To get a burm or not, that is the question

Hello all,

I am interested in getting an albino burm. I talked to a guy at the East Bay Vivarium, he told me that when they are young they are nippy. But with time,
care and handling this habbit would go away. I have no problem with a nippy snake, i have been tagged many a time by snakes, its the whole 15 foot nippy snake i have a problem with. What kind of hubandry does a burm need. Maximum size tank it will need? The size isn't a problem just need to plan for it. Tempatures on the warm side and the cool side? Humidity? Any thing else that i need to know? thanks in advance for your help.

I think that with proper research on the internet, you should have an answer for each and every question that you have asked. There are numerous articles out there to help you with simple husbandry questions, and you should really only create a thread like this if you cannot find an answer, or if you wish to seek first hand accounts. ;)

Please read the following with the most well intended advice... If you have to ask you're probably not quite ready.

I'd recommend finding someone who has a burm, and getting some adult handling under your belt. You should also have a second person that is reliable enough to be around anytime you handle would want to feed or handle him, as a precautionary measure.

Thats kinda why I asked here versus the any other place on this forum. I was hoping to get someone that had one to say "hey that is true" or "no, you will have a nippy 15 foot snake regaurdless of what you do". That was my main question. The reason I asked the other stuff was to get an opionion from someone that has burms. and just maybe if they replied they would be able to throw in the other info real quick. I currently have a normall BP. when i first got him i read a book front to back and constantly reffered to it. It stated that one hide was needed, a 75%-85% humidity level was needed at all times, and the temps should be around 80 degrees on the warm side. I have made many adjustments and now have a very happy snake.

I may be takeing this wrongly, but the advice "if you have to ask, your probly not ready" is not very encouraging. DUH! thats why i asked is to get ready. I'm not going down this week and getting a huge snake. I figured on my path of getting to the point that I am ready thought I should stop here. I didnt just come here to waist time. I had a question and got some advice that stated the obvious. I hope that isnt the answer you give everyone.

I was simply tryning to find out as much information as possible before making this decision. I looked online and thought maybe some one on bp.net may have some advice that many people dont learn until they screw up. I do apologize for coming to your forum for giant pythons and asking such a silly question. I hope I didnt waste to much time.

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Originally Posted by BiG~PUN

Thats kinda why I asked here versus the any other place on this forum. I was hoping to get someone that had one to say "hey that is true" or "no, you will have a nippy 15 foot snake regaurdless of what you do". That was my main question. The reason I asked the other stuff was to get an opionion from someone that has burms. and just maybe if they replied they would be able to throw in the other info real quick. I currently have a normall BP. when i first got him i read a book front to back and constantly reffered to it. It stated that one hide was needed, a 75%-85% humidity level was needed at all times, and the temps should be around 80 degrees on the warm side. I have made many adjustments and now have a very happy snake.

I may be takeing this wrongly, but the advice "if you have to ask, your probly not ready" is not very encouraging. DUH! thats why i asked is to get ready. I'm not going down this week and getting a huge snake. I figured on my path of getting to the point that I am ready thought I should stop here. I didnt just come here to waist time. I had a question and got some advice that stated the obvious. I hope that isnt the answer you give everyone.

I was simply tryning to find out as much information as possible before making this decision. I looked online and thought maybe some one on bp.net may have some advice that many people dont learn until they screw up. I do apologize for coming to your forum for giant pythons and asking such a silly question. I hope I didnt waste to much time.

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Maybe it would have helped if you had posted this previously. I am not one to attack someone for posting a question, and that was not how my post was intended.

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What kind of hubandry does a burm need. Maximum size tank it will need?

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This type of question led me to believe that you did not have the basic information, and I apologize if that was incorrect.

Again, I think that you should really consider finding someone locally that has a burm and getting some experience under your belt.

There's no need to be so offended or hostile at Christie. :no: It's completely your option to accept or dismiss what she says, but there's no reason to take it so personally.


I don't have, and have never had a giant, so I'm not much help in answering your questions with specific experience...which is why I haven't chimed in sooner. But I can tell you what I know of snakes in general:

Most species can be nippy as babies and grow out of it as they get more mature. Burms are no exception. Gentle, respectful, consitent handling will likely result in a comfortable, laid back mature snake. However, there's also never any guarantees. Each animal is its own individual and there are cantankerous examples of all species. And also...even the most laid back animal can have a bad day. Anyone considering giants needs to remember that and always keep it at the forefront of their minds, both in planning for and in keeping the animal.

