Best step-it-up snake

So ive kept bloods and boas...i rescued a mean retic but swiftly gave it to a guy who had more experience.
Now thw question, to step it up burm or retic?

It's up to you. If you have any doubts (be realistic with yourself) then wait a bit: go with your gut. Take into account the money aspects, manpower needs (ie someone to help when it gets big), stability (in terms of housing when it gets to be an adult and if you're renting or not or have a permanent home, etc), the new ban for burms (maybe retics in the future too) if you may move out of state down the road, and possible space issues. But I love my retic and IMO you can't go wrong with one (burms for that matter too).

i have put massive preparations into owning a giant python, but i was wondering if anybody had a suggestion of which is better for a beginner, or if theyre equal

Neither are beginner giants . . . Boas an OK start but these guys are just not comparable. For you its going to be get what you love and commit to keeping it. If there's a mutation you like in one vs the other, go with that. There are also Dwarf blood in both of these animals so you can get them smaller. Consider Half Dwarf burms if they are available in your state. Then there's Jampea Retics, big but not as big - looking at 11-13 ft on average for a good size female. Even consider 50% Super Dwarf crosses. These get to the 10 ft mark for girls, and 8-9 ft for boys. Have the awesome retic attitude, and can generally be found to have some of the really neat pattern mutations for a good price (SD Tiger 50% go for around 450). Here is my big boy that I posted a shot in another area tonight:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8...358e9c27_c.jpg
9 ft and a beast of a snake for a "super dwarf"

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Originally Posted by reptileexperts

Neither are beginner giants . . . Boas an OK start but these guys are just not comparable. For you its going to be get what you love and commit to keeping it. If there's a mutation you like in one vs the other, go with that. There are also Dwarf blood in both of these animals so you can get them smaller. Consider Half Dwarf burms if they are available in your state. Then there's Jampea Retics, big but not as big - looking at 11-13 ft on average for a good size female. Even consider 50% Super Dwarf crosses. These get to the 10 ft mark for girls, and 8-9 ft for boys. Have the awesome retic attitude, and can generally be found to have some of the really neat pattern mutations for a good price (SD Tiger 50% go for around 450). Here is my big boy that I posted a shot in another area tonight:

9 ft and a beast of a snake for a "super dwarf"

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Is there such a thing as a good beginner giant other then burms and retics, 10ft+? With cost not being an issue. Also what exactly do you mean by "Have the awesome retic attitude", I have heard alot of mixed opinions on retics "attitude" and even more mixed opinions on the attitudes of dwarfs/super dwarfs.

Thanks,

I don't believe that the young man was asking about what larger pythone species is good for a beginner herper, but what species is best for a first time keeper of the larger pythons. The OP has extensive experience with snakes and other herps, but not giant pythons.

I am of no help brother, I would say to go with what your heart most desires! I have no desire to get a retic but would love a burm or an olive python. Whatever you do, post some pictures, otherwise it didn't happen!

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Originally Posted by gsarchie

I don't believe that the young man was asking about what larger pythone species is good for a beginner herper, but what species is best for a first time keeper of the larger pythons. The OP has extensive experience with snakes and other herps, but not giant pythons.

I am of no help brother, I would say to go with what your heart most desires! I have no desire to get a retic but would love a burm or an olive python. Whatever you do, post some pictures, otherwise it didn't happen!

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yes i know i want one, i have planned who will take it if i have to leave, its enclosure, ive been hanging out with my friend who has burms and retics to try and learn their behavior and handle them. just wondering if one is in fact better than the other.

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Originally Posted by OctagonGecko729

Is there such a thing as a good beginner giant other then burms and retics, 10ft+? With cost not being an issue. Also what exactly do you mean by "Have the awesome retic attitude", I have heard alot of mixed opinions on retics "attitude" and even more mixed opinions on the attitudes of dwarfs/super dwarfs.

Thanks,

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Retics are cage aggressive most of the time, highly food aggressive, but extremely intelligent. This is true with dwarf and super dwarf retics. Their attitudes have a bad wrap due to the original wild caught lines being so temperamental. But thanks to captive programs, the captive bred specimens are just as workable as their mainland coutnerparts. I will say though, the pure SD are quite flighty and not a lap snake.

