large snakes to enjoy...

Chris

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Correction 12-13' anything bigger and they move to a 7-8'

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