Welcome Wallace.

Vital Exotics "Wallace" arrived yesterday at 0930 central time. Hatch date, June 1, 2016.

I love the FED-X truck pulling into the drive. It brought me back a few years in time and reminded me of the excitement I had during my BC delivery. I have a nice little package in my possession! I usually have a "comfort bin" ready while I check new snakes out prior to placing them in their quarantine cage.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3559.jpg

The snake was and calm when I removed him from the box. I'm certainly no expert, but I learned a few things about early handling from the carpet python experience I had in 2014. I like my new snakes to secure themselves on a branch (if they are semi arboreal) and decide when they want to crawl on my hands instead of forcing the action. It seems to work as Wallace was eager to explore everything.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_1790.jpg

I like I-Phone pictures (they suck) to start with because they are easy and I can get them out quicker. I think the big eyes on these guys are really cool.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3563.jpg

I let him zip around for a bit and he seemed to be relaxed and stress free, although I'm not a small snake and could not tell you what he really felt like.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3565.jpg

I love the tiger pattern. He has some other genetics involved, but I'm not overly interested in them. I just love this look and would probably say it my favorite of all snake patterns.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_1795.jpg

A very knowledgable friend told my he didn't think this guy would hit 10 feet. That's about perfect IMO. Reptile Experts also reaffirmed, that with the proper feeding plan, this guy should be right in that ball park.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3567.jpg

I'll get some REAL pictures when I feel he is settled. He is eating small rats, and he has taken a few swipes at me since he's warmed up but once in hand, he is fine.. I love that "on your toes" feeling, as it keeps things interesting.

Thanks for checking out Wallace.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3572.jpg

Beautiful critter you have there Gio. I'm looking forward to seeing lots of pics as he grows. It's so cool to me to see them start out as little worms and grow into big beautiful beasties. Congrats!

Pretty boy, I can never get over how long they are even so young. The eyes are very intense. Will be awesome seeing him grow like a weed.

Thanks you two!

This is new territory but not my first rodeo.

Life is good! My son's royal even ate today.

4 or more snakes is a good number.

I'm already planning my next iconic enclosure.

I'll get some really nice pictures up when I get this guy settled in with the rest of the collection.

Vital Exotics is a really good spot to shop if you are looking into the smaller retics. Kris really does know his stuff!

"4 or more" leaves things pretty open lmao! I said no more last year, and no more this year too, now let's see if I can stick to it!

Feels so good when those picky eaters take it-totally understand that, I was ecstatic finally getting my bp swapped to frozen rats and he takes them great now. Down to one fussy eater at my place and even he took a ft this week and my new baby ate like a champ too. Nice when everything falls into place.


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Originally Posted by GoingPostal

"4 or more" leaves things pretty open lmao! I said no more last year, and no more this year too, now let's see if I can stick to it!

Feels so good when those picky eaters take it-totally understand that, I was ecstatic finally getting my bp swapped to frozen rats and he takes them great now. Down to one fussy eater at my place and even he took a ft this week and my new baby ate like a champ too. Nice when everything falls into place.


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Well said LOL!

Its never really the last one!!

Congrats! I really like the tigers, too, but don't have room for a second giant at my current place. These guys don't beat my love for boa constrictors, but they're definitely an interesting species to keep. :)

What a handsome little dude! Congrats on your new addition Gio, and on getting your picky eater eating :) I look forward to updates on Wallace.

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What a handsome little guy you got there :) he looks awesome! Tigers are my favorite! And I like his dark rich colors :)


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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

What a handsome little guy you got there :) he looks awesome! Tigers are my favorite! And I like his dark rich colors :)


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Thanks "Fitzy"!

I can do this all day LOL!
Proud daddy I am.

Kris at Vital is a busy guy and he had to deal with a lot of my questions. I'm NOT a huge buyer or big name breeder. I love the hobby and I genuinely love my small, diverse collection.

I think he sent me a very pretty boy here.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3598.jpg

I used to drool over patterns like this that came in the 7-10 foot range. Now,,,,, I have one for myself!

The tiger in this guy keeps his head pretty clean. It makes his eyes really pop. I'm hoping you can all see this guy in my care 10-20 (I know that's long) years from now.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3599.jpg

In speaking with a VERY knowledgable friend, I learned humidity can be quite important with retics. Not dripping, cage wall humidity, but the actual dew point moisture. Wallace is using a nice, mossy hide in his quarantine cage and it is proving to be an excellent tool to maintain his iridescence. You can also see the SD influence here. He has a lot of greens mixed into his pattern.

Mr. Rainbow. Love that coloring on his head!
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3600.jpg

One of the concerns I have and always have had with this species is size. I always see keepers post their "new reticulated python" just like I'm doing here. Sadly after a few years, I don't see a lot of reposts because things change. Usually because somebody stepped in a bit too deep.