I've held some giants....and it is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. They are not snakes to be taken lightly in any sense of the word...even the most "tame" of them. I hope you'll understand when some people get a little nervous when someone who has one ball python suddenly says "I'd like to get a burm...what should I know?" Whether or not you can truly handle one and are/will be ready for one when the time comes...only YOU can know. But do understand when folks may assume by the light-hearted tone of your questions that maybe you're not looking at all the issues in quite the right light.

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Originally Posted by BiG~PUN

I am interested in getting an albino burm. I talked to a guy at the East Bay Vivarium, he told me that when they are young they are nippy. But with time,
care and handling this habbit would go away. I have no problem with a nippy snake, i have been tagged many a time by snakes, its the whole 15 foot nippy snake i have a problem with.

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My best answer for that is.....Each snake is an individual. Just because 20 people raise a burm that is very docile that doesn't mean that the one you raise will be docile. When getting any reptile you must plan for 'worse case scenario'. What will you do if the animal ends up as an aggressive adult? It is a chance you take with any reptile....just be prepared to deal with it.

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Originally Posted by BiG~PUN

What kind of hubandry does a burm need. Maximum size tank it will need? The size isn't a problem just need to plan for it. Tempatures on the warm side and the cool side? Humidity? Any thing else that i need to know? thanks in advance for your help.

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We have a burm caresheet here on this site in the caresheet section(http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....article&id=16). Maximum cage size? Depends on how big your burm gets. Again, this is a 'worse case scenario' situation. Your burm could top out at 16'; however, it could just as easily grow to 20'. I would say a 'tank' is out of question for an adult burm....because of their size, you will need a custom enclosure or very large manufactured enclosure.

"If you have to ask, you're probably not ready" shouldn't be taken with any offense - you shouldn't get a burm without doing research, and that research will let you know if you're ready or not.

Some basic things to consider before buying one:
1) Do you plan on making a serious commitment to this snake for its entire life? Do you have any "life events" such as moving or going away to college or anything like that on the horizon that would cause you to have to get rid of it? Burms are VERY hard to place, many are euthanized every year by shelters because there are no homes for them.
2) Do you have the financial ability to house and feed this animal?
3) Do you have a "buddy" who would be willing to assist during feeding and maintenance?

These are just to name a few. If the answer is not a definitive "yes" to all of these, then the answer is NO, you are NOT ready. Not trying to be discouraging, but its disgusting to see how many of these animals are abandoned time after time by owners that are no longer capable or interested in keeping them.

Thank you all for your replies. I do apologize to you Christie, I underatand what you where trying to say. It may have been the original post that made me irritated. I felt like some were upset at my original post, and I took everything in a bad light.

I have cared for many a reptiles in my life mainly snakes. My ball python is my first python. About 2 months ago i got to see and hold (with help) a Burm, ever since then I have been amazed by these creatures. They are impresive and I have been unable to get rid of this desire to have one.

I am home going to college locally. I understand that it is not fair for me to not make such a long term commitment with out being able to provide the appropriate care in the future. I am always outraged by what many people do after getting an animal. I recently made a post about a RTB that was left in front of the pet shop i frequent. It was titled "my rant"

Thanks again for your help. Again christie, my bad.

This is kind of late, but unlike Judy I have no experience with Burms. If you only have experience with a Ball Python, could I please beg you to get a Boa first? I'm not saying it is impossible or reckless to go from a BP to a Burm, but I am partial to big snakes as well. I've wanted a Burm for a long time, but I am so glad I decided to move the next step up and get a Boa. He's 5'5" and his strength is out of this world. If I went from a BP to a Burm...I can't even imagine.

I've heard some crazy horror stories from some very experienced Burm keepers. They are great snakes, but demand tremendous amounts of respect and an overall experience with snakes as a whole. If you hate the idea of getting a Boa or something of equal size then please consider, as others have suggested, getting some experience first hand. Learn procedures for feeding and what to do if you are bitten or constricted. It could save your life someday and prevent the rest of the hobby from suffering another "Burm kills/hurts owner" story. Thanks and good luck!

