Burmeese

I got this old 250 gallon fish tank sitting in the basement , I bought a reptile screen for it a couple of weeks ago.. I havent cleaned it yet, but I was considering buying a baby Burmeese. Anybody know if this 250 is gonna be enough to house an adult?.. And if not, any ideas on a enclosure for a full grown burmeese?

They do not make an aquarium big enough for an adult Burm. Do you know how big these snakes get? Do you have any idea how powerful a snake that size is? You feel that feeding with tongs is "sissy" so I don't think a feeding error with an adult Burm is going to do you or this hobby any good.

You are jumping wayyyyy ahead of yourself IMO. A Burmese Python is a HUGE responsibility and very few people out there are truly capable of providing a good home for such a large snake. Learn to take care of your current snakes first.

I think i can handle it, I dont need tongs, I will just hold the food item in my hand and let him get it from there.. I always like feeding my animals from my hand, my cats like it too ;X

jk .. dont throw a fit lol

and btw... I never said using tongs in general is "sissy" like.. I was talking about a baby ball eating a frozen mouse. Its not like I would not use tongs while feeding a burmeese. I disagree with your little statement and I could take care of a burmeese.. I've built large enclosures for an animal before. I am sure me and my father in law could handle a enclosure for a large snake and it would actualy be something to think about for me, and I wouldnt just jump into the idea but it was just a little thought. I am in no means " jumping ahead of my self ", I havent yet purchased the snake. I've seen pictures, and read enough to know how big and strong a burmeese is.

Well, since David wasn't quite 'clear' on how big burmese (ONE 'e', not two) pythons get, let me jump in. They can get 15-20+ feet, weighing waaaaaay over 100 pounds. I don't think David is telling you that you can't do it (who knows, maybe he is, lol) but you need to go into buying a burm with a LOT of experience under your belt. They are a really awesome snake, but you have to know what you are doing. When they reach adult hood, and even sub-adult hood, they will be devouring chickens, pigs, goats, rabbits, you name it. That gets expensive. Trust me, you will probably be spending more money on snake food then your own food. Just a thought.

I am NOT trying to discourage you from getting a burmese python. All I am saying here (and I am sure Rustys' Dragons can back me up here) that people buy a little 16" cute baby burmese python that eats little white mice, and once it gets too big for colossal rats (about 6 months old or so), they dump it somewhere (even when they KNEW and were TOLD that it would get huge, and bigger than they would be able to hold on their own). It's a real chore owning a burmese python. If you have room for it, and you read and read and read, ask questions and more questions, buy books, go online, READ, etc.., I think you could take very well care of a burmese python if you realize it is still something you want to get into. Also keep in mind that the snakes lifespan could reach 30 years. All I am saying is do tons of research.

Jennifer

You also may want to check and make sure you can even LEGALLY own a burmese in your area. I know many cities don't even allow snakes that mature over 5-7'. I have talked to people who can't even own a Colombian BCI. Just because your local petstore carries them, doesn't mean you can bring it home.

Oh, and about the joke above, those are the kind of things that "authority figures" notice when browsing a forum like this, and ban giant snakes in their area. I know you were joking, but how would they know that.

Jennifer

It's nice to read an entry that somebody writes who is trying to help, rather then bash and humliate. My fiance has cousins who live on a farm in wisconsin. We go up there during the summer every weekend (her dad likes to go hunting), anyway, her dad was into keeping big snakes when he lived in the Phillipeans and wanted some type of big python which I soon mentioned the Burmeese. I will probably talk to him tomorrow about this, but I think were gonna split the expenses on actualy buying the snake and im sure a home on the farm would be a nice place for a Burmeese.. The food wouldnt be an expense to neither of us. We will probably end up stopping at a home depot and building a large floor type enclosure(since david mentiond they dont sell vivariums or reptariums of a burmeese size and a 250 wouldnt be enough). I'm thankfull that you took your time to deliver some important facts, and i deff will read more on it.

