Reticulated Python Question

So I want to get a new snake. I'm stuck between four different types, reticulated being one of them. I have a ball python now, and I used to help my sister care for her snakes. I'm stuck between Reticulated Python, Red Tail Boa, another BP, or a Western Hognose so for the time being I'm trying to collect as much info on each snake as I can before I decide. I don't have anything specific in mind, I kind of want something bigger (the exception being a hognose) but I'm not sure yet.

So far what I have on retics seems pretty similar to BPs which might be a big pro for them, but I could be incorrect. I just did some google searches of care sheets and this is what I've got.

Life Span: 15-20 yrs
Length: 10-20ft
Adult Housing Size: 2' tall x 3' wide x 6-8' length
Temperatures: 82° cool side 92° hot spot
They need hides, and I can use coconut fiber for substrate.

I couldn't find the humidity requirements, and I could be completely wrong with the information above since the Internet isn't always reliable so any information and tips on keeps them would be great! Thanks.


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Retics are huge snakes - please do lots of research to make sure you are in a position to give this animal all it will need over those 20 plus years. Best of luck to you in making your decision.

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Originally Posted by L.West

Retics are huge snakes - please do lots of research to make sure you are in a position to give this animal all it will need over those 20 plus years. Best of luck to you in making your decision.

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I am looking for something bigger, though the size of a retics is somewhat intimidating, that's why I'm trying to do research now as it will likely be MONTHS before I actually get another snake. Thank you for your concern. I'd only ever want the best for any animal in my care.


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Honestly, if you've only ever kept a BP and want something bigger, I'd go for a common male boa (BCI / BI). They are larger than BPs, but not so large that you need a second person there for all maintenance (which you do with snakes over 10' for sure, some say 8'). They are also more laid back and easy to handle than most retics... Retics move very fast and maneuvering a larger snake like a retic is not easy.

Another thing to consider is their food aggression response, which is even higher than boas. They eat more frequently, show signs of stress when hungry more often (rubbing/pushing), etc. Along with frequent feedings comes frequent peeing and pooping, which can be large-dog sized.

Have you ever handled a fully grown retic? If not, I'd encourage you to find a local keeper or shop that is willing to let you "help" them with cleaning, feeding, etc. to see what handling an adult is like... Know going in that a fully grown retic takes a lot in terms of housing, finances, and time to maintain and that they are very hard to rehome. If you do decide that you like them, after working with adults, then I'd look into super dwarf retics, which stay smaller, but are as active and intelligent as the larger retics.

I was in the same position as you a few years back and decided to go with a boa instead of a dwarf or SD retic. I have been extremely happy with my choice, although I will consider an SD retic male in the future.

Heres my advice. I currently have a mainland reticulated python. He's still very small but already is taking a toll on my wallet haha. He gets three adult mice every 5 days or so otherwise he will bang up his nose smacking the glass of his enclosure. My advice is that if you want to get into bigger snakes get a boa first or get a Dwarf retic or a Super dwarf retic. These guys stay much smaller and will be much more manageable. I think some super dwarfs can stay around 10 ish feet and some normal dwarfs around 15 or so?

In conclusion, Retics get huge and cost lots of money to feed and take up lots of space. Although they are my favorite kind of snake because they has so much personality and are very active and fun to handle. I i were you i would decide what you like better, Boas or some kind of Dwarf/SD retic.... my $0.02

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Honestly, if you've only ever kept a BP and want something bigger, I'd go for a common male boa (BCI / BI). They are larger than BPs, but not so large that you need a second person there for all maintenance (which you do with snakes over 10' for sure, some say 8'). They are also more laid back and easy to handle than most retics... Retics move very fast and maneuvering a larger snake like a retic is not easy.

Another thing to consider is their food aggression response, which is even higher than boas. They eat more frequently, show signs of stress when hungry more often (rubbing/pushing), etc. Along with frequent feedings comes frequent peeing and pooping, which can be large-dog sized.

Have you ever handled a fully grown retic? If not, I'd encourage you to find a local keeper or shop that is willing to let you "help" them with cleaning, feeding, etc. to see what handling an adult is like... Know going in that a fully grown retic takes a lot in terms of housing, finances, and time to maintain and that they are very hard to rehome. If you do decide that you like them, after working with adults, then I'd look into super dwarf retics, which stay smaller, but are as active and intelligent as the larger retics.