As to the OP - if size is not an issue your question is do you want a heavy snake that is going to be fairly calm and lethargic, or do you want a slender LONG snake that is VERY quick and intelligent. If you can work with both then decide do that. It doesn't matter what any of us think, it comes down to personal preference. They both require a ton of respect and care. And their size demands this constantly.

You rescued one, couldn't handle it, gave it to someone who could and now you're asking which one you should get, and that doesn't sound silly to you?

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Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

i have put massive preparations into owning a giant python, but i was wondering if anybody had a suggestion of which is better for a beginner, or if theyre equal

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If this was true why did you give the rescue away????? I don't understand.

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Originally Posted by MrBubblyDrink

You rescued one, couldn't handle it, gave it to someone who could and now you're asking which one you should get, and that doesn't sound silly to you?

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Oh no, that was a mean one though...

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Originally Posted by MrBubblyDrink

If this was true why did you give the rescue away????? I don't understand.

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I've rescued quite a few snakes (including large pythons) and a majority of them were very defensive. Assuming this was the case with the large Retic the OP rescued you should be THANKING the OP for giving it to an experienced giant python keeper, a beginner keeping a snake like that could be very dangerous, if not downright deadly and everyone knows the reptile community doesn't need anymore negative light cast upon it.

I honestly would wait at least until you are living on your own. You already have quite the extensive collection, what's the hurry? To me it sounds like you are getting ahead of yourself. Wait until you're older and self-sufficient to consider a giant.

Okay I understand that sounds bad but was extremely aggressive like none other. Not just vocal or even mean; it would physically attack the snake hook. On top of that it had mouth rot and needed to have its mouth looked at almost Dailey. Because of those reasons I vouched to give it to someone who had kept giant constrictors for many years. If I was stuck with that snake I could've taken care of him. I fealt it was more responsible to let someone take him who had better experience. That is why I asked the question I want the animal that is beat suited for me. Also since I last had that snake I have spent many hours caring for and handling my buddies snakes at his place. So not only am I better at reading these snakes body language and handling them now, I will raise a baby and have a snake that is bound to be more docile than one abused at entire life

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Oh no, that was a mean one though...

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Oh Lordy Lordy! Not a mean snake!
Honestly though, what if the next one he gets on purpose has an attitude, then what? Just pawn it off on someone else and get a new one?

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Originally Posted by Coleslaw007

I honestly would wait at least until you are living on your own. You already have quite the extensive collection, what's the hurry? To me it sounds like you are getting ahead of yourself. Wait until you're older and self-sufficient to consider a giant.

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Waiiiit a minute, he wants a large long lived snake that could possibly be "mean" and he doesnt live on his own? Getting an animal is a commitment and getting a large snake that lives and requires as much as what he wants is seriously large commitment, imo you shouldnt even think about "stepping it up" until you have a home all to youself with no risk of getting kicked out or forced to move etc.


¡ERMAGHERD A DERK!

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Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

Also since I last had that snake I have spent many hours caring for and handling my buddies snakes at his place. So not only am I better at reading these snakes body language and handling them now, I will raise a baby and have a snake that is bound to be more docile than one abused at entire life

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But looking at and helping out with a friends snakes for a bit is not the same as owning, if you own otger snakes, which I am sure you do, you know this. I honestly think you should wait, keep helping and talking with people who own the large snakes, and you will be able to decide for yourself which better suits you. Also, getting a snake and raising it will not ensure it doesnt have an attitude, like almost all other animals some are just attitude prone whereas others are more docile...


¡ERMAGHERD A DERK!

Just all sounded kinda contradictory, might just be me.

I really truly do understand where all of you are coming from. I have educated my self as much as I can and have cane up with a comprehensive plan if all else fails. No, I am not saying that I would swiftly rid myself of a mean snake. They all have individual personalities but I have considered getting an older snake to ensure that it is manageable. As far as me being a kid is like to think that that doesn't matter when it in fact does. You need to realize I have a snake room that can move where I do. Lastly even though I plan on never getting rid of the animal if I have a plan of who can take it. Thanks everyone for your concern I understand it ESP. With the current legislation

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Originally Posted by Ridinandreptiles

I really truly do understand where all of you are coming from. No, I am not saying that I would swiftly rid myself of a mean snake.