I'm a well established adult, yet that still doesn't get me off the hook if Wallace ends up HUGE. I think Cody (Reptile-Experts) has broken up some of the myths and half truths about this species. I certainly would never have ventured into the retic world if I thought my chances of having a giant were high.

I have a backup plan if for some reason this guy ends up much larger than expected or wanted. This snake could out live me, but by that time both of my kids, who love snakes could and would care for my collection. In 3 years my son will likely be able to assist me with a large animal as well.

That said, as Cody has stated again and again; Buy from a trusted breeder, know the dwarf and SD percentages should you be seeking a smaller sized retic and look at males.

I'm rather optimistic that this particular snake will climb to my favorites list. There is no doubt. EVERY experienced, mature, solid keeper of this species raves about them.

I will continue to listen and learn from the experts and established keepers as that's why these boards exist.

At the moment, I'm still jumping up and down because I am so happy to have this guy.
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3601.jpg

This has been a wonderful week for me! : )

Gorgeous new critter! I still can't get over how amazing my 100% Kalatoa SD girl is and I've had her for 7 months now. Doubled in length and still only barely over 4'. Such a privilege to be able to keep a "tiny giant" so to speak. No doubt you're going to love keeping Wallace more and more every day. Congrats!


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Gorgeous new critter! I still can't get over how amazing my 100% Kalatoa SD girl is and I've had her for 7 months now. Doubled in length and still only barely over 4'. Such a privilege to be able to keep a "tiny giant" so to speak. No doubt you're going to love keeping Wallace more and more every day. Congrats!


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That's great to hear!

I'll keep my eyes open for your posts!

Yup humidity is definitely important I see a lot of giants with stuck shed and I believe it's because most underestimate the humidity level they need. I keep my retic's humidity as high as I can without getting condensation.


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Originally Posted by CloudtheBoa

Yup humidity is definitely important I see a lot of giants with stuck shed and I believe it's because most underestimate the humidity level they need. I keep my retic's humidity as high as I can without getting condensation.


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Yes,,, exactly!

Nice looking worm there Gio. Remember to feed conservatively or you might end up with a monster lol. So whats next on your list? I've already trying to work deals for a GTP or Pucallpa BC but that's not going to happen until probably end of spring time lol.

Congrats on your gorgeous little guy there Gio! :)

I gotta say, Tigers have always been my favorite color/pattern as well for Retics.

Looking forward to to yours and Wallace's progress down the trail.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Nice looking worm there Gio. Remember to feed conservatively or you might end up with a monster lol. So whats next on your list? I've already trying to work deals for a GTP or Pucallpa BC but that's not going to happen until probably end of spring time lol.

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I think that is the last one for real this time LOL!

My thought is with the adult size, I'll have plenty of challenges and feeding and cleaning will be more frequent with this species.

I was just talking about GTP's yesterday with a friend, they are very interesting.

I think I would possibly look at Emerald's too, but then again, you are looking into Pucallpa BC and that is really special.

I'll keep my eyes open for your next addition.

I'm busy with skinny here LOL!
http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3564.jpg

Lol I hear ya. I keep saying "this will be my last" too and now i'm eyeballing a Pucallpa or GTP and now that you mentioned the ETB, I was looking at those too lol. I bet you will be picking a BCC of some form within 2 years lol ;) Grats again man, i'd like a retic or anaconda but I really cant chance it getting huge and the way I cave when it comes to feeding my animals, my luck it will turn into a monster that eats my house and neighbors :P

Vital has some nice stuff. Enjoy the new snake. I was "done for a while" myself, then had empty cage syndrome creep in. New snakes are the best.

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

Vital has some nice stuff. Enjoy the new snake. I was "done for a while" myself, then had empty cage syndrome creep in. New snakes are the best.

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Yep,,,

That FedX truck just does something to you LOL!!

I know almost everybody here knows what I mean.

Really cool addition gio congrats and enjoy. Third pic is kinda cute with the puppy dog eye's.

Congrats on the new little guy. Keep us posted on his progress.

Congrats! Glad he finally made it in. Now for the fun part to kick in as he grows.

Cheers

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Originally Posted by reptileexperts

Congrats! Glad he finally made it in. Now for the fun part to kick in as he grows.

Cheers

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Thanks everybody who's posted so far.

I think this guy is still under 2 feet long at 5 months which is a good sign of SD X Dwarf in the mix.

I've started with a bit of Reptileexpert's feeding regime and have had 2 feedings within 4 days. I want him started off well so that's where we're at.

Now I'm going to stretch things to 7 or 8 days before I feed another small rat. I may see how things go with every 7-10. He is extremely mellow for a little guy. A little jumpy with the hook and reach in, but then once in hand he is quite docile.

Again, I'd say the fastest settling snake of the 4 we have here.

Sans the royal, I've been bitten by the boa and carpet. Maybe because I'm more experience and have started the "retic style" handling right off the bat I'm preventing some potential issues; but I truly believe this snake is just a bit more settled and confident.