I was in the same position as you a few years back and decided to go with a boa instead of a dwarf or SD retic. I have been extremely happy with my choice, although I will consider an SD retic male in the future.

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I was leaning more toward a boa, but I hadn't considered a BCI specifically. I'll look into that. Thanks for the advice! I get worried when I post on here that people will be rude about answering questions since I've seen it happen before but thank you for you're kind response. I'll start looking into BCI care right away.


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Retics do need to be humid, figure 50-60%. Not only do they get big but they get big very quickly compared to a snake like a boa constrictor that can take up to 7 years to reach its potential, so you'll need to find an adult-size enclosure 18 months after you get a hatchling.

They are fun and unlike my BP's and even boas they tolerate handling and human interaction readily, and they outgrow their baby defensiveness pretty quickly. That said, dealing with an adult on a bad day is like fighting a charged fire hose throwing a temper tantrum.

Retics also require more day-to-day maintenance than boas since they eat more often and have higher metabolisms. An adult retic may need a full enclosure clean-out two to three times a week because they'll poop every day for three days straight, where an adult boa that eats every 4-6 weeks may only have a bowel movement monthly.

I think you're making a wise decision.

I couldn't ever imagine owning a Retic after transitioning directly from a Ball Python. Boas are the PERFECT intermediate species if you want to head in that direction however. They give you a taste of what owning a large constrictor is like, but they're not overwhelming at the same time.

FYI: This is why I love this forum, I don't even need to do anything. You've already been handed fantastic advice :D

Were all a big family on here.. Remember, everyones here to learn and discover together. There's never any need for anyone to be grumpy with each other.

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Originally Posted by Tinyballs

I think you're making a wise decision.

I couldn't ever imagine owning a Retic after transitioning directly from a Ball Python. Boas are the PERFECT intermediate species if you want to head in that direction however. They give you a taste of what owning a large constrictor is like, but they're not overwhelming at the same time.

FYI: This is why I love this forum, I don't even need to do anything. You've already been handed fantastic advice :D

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I had the four different snakes picked out and I asked a few friends what they thought and most were saying "The retic looks awesome!" So I figured I'd see what it was like and ask some people with more experience. I was already leaning toward a red tail boa since they are beautiful but I do know someone who has 3 retics and I love how active they can be so I figured I'd give it a chance. Probably definitely going for some sort of Boa now though. I'll work my way up to a retic when I get there [emoji5]


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Originally Posted by OneEyedFox

I had the four different snakes picked out and I asked a few friends what they thought and most were saying "The retic looks awesome!" So I figured I'd see what it was like and ask some people with more experience. I was already leaning toward a red tail boa since they are beautiful but I do know someone who has 3 retics and I love how active they can be so I figured I'd give it a chance. Probably definitely going for some sort of Boa now though. I'll work my way up to a retic when I get there [emoji5]


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Boas are a great choice..More active than BPs (and IMO, better to handle) but not hyper. If you want something that will be even more active, similar to a retic, you could look into carpet pythons. They are much more active when handled, climb and perch...Make good display snakes, but also leaner / thinner than boas. Some localities can get 7-9' most stay a little smaller. I have a jungle jag and he is a great snake too, but was a lot more defensive / nippy as a baby... Also, if interested in them, I'd avoid a jag, as they have neuro issues similar to spider BPs which can make handling more tricky (he is prone to falling). Jungles are smaller carpets, have great colors, and are very active. They are not heavier-bodied like a boa though, so if you want weight, a boa may be a better option. My male carpet is about the size of an adult corn snake in terms of width right now, but with about 6' of length.

If you want more info on boas, check out the websites of legacy reptiles (good for pics) and Cutting Edge Herp (good for pics and information on size, etc.). Vin Russo also wrote an excellent book, the complete boa constrictor, which I highly recommend.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Boas are a great choice..More active than BPs (and IMO, better to handle) but not hyper. If you want something that will be even more active, similar to a retic, you could look into carpet pythons. They are much more active when handled, climb and perch...Make good display snakes, but also leaner / thinner than boas. Some localities can get 7-9' most stay a little smaller. I have a jungle jag and he is a great snake too, but was a lot more defensive / nippy as a baby... Also, if interested in them, I'd avoid a jag, as they have neuro issues similar to spider BPs which can make handling more tricky (he is prone to falling). Jungles are smaller carpets, have great colors, and are very active. They are not heavier-bodied like a boa though, so if you want weight, a boa may be a better option. My male carpet is about the size of an adult corn snake in terms of width right now, but with about 6' of length.