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"i rescued a mean retic but swiftly gave it to a guy who had more experience."

One.
Burm and retics ARE AWESOME PETS. I have 5.
2 retics 3 burms. Most over 10 feet. One is all aggressive as one could be.

Please don't ruin giant snake keeping. By making it sound bad.
No need for cruel rude comment (one would consider honest)
isn nessarary IMO. I'd say. Go with the gut.
Retics are much more intellagic then most IMO Everyone starts somewhere with Giant snake. But to answer your question. A baby burmese is your best as far as temperament. Disposition. And ready to eat. Find a good breeder and get a hatchling. You want a giant snake. Have to start somewhere. I started with burms. And now have retics and burms. And much more than that as well. But for giant. Those are mine. And I believe it's a misunderstood hobby. Fact a dog is more prone to killing you than a giant aggressive snake. Look it up


Just please be smart. Ask LOTS of questions. And be safe. Common sence is all you need with giant snakes. And lil bit of knowledge never hurt anyone. Study away. But I say burm. No tic. As a beginner. Not smart. There much more alert.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

"i rescued a mean retic but swiftly gave it to a guy who had more experience."

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mike, there is more to it than that; yes that quote makes it sound very hypocritical though. i took the snake it knowing that at that current time he was more than i could swallow. at this current time i feel that i could handle a large snake in a few more months of planning. When i rescued the big guy, i did it only because the owner wouldve literally killed him if he wasnt taken. and he descibed killing him with a shovel.

I have faith in ridinandreptiles's ability to care for reptiles. Everyone has to start somewhere when keeping a new species. Part of being a responsible keeper is knowing when you're in over your head, and he did the right thing by giving the rescue the home it needs rather than having it suffer because he was inexperienced at the time. If he kept the snake even though he couldn't care for it, it'd be neglect at best, or considered hoarding. Some of us own dogs, does that mean we could all handle rehabilitating an aggressive, abused individual? Does that mean we should never consider owning dogs again? Now that he's in a better place to consider owning a giant, instead of picking up a hatchling burm at a show and blowing up the boards with SOS posts, he talked to experienced keepers and is asking our advice. He's got more snakes and experience than a lot of people on this board, and he's shown time and time again that he's committed to them.

That said, ridinandreptiles, figure out your what your workload entails with the new ratsnakes before picking up a giant. After that you have my blessing. I'm totally inexperienced so I can't give you any other advice than "the purple albino retics look the coolest!" ;)

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Originally Posted by Chkadii

I have faith in ridinandreptiles's ability to care for reptiles. Everyone has to start somewhere when keeping a new species. Part of being a responsible keeper is knowing when you're in over your head, and he did the right thing by giving the rescue the home it needs rather than having it suffer because he was inexperienced at the time. If he kept the snake even though he couldn't care for it, it'd be neglect at best, or considered hoarding. Some of us own dogs, does that mean we could all handle rehabilitating an aggressive, abused individual? Does that mean we should never consider owning dogs again? Now that he's in a better place to consider owning a giant, instead of picking up a hatchling burm at a show and blowing up the boards with SOS posts, he talked to experienced keepers and is asking our advice. He's got more snakes and experience than a lot of people on this board, and he's shown time and time again that he's committed to them.

That said, ridinandreptiles, figure out your what your workload entails with the new ratsnakes before picking up a giant. After that you have my blessing. I'm totally inexperienced so I can't give you any other advice than "the purple albino retics look the coolest!" ;)

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Thank you! Although I ditched the ratsnakes. Too much work for what they were worth to me. I'm sticking to pythons. Actually downsizing to make room for new projects

New spin, Visit collections of large snakes verus more managable snakes and tell me which one smells better ..Large snakes are a chore and far more respect needs to be practiced..Been there and done that..If a person wants to provide QUALITY care for their keep they need to keep in mind ALL that it will entail..