Why beg to get a Boa first? It's a bit non-sensical to me. Buy a snake solely for "experience"...things like that are what supports the disposable pet trade. Personally if you want one, get one. Read as much as you can, talk to as many experienced keepers as you can...and if possible, try and get some hands on with them. The biggest thing with Burms is their temperment...they're so laid back compared to other giants its not even funny...but that "relaxed" feel and attitude makes you underestimate their strength and lulls you into a false sense of security...don't let it happen. Its a big flaw that could get you hurt.

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Originally Posted by HadesBP18

This is kind of late, but unlike Judy I have no experience with Burms. If you only have experience with a Ball Python, could I please beg you to get a Boa first? I'm not saying it is impossible or reckless to go from a BP to a Burm, but I am partial to big snakes as well. I've wanted a Burm for a long time, but I am so glad I decided to move the next step up and get a Boa. He's 5'5" and his strength is out of this world. If I went from a BP to a Burm...I can't even imagine.

I've heard some crazy horror stories from some very experienced Burm keepers. They are great snakes, but demand tremendous amounts of respect and an overall experience with snakes as a whole. If you hate the idea of getting a Boa or something of equal size then please consider, as others have suggested, getting some experience first hand. Learn procedures for feeding and what to do if you are bitten or constricted. It could save your life someday and prevent the rest of the hobby from suffering another "Burm kills/hurts owner" story. Thanks and good luck!

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Well, if he buys a boa and doesn't get attached to it then I would question his humanity. The sense of it is because you get to feel what it's like to have a snake with some real power behind it. That is what I did and I can tell you I've learned a lot from it. As you can see I haven't "disposed" of my snake. I think it is a good idea to get experience with a snake just as laid back as Burms, but not as large.

It depends on where he lives I suppose. But I know here I would never be able to find someone with a Burm, let alone who would be willing to teach me about them. Even if he could find someone with a big boa.

So yes, there is a point. Get experience with larger snakes before you move to extra large. Going from a Ball Python to a Burm is nonsensical to me. I would never do it. I have too much respect for the big snakes to risk harming them or myself.

If you are serious about getting a burm, I would start with a hatching and grow with it. You can afford to get bit a few times when they are small. As they grow, your experience at handling them will grow. The financial demands can be one thing to consider too. The enclosure, to me, is not the most expensive thing. I believe and adult burm could live in an 8'x31"x4' enclosure. I keep my temps about 90 to 92 on the hot side with 50% to 60% humidity. The most costly thing is the food. When they are small, rats are fine, but when they hit 10 to 12 feet, then rabbits are on the menu. I'm lucky to have a rabbit breeder close to me the breeds them for the meat. My albino burm is about 12 feet and eating a 6 to 7 lb rabbit every 2 weeks. I NEVER handle or feed alone. Burms are very laid back, but when feeding mode clicks in, they can get VERY aggressive.
Owning a burm is a huge responsibilty. The one I have is a "rescue" and it is the only giant I will have.
Doing the research before hand is a wise thing to do. Many states and cities are banning them, so you may need to check and see if they are banned in yoiur area.

Heres a pretty good website. http://www.albinoburmese.com/

Also, you might want to check out some rescue organizations rather then buying one. There are often plenty of burms available depending on where you look.

Mark

Thank you all for your input. Please understand that I am not new to reptiles. I have grown up around them. I have had a RTB before, and a few others. The ball python is not first and deffinently not the hardest animal I have cared for. If I come off a little unexperienced it is only because I am trying to be humble, I know there are many many people here much more experienced than I. This is the first real giant that I will be takeing care of, so I appreciate all the advice.

I was down at the reptile store yesterday. The guy that owns it is a pretty cool guy. I told him about my urge to do this, and he took me over to his 10 footer on display. He and another worker got it out, they told me to come to the middle and hold it. Once again I was reminded at how amazing these creatures are.

I will look into getting an abondoned one first if i can't then it will be a baby i go for. I understand everyones concern but I wont let you down. <== Hella corny. :rockon:

Once again there is no point in going from "large snake" to "extra large snake". Every species is different. They act differently, react differently, have different requirements etc. Even among individuals they act differently. Buying a Boa will not prepare you for a Burm, just as buying a Burm will not prepare you for a Retic...same as reading a care sheet. It can only give you a generalistic idea....something that isn't too important. Only way to get experience or "prepare" for one is to either buy one and raise it, or work with on first hand. He is not going to just buy an adult right off the bat. Hatchlings take time to raise. At that, they don't just "blow up" in size like some believe...they do grow at a rapid rate, but not what most believe...