If you want more info on boas, check out the websites of legacy reptiles (good for pics) and Cutting Edge Herp (good for pics and information on size, etc.). Vin Russo also wrote an excellent book, the complete boa constrictor, which I highly recommend.

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Perfect! I think I might be dead set on a BCI at this point, but I will look at carpet pythons too and I'll check out the places you mentioned for info


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Honestly, you could easily throw a Super Dwarf Retic in there as a good potential next animal as well. There are plenty of 50%+ SD crosses that have males staying at or below 8' long (with some pure SD males staying around 5', but admittedly more spastic in general when they are pure), and they grow much slower than a mainland (albeit still faster than a boa). Retics (including SD's) still, to me at least, have a personality and intelligence level that cannot be matched in the realm of non venomous snakes. Talk to Sauzo, Jmcrook, Gio or Stearns84 (or even myself) about SD's if you'd like. Between us, even though none of us are "experts", there is a wealth of first hand, real world knowledge of keeping SD's. They can be a great option in my opinion, even as a direct stepping stone from a Ball Python if you do your due diligence and research ahead of time.

Coastal Carpets, Bredli, and Olive Pythons are other great large but not gigantic snakes. Olives are considered baby giants though averaging 10-12 ft. My Olive Python is quickly becoming one of my favorite snakes. They're active, beautiful display snakes, fun to handle, and they eat like there's no tomorrow. Just a thought. ;)

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Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

Coastal Carpets, Bredli, and Olive Pythons are other great large but not gigantic snakes. Olives are considered baby giants though averaging 10-12 ft. My Olive Python is quickly becoming one of my favorite snakes. They're active, beautiful display snakes, fun to handle, and they eat like there's no tomorrow. Just a thought. ;)

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Oh jeez es, now I'm back to trying to decide between four different snakes again lol! I'll probably look up the husbandry and temperament for each and make a pros and cons list and I'll see what I decide. I have some time, so no rush but I'm excited


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Originally Posted by Addiction

Honestly, you could easily throw a Super Dwarf Retic in there as a good potential next animal as well. There are plenty of 50%+ SD crosses that have males staying at or below 8' long (with some pure SD males staying around 5', but admittedly more spastic in general when they are pure), and they grow much slower than a mainland (albeit still faster than a boa). Retics (including SD's) still, to me at least, have a personality and intelligence level that cannot be matched in the realm of non venomous snakes. Talk to Sauzo, Jmcrook, Gio or Stearns84 (or even myself) about SD's if you'd like. Between us, even though none of us are "experts", there is a wealth of first hand, real world knowledge of keeping SD's. They can be a great option in my opinion, even as a direct stepping stone from a Ball Python if you do your due diligence and research ahead of time.

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I honestly went right to SD retics from ball pythons. Granted I researched and weighed my pros and cons and such for about two years before pulling the trigger. Don't know that I'd say they grow slower than mainlands though... Phyllis went from ~56grams and 20" to 8.5" and 10+ pounds in 20 months. She's an absolute beast of a super dwarf and she's 100% SD. She is super interactive, inquisitive, never misses a meal, and is an absolute joy to work with. I'd be happy to talk about my experience with her or Gerald, my 50% SD male Ultra Ivory if you're interested in knowing more. Both have their own progression threads on here. I've had Phyllis since she was three weeks old and Gerald was about a year old when I got him. They're significantly more work in maintenance and upkeep (read: daily piss cleanings) than a ball python but I love 'em and wouldn't trade them for anything.

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Originally Posted by jmcrook

I honestly went right to SD retics from ball pythons. Granted I researched and weighed my pros and cons and such for about two years before pulling the trigger. Don't know that I'd say they grow slower than mainlands though... Phyllis went from ~56grams and 20" to 8.5" and 10+ pounds in 20 months. She's an absolute beast of a super dwarf and she's 100% SD. She is super interactive, inquisitive, never misses a meal, and is an absolute joy to work with. I'd be happy to talk about my experience with her or Gerald, my 50% SD male Ultra Ivory if you're interested in knowing more. Both have their own progression threads on here. I've had Phyllis since she was three weeks old and Gerald was about a year old when I got him. They're significantly more work in maintenance and upkeep (read: daily piss cleanings) than a ball python but I love 'em and wouldn't trade them for anything.