A burmese shouldn't go into a huge enclosure right away, though. It need something fairly small and of adequate size. I would say a baby burmese python can live in a >50 gallon aquarium or rubbermaid of similair size. More floor space is definately better than "head room". They need to stay in something kind of small for awhile to get them adjusted and acclimated, feeding, and in a comfortable, familiar envornment. I would say one could go into a huge custom built enclosure once it hits 6'-7' or so. (By that time it would have already been moved into say a 250-gal).

Jennifer

PS- BurmESE not BurmEESE!!!! LOL...

lol im sure we will figure out something.. I wasnt going to put him in the big enclsoure right away.. Just something we would build ahead of time =P

IMO you are jumping wayyyy ahead of yourself.....you should really seriously re-think this. Burms are a responsibility that even some of the most experienced herpers here (myself included) cannot handle. I am just wondering....but why do you want a Burm? Is it because they get big and it will be "cool"? If so, you're getting one for all the wrong reasons. Please do not take this as "bashing".....this is a VERY serious matter and people who care about the animals and the hobby do not take giant snakes like Burms lightly.

If i had to choose to get a big python i would choose a Blood Python not a burmese these guys are way strong have damn impresive markings and weight like 60 Pounds. That tank would house a Blood perfectly.

Personally I don't think Maniac is ready for even a Blood.....IMO he needs to get keeping hi BP and Boa down before he takes a gigantic leap like a Blood or a Burm....and don't kid yourself, Bloods are not giants when compared to Burms....no comparison really. I apologize if I sound like a jerk, but thats not my intent, I only want to make him aware of what he is thinking of doing and what the consequences may be.

And i like the eyes on a blood python. They look very prehistoric.

maybe people would listen to you more if you werent such an ass about it david.

Maybe....but sometimes people need some "tough love" to open their eyes. ;)

i can understand that. and im sure he really is thinking twice now. but i think you could have helped him the first time if your were more friendly towards him instead of straight up criticizing him. your making this place unfriendly.

I responded in the way that I did for a reason.....he is an abvious noob. Too often noobs get ahead of themselves and go on snake buying frenzies with no regard for responsibility or don't put any real thought into what they're doing. Burms are a responsibility I do not think he is ready for. This is my personal opinion and I have the right to share it. I'm sorry but thats the truth.....I won't sugar coat it because that doesn't work with some people *ahem*.

Tough Love doesnt work unless your my mother , ty.

In that case, does your mother know you want a Burm?

She doesnt have to worry about it.. Were not keeping it here..

Or in other words, you haven't told her. Where will you be keeping this snake?

Read my earlier posts from pg 1

So you'll be keeping the snake in another state? So basically this snake won't be yours at all? Whats the point in paying for a snake you won't even own? This makes no sense to me.

We go there every weekend during the summer.. The snake will be mine, just not at my house. And there is a really good point to it. btw.. do you ever agree with anybody?

wow, this is getting ugly. while it could have been said nicer, what david is saying is right. you really should think about it for a while. i want a burm to, but i wont be getting one for a while, if ever. i think that maybe you should just read a little bit more on them and think it over.

I wouldnt consider getting one if it was at my house. It's gonna have its own built enclsore on a farm in wisconsin and im still contemplating it... i read alot about fatalitys from burmese snakes, and i'm still thinking if i should or shouldnt, but like i said My fiance's dad is into those big snakes and he has some pretty experinced uncles and cousins on that farm that would be able to take care of it. As long as i split my expense Im sure he will consider. It's always a fun project building an eclosure for a snake like that and im aware of all the risks.

Wait a second.....fiance? Father in law? Aren't you like 15 or 16? It sounds to me like you want a "cool big snake" and don't want the responsibility of owning it yourself. Pawning your bad decisons off onto others is not the proper way to keep your animals.

Relax guys Forum Police Department on the scene. David he clearly stated in his first post that he was considering buying one not that he is going to buy buyone. Every one has a right to think about something geez guys this is dumb. Later on down the line maniac will have enough experience under his belt to raise such a snake and he does have the help of a keeper who has kept large snakes before and this would help him make his decision. If he wants to keep a burm he will keep one if he changes his mind he will find something else. I dont know about you but i have a wish list of snakes that i want and one of them is an albino burm. But this list changes from time to time. Everyone has the right to consider something. You might consider eating McDonalds or Pizza Hut. Or which movie to see. Considering something doesnt mean your going to do it.