Honestly, if you have no experience with Burms, or any other giants...then why give your opinion on them when you don't know what they are or are not capable of? Just a question I'm curious about....

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Originally Posted by HadesBP18

Well, if he buys a boa and doesn't get attached to it then I would question his humanity. The sense of it is because you get to feel what it's like to have a snake with some real power behind it. That is what I did and I can tell you I've learned a lot from it. As you can see I haven't "disposed" of my snake. I think it is a good idea to get experience with a snake just as laid back as Burms, but not as large.

It depends on where he lives I suppose. But I know here I would never be able to find someone with a Burm, let alone who would be willing to teach me about them. Even if he could find someone with a big boa.

So yes, there is a point. Get experience with larger snakes before you move to extra large. Going from a Ball Python to a Burm is nonsensical to me. I would never do it. I have too much respect for the big snakes to risk harming them or myself.

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Apparently you are neglecting to see the point. Never have I said RTBs are anything like Burms. The point is the size. It is so you can get an idea of the SIZE. It's not so you can be prepared to understand everything there is about Burms. It's so you can understand how different even a 5 foot snake is from a BP. Is there anything else you need clarification on? And I also believe I clearly stated I had no experience, I was just merely giving my opinion/advice in a thoughtful manner. Never did I try to give opinions on the care or husbandry of giant snakes. Perhaps you should gather all facts before writing me off. The forums are for opinions so I gave mine. There is no use in being snotty about it. But I thank you for your opinions as well.

ANYWAYS, I'm sorry I misdjudged your experience with snakes. Actually, that was really the only reason I gave my opinion about getting an RTB first. I'm glad you understand how much work these big guys are (I know I don't know first hand, which means I'm useless...right?). Good luck and let us know how you make out!

Never was I snotty about it, and I believe your the one who neglects to gather any facts stated...


Let me clarify this once again....Size isn't the only factor here. Strength, and their feeding response is what needs to be looked at. Once again, B. c. i.'s aren't nearly as strong as the Burmese Python, nor the other giant's. Their feeding response is out of this world. Things that need to be taken into consideration. The reason I had "written you off" is because your recommending him buy a one species to gain experience for another. In my opinion as an experienced giant keeper....I'd say its very nonsensical and rediculous. Anything else you'd like me to clear up bub?

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Originally Posted by HadesBP18

Apparently you are neglecting to see the point. Never have I said RTBs are anything like Burms. The point is the size. It is so you can get an idea of the SIZE. It's not so you can be prepared to understand everything there is about Burms. It's so you can understand how different even a 5 foot snake is from a BP. Is there anything else you need clarification on? And I also believe I clearly stated I had no experience, I was just merely giving my opinion/advice in a thoughtful manner. Never did I try to give opinions on the care or husbandry of giant snakes. Perhaps you should gather all facts before writing me off. The forums are for opinions so I gave mine. There is no use in being snotty about it. But I thank you for your opinions as well.

ANYWAYS, I'm sorry I misdjudged your experience with snakes. Actually, that was really the only reason I gave my opinion about getting an RTB first. I'm glad you understand how much work these big guys are (I know I don't know first hand, which means I'm useless...right?). Good luck and let us know how you make out!

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

Let me clarify this once again....Size isn't the only factor here. Strength, and their feeding response is what needs to be looked at. Once again, B. c. i.'s aren't nearly as strong as the Burmese Python, nor the other giant's. Their feeding response is out of this world. Things that need to be taken into consideration.

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Agreed.

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

Let me clarify this once again....Size isn't the only factor here. Strength, and their feeding response is what needs to be looked at. Once again, B. c. i.'s aren't nearly as strong as the Burmese Python, nor the other giant's. Their feeding response is out of this world. Things that need to be taken into consideration. The reason I had "written you off" is because your recommending him buy a one species to gain experience for another. In my opinion as an experienced giant keeper....I'd say its very nonsensical and rediculous. Anything else you'd like me to clear up bub?

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But did I ever say anywhere that I was trying to give advice on feeding responses? But you were right on the strength factor! That was what I was trying to get at. My advice had nothing to do with learning about Burms' feeding responses or their temperment or anything. Because as you blatantly stated, I have no knowledge on that. I think that is where you are confused and putting words in my mouth.