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Thank you so much, but I think I'm gonna go with a BCI, my next one after that will either be a carpet or an SD Retic though if not another BP cause I still wanna get a banana Pastel eventually. I have seen the mess involved with retics lol, so much crap!!!


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There are certainly plenty of python and boa species that you could consider that are moderately-sized, including olive or Papuan pythons, white-lipped pythons, Dominican red mountain boas, Angolan pythons...

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Originally Posted by bcr229

There are certainly plenty of python and boa species that you could consider that are moderately-sized, including olive or Papuan pythons, white-lipped pythons, Dominican red mountain boas, Angolan pythons...

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That red mountain boa sure is beautiful. My favorite color is red.


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Dumerillis boas are also an option... About the size of a BCI but more terrestrial with a different shape and pattern. There are just so many options out there that it can really be hard to choose. With common boas, take time to investigate all the morphs out there too... All the morphs have pretty much the same care as a "normal" and cost varies on morph. You will have the boa a long time, so might as well get one you like the looks of. :) Hypos, motleys, albinos, jungles, and pastels are all pretty common base morphs.

OMG how could I forget Dums! Yes they are awesome.

The problem, of course, with investigating all of these different species is that eventually you decide you want one or two of each, and that's how you end up with several dozen pet snakes.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

OMG how could I forget Dums! Yes they are awesome.

The problem, of course, with investigating all of these different species is that eventually you decide you want one or two of each, and that's how you end up with several dozen pet snakes.

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I'm already having a tough time deciding what Boa I want lol. There's so many to choose from!!!


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My three choices of next snake after ball pythons would be
1) Russian rat snake,
2) Carpet python
3) Boa

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

My three choices of next snake after ball pythons would be
1) Russian rat snake,
2) Carpet python
3) Boa

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I have decided to get a Suriname Red Tail I'm just doing a bunch of research right now on them. I'm mostly trying to figure out how to set up a t8 so I know for when my future snake gets bigger. I know it'll be a while I just want to be prepared.


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Surinames are awesome but they are more demanding on feeding and husbandry. I use T8s for babies and juveniles but for an adult, i would do nothing smaller than a T25.

Also realize they arent cheap unless you are buying a flesh peddler one like LLL or Underground reptiles. If you are buying from a reputable breeder, be ready to drop $500+.

Feed conservatively and stay on the smaller side. My female Rio Bravo Poki suriname is 1.2 years old and she just graduated to small mice every 2 weeks.

And here she is being her lounging self lol.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9ac746ad_h.jpg

And a more recent pic of her after shedding.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e055a71a_h.jpg

Good luck on the hunt. Took me awhile to find the perfect one with the blood line I wanted. Now to find that perfect Peruvian BCC.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Surinames are awesome but they are more demanding on feeding and husbandry. I use T8s for babies and juveniles but for an adult, i would do nothing smaller than a T25.

Also realize they arent cheap unless you are buying a flesh peddler one like LLL or Underground reptiles. If you are buying from a reputable breeder, be ready to drop $500+.

Feed conservatively and stay on the smaller side. My female Rio Bravo Poki suriname is 1.2 years old and she just graduated to small mice every 2 weeks.

And here she is being her lounging self lol.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9ac746ad_h.jpg

And a more recent pic of her after shedding.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e055a71a_h.jpg

Good luck on the hunt. Took me awhile to find the perfect one with the blood line I wanted. Now to find that perfect Peruvian BCC.

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So pretty! Now you're making me want a BCC even more than I already do lol.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Surinames are awesome but they are more demanding on feeding and husbandry. I use T8s for babies and juveniles but for an adult, i would do nothing smaller than a T25.

Also realize they arent cheap unless you are buying a flesh peddler one like LLL or Underground reptiles. If you are buying from a reputable breeder, be ready to drop $500+.

Feed conservatively and stay on the smaller side. My female Rio Bravo Poki suriname is 1.2 years old and she just graduated to small mice every 2 weeks.