Here is the definition just in case.
con·sid·er
v. con·sid·ered, con·sid·er·ing, con·sid·ers
v. tr.
To think carefully about.
To think or deem to be; regard as. See Usage Note at as1.
To form an opinion about; judge: considers waste to be criminal.
To take into account; bear in mind: Her success is not surprising if you consider her excellent training.
To show consideration for: failed to consider the feelings of others.
To esteem; regard.
To look at thoughtfully.

ty police chief gozentec =]

Living in Florida I hear stories far too often of 'giant snakes' found in the Everglades. They always turn out to be Burms. Do you know what happens to them when they are caught? They are destroyed b/c of inexperienced over eager keepers who find out they really can't handle how big AND powerful these snakes get. So they take the irresponsible, ignorant way out and dump them. Even the park rangers hate that they are put in the position to destroy these magnificent creatures, but have no choice. I'm NOT saying that Mikey is irresposible or ignorant (b/c he seems to be doing all right by the snakes he has), I'm just saying that I'm sure many go in w/good intentions but still end up becoming overwhelmed. Mickey, just think long and hard and maybe even wait until you a few more years of successful experience as a keeper before making a decision. :D

It sounds to me that some of you guys are more concerned with stroking people's egos and playing nicey nice rather than the welfare of our hobby. I say let him get a damn Burm if he wants and lets see what happens to it 6 months from now.....my bet is it'll either be dead or in a rescue shelter. I'm done with this thread.

Uh oh guys, not again! This is getting ugly. :(

But I do have to agree with David. So if you're wondering if he ever agrees with anyone, there you go. In fact we all seem to be in agreement on this one, it's not a good idea right now. Especially if you're not going to be around to take care of it. Who will take care of it when you're not there? Please don't jump into this, I'm afraid it is a decision you will later regret, and it will be at the expense of the burmese. Wait until you have more experience (much more) before you make a decision like this.

David, you just have a different manner in which you choose to express your opinions, I'm the type that prefers that whole, 'honey than vinegar' approach, IF that doesn't work, then a more aggressive approach is warranted...and I'm not afraid to go there, just don't think it's necessary to start from there. 'Nuff said for me!

You're bet is as good as nothing. Instead of trying to help me you think its stroking an ego. The only ego being stroked is yours everytime you decide to bash somebody on this forum in order to make yourself look alot smarter. My chances are that there are people on that farm with 10x more expiernece then you have and "your getting way ahead of yourself" by trying to tell me its going to die.. If you read the posts i made earlier there are people on that farm expiernced in taking care of snakes, and have been wanting one for a while, but dont have a computer which they can order and there arent any exotic pet stores around. Please refrain from trying to tell me what I am and am not capable of doing becasue I know my own limit ty.. When you get to be about 35-40 and have spent most of your life on a different island dealing with these snakes (like my fiances cousins) then you can talk to me about how you feel the snakes conditions will be. I am sure it will be just fine ;)

Dude relax man I feel the same way but the fact of the matter is that he said he is considering getting one. In my book this means he was thinking about it. All i got to say is that you got to do tons of research. I say a burmese isnt for everyone. A ball python is a small and easy to handle snake. A burmese python is a snake to be reckoned with. First of all they crap like a horse, live for like 30 years and eat alot. These huge snakes often require their own room down the line. And when a ball python bites you it may bleed a little. But if you get on the bad side of a Burm you better get the hell out of that room. These are still wild animals and rely very heavily on their instinct for survival. No matter who you are these snakes are the Hercules of the snake world and could easily over power you.

David chill out, and Maniac just give it some time.

Sorry Goz, But it is always a put down when somebody tells you your not capable of something.. I'm sure if you tried do something new and were constatly told you couldnt do it and it would just fail on you, the only thing that would do to you is provoke you to actualy go ahead with it. Maybe if i was told more facts then bashing I wouldnt be so quick to jump on it. But like I said, Im not alone on this snake and there are more then a couple of strong men who can deal with that snake. You guys just gotta cut me some slack on the noob junk.