What do most folks find their MALE dwarf and SD size to be at 5 months? Is that an early indicator of adult size or is there a "teenage" growth spurt?

Again, I'm not even sure this guy is a full 24". His hatch date was June 1st.

I imagine what holds true with boa constrictors comes into play a bit with retics as well. Feeding and husbandry will have major effects on the size of the snake.

I'm rather pleased with the diversity of my/our collection here and feel privileged to have 4 completely different species in the house.

I will continue with updates, and higher quality photos when there are some significant changes.

Be happy and have a safe week!

I'm gonna check the Minneapolis paper in a couple years and look for the headline "Monster snake terrorizes neighborhood and eats the local cat population!!" :P J/k man. Grats on the retic. Lol I've been bitten by everyone except the dumerils but I've only had her for a couple weeks. I'm sure the day will come for that although so far she is a sweetie. She curled up in my hand and fell asleep last night in bed while I was watching tv lol.

Beautiful tic. Im dying to get an sd from them

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

I'm gonna check the Minneapolis paper in a couple years and look for the headline "Monster snake terrorizes neighborhood and eats the local cat population!!" :P J/k man. Grats on the retic. Lol I've been bitten by everyone except the dumerils but I've only had her for a couple weeks. I'm sure the day will come for that although so far she is a sweetie. She curled up in my hand and fell asleep last night in bed while I was watching tv lol.

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Hey, I missed where you scored a Dums.

I'll have to check it out and congrats to you as well!

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Originally Posted by Gio

Hey, I missed where you scored a Dums.

I'll have to check it out and congrats to you as well!

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Lol thanks. Yeah I went crazy after the AP cages came in and I got them all set up. I had the glass tanks which were already retrofitted for snakes sitting around and had a couple Herpstats laying around so I said "why not!!??" The owner of the local reptile shop had a friend who had to give up some of her collection as she was having a second kid so they needed to downsize. I got the yearling female jungle carpet off her which she got from Nick Mutton. Then I also said what the heck and nabbed up the little 2 month old female dumerils. its like a fire and ice combo lol. The jungle is firey and such a firecracker although last night, she was an angel and curled up on the back of my neck with just her head perched on my shoulder while I watched tv for about an hour. The dumerils is the "ice" as in she is so mellow even eating lol. She fell asleep wrapped up in the palm of my hand for like 1.5 hours while I laid in bed watching tv lol. I got the 4x2 Constrictors NW cage laying empty still and I'm debating on using it as "temporary" home when/if I have to reseal any of my AP cages or putting something else in it. I guess it will depend on what comes along. I'll be getting the jungle and dumerils AP cages too in the spring which will give me room again and by then maybe Pucallpa Peruvians or Bredlis will pop up. So far checking Inland Reptiles, he has no Bredli left :( and I haven't asked Legacy Reptiles about any Pucallpas. Anyways, I don't want to steal your progress thread lol. And I'm still going to check the Minneapolis newspapers!! :D

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Lol thanks. Yeah I went crazy after the AP cages came in and I got them all set up. I had the glass tanks which were already retrofitted for snakes sitting around and had a couple Herpstats laying around so I said "why not!!??" The owner of the local reptile shop had a friend who had to give up some of her collection as she was having a second kid so they needed to downsize. I got the yearling female jungle carpet off her which she got from Nick Mutton. Then I also said what the heck and nabbed up the little 2 month old female dumerils. its like a fire and ice combo lol. The jungle is firey and such a firecracker although last night, she was an angel and curled up on the back of my neck with just her head perched on my shoulder while I watched tv for about an hour. The dumerils is the "ice" as in she is so mellow even eating lol. She fell asleep wrapped up in the palm of my hand for like 1.5 hours while I laid in bed watching tv lol. I got the 4x2 Constrictors NW cage laying empty still and I'm debating on using it as "temporary" home when/if I have to reseal any of my AP cages or putting something else in it. I guess it will depend on what comes along. I'll be getting the jungle and dumerils AP cages too in the spring which will give me room again and by then maybe Pucallpa Peruvians or Bredlis will pop up. So far checking Inland Reptiles, he has no Bredli left :( and I haven't asked Legacy Reptiles about any Pucallpas. Anyways, I don't want to steal your progress thread lol. And I'm still going to check the Minneapolis newspapers!! :D

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Sounds like some big plans in your future. I actually prefer the Iquitos Peruvian BC's. I know Legacy has Gus Rentfro's stock. They are THE largest boa constrictors on average.


Don't hold your breath for the "For Sale Retic". This snake is 5 months old and still under 2 feet long or just 2 feet. There is only 18% mainland in this animal and the mother was fully grown and only 10 feet long. The adult father was only 5 feet long.

This little fella is here to stay even at 11 feet long.

http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/y...a/IMG_3616.jpg