The only thing I was trying to get at, was the size. Ignore the fact the boa is a boa and the burm is a burm. Size is simply size. Take two snakes of different species, of relatively same body build, and of the same size and tell me that they wouldn't have relatively the same strength? That was what I was trying to suggest. I realize you don't agree, but I suppose there is no more point of going back and forth about it. I just wanted you to understand what I am trying to say. If I ever do decide to get a Burm, I'll feel a lot more comfortable dealing with them now that I've had experience with my Boa. Not saying that's the only road to take, but I think it has worked well for me. If I ever decide to get into Giants, I'd be more than willing to come to you for advice on feeding responses and temperment :)

This is like argueing with a kid....

LOL Andrew but remember you and I had a discussion once about how to me you are "just a kid". Try to think of it as a discussion where everyone has a right to their opinion and age isn't all that relevant. :)

Yes but you argued a point to me that wasn't valid either about giants and their handling...


Your right in that age isn't all that relevant...my point is experience is what counts, correct?

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

LOL Andrew but remember you and I had a discussion once about how to me you are "just a kid". Try to think of it as a discussion where everyone has a right to their opinion and age isn't all that relevant. :)

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Hmmm so only your point is valid? Look the fact is people have the right to their opinions Andrew and you have the right to consider or not consider them as valid to you personally. That they are valid in a broader sense, is in my opinion, not your call to make. Your experience gives you a certain point of view but that won't be given respect if you don't respect that others have different viewpoints.

Had I said that at all, Jo? I don't believe I did. I'm arguing the fact on "will buying a boa will help prepare you for a Burm?"...and the answer is No. The person I am argueing with has no experience with Burms but believes it will...simple as that....Like I said, this is getting quite rediculous....

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Hmmm so only your point is valid? Look the fact is people have the right to their opinions Andrew and you have the right to consider or not consider them as valid to you personally. That they are valid in a broader sense, is in my opinion, not your call to make. Your experience gives you a certain point of view but that won't be given respect if you don't respect that others have different viewpoints.

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What I got from that person's post was that perhaps stepping up more slowly from experience with a BP, through experience with a larger but still manageable snake might be an option. It's actually one I've personally suggested numerous times myself. Your point that one species does not give direct experience with another is also quite valid. This is not a ridiculous discussion but rather a quite good one with valid points coming from members with differing opinions. I think when a person is making a committment to any snake, especially to a giant, gathering all sorts of opinions and viewpoints is a part of good decision making. If more people did this, we'd likely see less giants sitting in rescues or being put down each year.

My input into this thread is simply one of my own opinion, plus the wish to not see this thread become less than educational if we allow it to become about a member's age or what is "valid" and what is not.

I can bot agree and disagree with this. Taking a small step up is unnecessary. Feeding response, habits, strength, temperment, care, even safety and handling are completely different between species. Little to no information learned from keeping a B. c. i. could be carried on to keeping a Burmese Python. This is coming from experience. Nothing more, nothing less. The feeding response and strength factors were just a few given. There are only a few keepers I have seen who would ever recommend taking "a slow step up" until your "able" to keep them in their eyes, and those were all keepers with little to no experience with giants....as I said before, There is no point for it. The only way you can truely prepare for a Burm or other giant is to work hands on with a specimen beforehand, talk to experienced keepers, and to buy one...

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

What I got from that person's post was that perhaps stepping up more slowly from experience with a BP, through experience with a larger but still manageable snake might be an option. It's actually one I've personally suggested numerous times myself. Your point that one species does not give direct experience with another is also quite valid. This is not a ridiculous discussion but rather a quite good one with valid points coming from members with differing opinions. I think when a person is making a committment to any snake, especially to a giant, gathering all sorts of opinions and viewpoints is a part of good decision making. If more people did this, we'd likely see less giants sitting in rescues or being put down each year.
My input into this thread is simply one of my own opinion, plus the wish to not see this thread become less than educational if we allow it to become about a member's age or what is "valid" and what is not.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

What I got from that person's post was that perhaps stepping up more slowly from experience with a BP, through experience with a larger but still manageable snake might be an option. It's actually one I've personally suggested numerous times myself. Your point that one species does not give direct experience with another is also quite valid. This is not a ridiculous discussion but rather a quite good one with valid points coming from members with differing opinions. I think when a person is making a committment to any snake, especially to a giant, gathering all sorts of opinions and viewpoints is a part of good decision making. If more people did this, we'd likely see less giants sitting in rescues or being put down each year.