Thats David with the noob junk. Like i say in every post like this. No one is ever born with all the knowledge in the world. Its learned from other keepers, books and such other things.

And David you came here not too long ago saying how sorry you were and how much you regretted this and that. And how glad you were to be back and such. I dont know or want to know what you did before to warrant an apology but i am thinking it was something along these same lines.

Yes I'm sure an inexpeirenced person who just got a snake and wanted a little bit of information wouldnt like the slang "noob" to be called.. Kinda makes the forums seem unfriendly.

Quote:

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i am thinking it was something along these same lines.

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Your thinking is incorrect. What happened is not public information and I'm not going to make it public.

Just because one person in this forum upset you, it doesn't mean you should just go out and get one now. Like "Well I'll show him". Please listen to all of us. We're trying to help, not gang up on you.

Now you said something about your fiance's cousins being 35-40 and dealing with "these snakes". So they've cared for burmese pythons before? But they don't have one now? I'm just trying to understand. And if you get one, they are going to be the ones responsible for taking care of it, not you? If people other than yourself are going to be caring for it, will they be around for the whole 30 years or whatever that the python will live? Its just a lot to think about. Give it time.

Thats why I am doing-- giving it some time.. I will ask about the burmese and its only one of our options..

Well i stand corrected.

Also, there are TONS of other snakes out there that get an impressive size if that is what you are looking for (why, I don't really know, but let's not get into that). Do your research on ALL your options. BCI's, Blood pythons, Carpet pythons, Rainbow boas, ringed pythons, etc. Just to name literally a few. And many of these make GREAT first time 5'-7' snakes. ;)

It's not like he wants a viper or a rattlesnake. I don't think wanting a burm is a stupid idea. But I'm not going to get one for a VERY long time because I know how hard they are to manage and care for. I work at a reptile center, and they have a huge 18' 100++ pound burmese python in there. Impressive? YOU BET! Do I think I could take it home and handle it and care for it? Probably not. One question Maniac, have you ever seen a full grown Burmese python?

Jennifer

Can you feel the love tonight............

I've seen plenty, I wouldnt just want one without seeing it in person. They used to have one at the zoo in chicago, and there is a petstore in one of the burbs that has a burmeese a little under the 18' python that you mentioned.. And I already have a Colombian BCI ... :)

i dont want to get in on this whole being kinda mean thing, but i have two questions, and ill try to make them as nice as possible:

1)i dont know if you ever actually said why you want a burm exactly, so i was wondering that. (ok, not really a question, but along the lines)

2)you said that the snake would be kept at a farm in wisconsin, and that you go there, every weekend in the summer, well, doesnt it get really cold during the winter? and would the snake be outside in the barn? then itd just be worse if it got cold right? also, what if some freak accident happens, would you be held responsible, you wouldnt want that, especially if a lil kid happens to sneak to the barn, and go to see the snake.




again, there are plenty more choices, just look around and ask

There are plenty of reasons why people want snakes, its always more then one reason. There would be no kids around that farm unless we come and I doubt they would be allowed in the same room. The enclosure would be built inside the barn and all of them have heaters/ cooling systems..

I will stick with BP's and somewhere down the line get a BCI. I'm currently helping someone here locally who keeps a lot of snakes and I'm gaining a lot of experience. I will admit I did not do too much research before I bought my BP. But I found this site the very next day and it has helped me a lot. I am totally with David on this one, cause I too have seen what happens to these large gentle giants once they get too big. Hec, the city next to mine has completely banned the keeping of exotic pets because of this. If I lived in this city, I would be after these people with a large blunt object. That being said, I have no idea what kind of person you are, nor how responsible. It is totally upto you on what you want to do in this free country! But you have to realize that people will always be on your case until you have proven your self. And that my friend is not easy to do when the only thing u've owned is a sweet little BP and a legless puppy dog :wink:

I am sticking with ball pythons and maybe later on get a GTP but i want an albino Ball. Maybe i will have a het to breed in a few years. But for now i want to concentrate on trying to breed Ball pythons.

Maniac the only thing i have to say is i would rather have lots of little snakes then one big snake.