And here she is being her lounging self lol.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9ac746ad_h.jpg

And a more recent pic of her after shedding.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e055a71a_h.jpg

Good luck on the hunt. Took me awhile to find the perfect one with the blood line I wanted. Now to find that perfect Peruvian BCC.

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That tail is SO amazing. I REALLY hope you decide to breed her one day. Is Rio Bravo officially out of business now?

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Surinames are awesome but they are more demanding on feeding and husbandry. I use T8s for babies and juveniles but for an adult, i would do nothing smaller than a T25.

Also realize they arent cheap unless you are buying a flesh peddler one like LLL or Underground reptiles. If you are buying from a reputable breeder, be ready to drop $500+.

Feed conservatively and stay on the smaller side. My female Rio Bravo Poki suriname is 1.2 years old and she just graduated to small mice every 2 weeks.

And here she is being her lounging self lol.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9ac746ad_h.jpg

And a more recent pic of her after shedding.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e055a71a_h.jpg

Good luck on the hunt. Took me awhile to find the perfect one with the blood line I wanted. Now to find that perfect Peruvian BCC.

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So a Suriname wouldn't be good for my first boa? I want to make sure I get the right one, but I don't want to get an animal I can't care for.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Surinames are awesome but they are more demanding on feeding and husbandry. I use T8s for babies and juveniles but for an adult, i would do nothing smaller than a T25.

Also realize they arent cheap unless you are buying a flesh peddler one like LLL or Underground reptiles. If you are buying from a reputable breeder, be ready to drop $500+.

Feed conservatively and stay on the smaller side. My female Rio Bravo Poki suriname is 1.2 years old and she just graduated to small mice every 2 weeks.

And here she is being her lounging self lol.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...9ac746ad_h.jpg

And a more recent pic of her after shedding.
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...e055a71a_h.jpg

Good luck on the hunt. Took me awhile to find the perfect one with the blood line I wanted. Now to find that perfect Peruvian BCC.

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I want something that looks like a Suriname, with the light colors and the dark red tail, if you think a Suriname would be too much for a beginning Boa what would you recommend? I'm looking for advice, feels like every time I decide I change my mind to something else though.


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If you're still thinking about getting a retic I have one word for you. POOP. They have monster dumps. It's like having a newfoundland with a stomach virus times 1,000,000! Not really but they have smelly monster poops so be prepared to upgrade your vents lol. I also think getting a retic after a BP is a just but it can be done if you work with the hatchling and learn with it as fast as possible. Have fun with your future snake!

PS: I had a redtail boa for almost 2 years and poop was never an issue :)

I have a Lemke line South Brazilian BCA (I got him from McCarthy Boas)... Patterning is much like a BCC (true red tail, like Surinams). His background color has darkened as he aged, and his tail isn't fire red like a BCC, but he has been a great boa and has an excellent temperament.
Here is a pic of him taken last year. You can see the patterning here, but the color is off. He has a lot of pinks and salmons in his sides. Many people think that this locality was mixed with BCC at some point before or after importation, so they have similar qualities.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...6_170551-1.jpg

Here's what he looked like at ~2.5 years old when I got him
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ingcropped.jpg

Another good BCC look-alike is a Barranquilla BCI.. This maintain very good color and contrast for a BCI, but do not have a bright red tail. Here is a link to legacy reptile's page about them.

If you want a super red tail that stays red, then a true BCC / BC (they changed the scientific naming) is the way to go. Not all BCC stay bright light background and not all have a red tail though... You need to ask for pics of parents to have an idea of what babies will grow up to be. I've read that if the tail isn't bright red as a baby, then it won't be bright red as an adult, so babies with browner tails will stay that way.

Hypo BCI can have pretty bright tails too...but more in the orange vein than in red. My male hypo BCI has a pretty nice tail and coloration with lots of oranges and salmons / pinks especially out in the sun. Here is a pic of his tail taken outside in indirect light.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...ics/scales.jpg

This is what he looks like in indoor lighting in his pvc cage. he is a good bit more orange than is shown here.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t...by%2012-16.jpg

BCC (true red tails) are not super sensitive, but they do need spot-on humidity, temps, etc. You also have to be very careful with their feeding regimen so that they do not regurg or grow too quickly. Normal BCI also need to be grown slow and you adjust their feeding schedule as they age to eating less and less frequently, but they are not as fussy about temps and humidity and can take larger meals without as much risk.