My input into this thread is simply one of my own opinion, plus the wish to not see this thread become less than educational if we allow it to become about a member's age or what is "valid" and what is not.

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Thank you Jo! Andrew, I am not trying to say a BCI would prepare you for taking care of Burms in sense of temperment or anything. I was merely suggesting what Jo said. I will state clearly: a Boa will never prepare you for Burms. The only thing I think it would do is give a better sense of how even a 5 foot snake can be powerful. It has nothing to do with temperment or anything.

And you say I'm the kid? While you are the one pointing fingers at age and disregarding the same thing I've been trying to say politely to you over and over...and that is I never endorsed a Boa as getting you ready for a Burm. I simply thought a size comparison would be nice. You seem to be the only one who cannot grasp this. Even if you don't agree that's okay, that is what the forums are for. I don't mean to argue with you, I'm just trying to get you to understand what my point is.

I trust you as the person who really knows how to take care of the giants. And you're right, just because I have a BCI doesn't mean I know how to take care of Burms at all. However, I feel a lot better knowing what a 5 foot Boa can do before delving into the world of giants.

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Originally Posted by HadesBP18

Thank you Jo! Andrew, I am not trying to say a BCI would prepare you for taking care of Burms in sense of temperment or anything. I was merely suggesting what Jo said. I will state clearly: a Boa will never prepare you for Burms. The only thing I think it would do is give a better sense of how even a 5 foot snake can be powerful. It has nothing to do with temperment or anything.

And you say I'm the kid? While you are the one pointing fingers at age and disregarding the same thing I've been trying to say politely to you over and over...and that is I never endorsed a Boa as getting you ready for a Burm. I simply thought a size comparison would be nice. You seem to be the only one who cannot grasp this. Even if you don't agree that's okay, that is what the forums are for. I don't mean to argue with you, I'm just trying to get you to understand what my point is.

I trust you as the person who really knows how to take care of the giants. And you're right, just because I have a BCI doesn't mean I know how to take care of Burms at all. However, I feel a lot better knowing what a 5 foot Boa can do before delving into the world of giants.

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Need I say more on that subject?

I do understand what your trying to get at...but there is no need for it. I'm the one that disregards opinions being stated? If I were the one, then why argue with an experienced giant keeper when they say a B. c. i. does not prepare you in any way shape or form for a Burmese Python; yet you begged the person to get one first? Even a B. c. i.'s size is uncompareable to a Burms and gives you no general idea of how big they get, or can get...there is no comparison and no real "middle snake" to move up from....unless your prepared to deal with an Indian Python or Ceylon.... The only way you can get any idea of how big they get or will get, is by working with the Burm, or another Giant first hand. What I keep saying keeps getting turned down though, so I'll let you argue your point from now on.....I'm dropping this subject...

Big~Pun, I'll shoot you a Pm, to help out..k?

Didn't mean to argue, just stating my opinions. It doesn't matter if you agree with them or not, I can still say them as long as they aren't completely far fetched. But I see now that you finally understand what I was trying to say even though you don't agree. Thanks for the replies!

This is way late, but I figured I might as well contribute to the original post. :)

If you want to get a burm, be ready to be paying a fair amount on its upkeep. Larger rats will cost more but still can be gotten fairly cheaply(f/t anyway,) you will need a large cage to accommodate it's large size, preferably a professional-style cage that will be fully secure(like a boaphile or something.) If you really are dedicated to getting and keeping a burm, you won't want to cut corners on housing and whatnot.

So I guess the main question is: are you ready for a burm? :D

Sounds cool Andrew, Most of my time here on BP.net is while I am at work, so if you can shoot me an email that would be best. Thanks for for your advice.

Sausage, am I ready for a burm? No. I wish I was. Right now I am currently saving some cash for it. The reptile store said that if I come in on wednesday I can see their burm eat. But with lots of research, time, and the help of these forums i hope to get to that point.

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Originally Posted by BiG~PUN

Sounds cool Andrew, Most of my time here on BP.net is while I am at work, so if you can shoot me an email that would be best. Thanks for for your advice.

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I definitely will! Let me get some free time to do so first, and I'll help you out any way possible!

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Originally Posted by BiG~PUN

Sausage, am I ready for a burm? No.

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Your the only one who could have answered that question...no one else. Don't let anyone tell you different either. Your the only one who knows for sure if you could give proper care, and are prepared to handle the responsibility...no keeper, including an experienced keeper or breeder could tell you any of that.

We've owned an adult albino burm for a couple of months, so I can share a little about my experience so far...

Big poo, big frequent pee! I swear Lourdes ("lordz") our burm sees me cleaning out pee and makes a bee-line for the water bowl ("must - make - more pee"). I spend more time maintaining cleanliness with him than my other three snakes combined....but then he weighs and eats more, so I guess it makes sense.

They are expensive. The cage, the feeders, substrate (depending on what you use - we use aspen)...it adds up. I would guess a vet visit would cost the same, but it also was something we considered. Although I have to say no worries about "did i bring enough poo for them to do a fecal?"...you'll have plenty! =D

Safety. With one exception, we have not taken Lourdes out of his cage unless both of us were home and present...just - in - case. Our particular snake is quite docile and I only know of one bite that occured during his previous residence, but still, respect for the animal and what he can do can not be forgotten. We put together a big "holding" tub as well just in case he might break the front sliding glass door, transport to the vet, holding spot while doing cage maintenance.

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That said, I loves my big yellow boy! Looky here for pics of Lourdes, him eating and his cage.

Oh and I did get some good info on albinoburmese.com as well as NERD.

As I face the same question this week, it was interesting to see this thread as I logged on. There is a women in my local herp society that does rescues, and she e-mailed me today that she has a 3' albino burm available if I would like to take it. Well, it wasn't tops on my list right now, but to get one for nothing sure pushes it up a bit. I've been dealing with bp's and a 6' bci for a couple years now, so the handling won't be an issue, and the albinos are just so attractive it's hard to not take it on. Yes, I know it is going to get very big and will have to build an enclosure for it down the road, but I am pretty psyched about having one shortly.

Oh Vince have I got some bigger rats for you buddy! I miss the big BCI for taking care of the fast growing feeder rats so don't even fret on the feeding bill for the burm, I've got you covered six ways to Sunday LOL.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Oh Vince have I got some bigger rats for you buddy! I miss the big BCI for taking care of the fast growing feeder rats so don't even fret on the feeding bill for the burm, I've got you covered six ways to Sunday LOL.

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I think I seriously need to consider moving to Toledo...;) :P

The up side, however, is my reptile shop does "tabs", so I got the brillliant idea to put some cash via my airlines credit card. RAT MILES! (yeah, it took me that long to figure this out - duh)

I'd happily help you out there Cass if you were closer. I'm thrilled though to help Vince with very low cost/free larger feeder rats for this burm. It's wonderful that he is going to rescue one as there are so few people that will rehome a giant so if Mike and I can assist this way in a rescue, we're more than pleased to do so. :)

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Originally Posted by AndrewH

Why beg to get a Boa first? It's a bit non-sensical to me. Buy a snake solely for "experience"...things like that are what supports the disposable pet trade. Personally if you want one, get one. Read as much as you can, talk to as many experienced keepers as you can...and if possible, try and get some hands on with them. The biggest thing with Burms is their temperment...they're so laid back compared to other giants its not even funny...but that "relaxed" feel and attitude makes you underestimate their strength and lulls you into a false sense of security...don't let it happen. Its a big flaw that could get you hurt.

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I agree with getting a boa, reading docs etc cannot give you the experience of taking care of a large snake, so maybe if he gets a boa, he might reconsider or be fully confident that he can handle a burm.

the whole idea of a snake that can squeeze me till my eyes pop out and eat me on a whim doesn't seem too appealing lol

i had a friend in my early 20's who got squeezed by his 15' ameythestine, cops found him almost dead the snake was just getting ready to start at his head, after that the giants are outta the question for me :)

btw it was a total accident, the snake just finished eating a rabbit in his room and he came in to put him back in his cage. even he says he made the mistake of not having anyone there with him, i think that's numero uno for giants

also i think you guys missed it but the OP said he's had a RTB before so your boa discussion is mute lol

Hey Hi,
I am not a snake expert, but my advise is to read , search and learn befor being committed to a 100% for a burmese. I understand you want one because its beautiful and the varieties endless, but still re consider and look for help and guidance before you invest .
Again this is only my advise on this matter ...
Thank you

It also helps to raise it from a baby to adult size just somthing about hands on care from day one makes you more relaxed.

Just be aware of the potential for size and dangers. read everything you can on them before getting one. I love mine but am always cautious around them they arent toys.
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