Possibly getting a baby Burmese

So my local pet shop just got in a baby Burmese python. VERY GORGEOUS SNAKE!!! The owner is selling it for 120 bucks. Good price?

I also get to do payments on it, I really want it, its very sweet, not headshy and just gorgeous.

So how many of you guys have pictures that I can see of their baby Burms? I just love looking at everyones pics.. sorry for being such a nerd :P

No, it's a horrible price, and there's no way in hell you should be getting a burm when you are still housing 2 bp's together on the advice of this expert. Just my :2cent:

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Originally Posted by §eric§

So my local pet shop just got in a baby Burmese python. VERY GORGEOUS SNAKE!!! The owner is selling it for 120 bucks. Good price?

I also get to do payments on it, I really want it, its very sweet, not headshy and just gorgeous.

So how many of you guys have pictures that I can see of their baby Burms? I just love looking at everyones pics.. sorry for being such a nerd :P

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What are your plans on housing a burm? It seems as if this is merely an impulse buy :colbert: .

http://www.anapsid.org/louisbaby.html


....not really a baby just want to show you how big they can get.


Mike

Alright, well heres the deal with the housing thing. Everyone around this area, as I have stated several times, have kept their ball pythons in the same container, since the other day, I did seperate them, from seeing the possiblities... though, most of the people around here...including some of the reptile breeders, have had no problem. So to them, I guess its just pure luck or whatever *possibly* But yes, I did seperate them, and I'd like to thank people for the extra input on that, but definately no reason to be rude at all. Thanks

I also know of the size that they do get, but my plans for housing is to start out with a 60 gallon reptile tank... then eventually once it starts growing more, custom building one to house it in.

I guess my question is why are you so set in getting a burmese already.

When it gets 8-9 feet how do you plan on handeling it? Feeding it?

But in the end its up to you....wish you luck with whatever you choose.


Mike

Im not exactly "set" on getting it, I said I wanted one, but that most definately didnt mean that I would get one... I was just more interested in getting to know more about the species.

I mean, Ive been around several 8-10 ft. snakes constantly from having several breeders and friends with snakes, but it doesnt mean Im going to definately get one, as Im sure with alot ppl on here, they'll say "I want that" or something, that doesnt really mean that they *should* have that. Ya know?

Honestly the only reason I even signed up on this site, was to show some of my babies to people, and get new information on other species.

Im sorry if I came off negative or someone else on this site came off negative.

I thought you were going to get one for sure, guess I read your post wrong.

Mike

Oh, No, Im sure I probably did word it in that manner, trust me its been a long day! ha. But no, sorry I didnt mean to come across as rude if I did.
But no, Im just very interested in this snake myself.

Well I am glad to hear they are seperated, that's great news! I didn't realize you had corrected your husbandry, or I wouldn't have been rude.

But I was being honest in my opinion, and I really do think that's a horrid price for a burm. I'm no expert, though :D

Oh no its fine. I was just going about how everyone around this area has housed there young ones like that. But I seperated them quickly, just to be safe on everything. So no hard feelings at all.

I think possibly the price on the Burmese is like that since that is basically something in this small town, you just really dont see, normally just ball pythons and redtail boas (south american)
Im one of the only people around here that had gotten a true columbian redtail. But I do have to say Im quite proud of both my babies RT.

Now they do have some Kenyan sand boas, which are also kind of odd, but they've had those in a good bit, and those are some lovely little guys too!! haha. the eyes are just amazing.. puts you in a trance nearly :P

look I understand how we can seem to be rude/harsh, however we have the best intentions in mind. Many people come to this site having bought they're first snake ever, a docile little bp, and quickly get carried away by looking at pictures of marvelous, however somewhat dangerous animals and they run off and buy them, not fully understanding what they got themselves into and puts themselves and the snake in a situation that little good can come of. We just want to make sure this isn't just a rash decision to get something thats all "cute" when it's a baby, and not being aware of the magnitude of responsibility that comes with them. I am sure I speak on behalf of anyone else in saying sorry if we sounded rude, but it's a VERY serious matter and you did sound a little light hearted. I hope you can understand.

Now my advice if you do decide you want to get one, it seems as though you have plenty of access to these giants at a larger size. I recommend before you take the plunge you take advantage of that access and get ALOT of hands on experience before you buy one so that even though you can care for the baby now, you will know ALOT more about what to expect before the snake gets to a size that would make it hard to re-home if you find you cannot manage it. Granted every snake is different, experience and knowledge are everyone's best weapons.

Once again, this is not intended to be an attack, it's just purely advice from one herper to another.;)

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Originally Posted by §eric§

Im not exactly "set" on getting it, I said I wanted one, but that most definately didnt mean that I would get one... I was just more interested in getting to know more about the species.

I mean, Ive been around several 8-10 ft. snakes constantly from having several breeders and friends with snakes, but it doesnt mean Im going to definately get one, as Im sure with alot ppl on here, they'll say "I want that" or something, that doesnt really mean that they *should* have that. Ya know?

Honestly the only reason I even signed up on this site, was to show some of my babies to people, and get new information on other species.

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Yeah, Im sure if I get interested enough, I'll definately handle some adults before I actually do that stuff.

Does anyone around here have any pictures of their burmese?
I enjoy going on here and checking everyones "babies" out ya know :P

A burmese will get HUGE, another question is are you prepared to feed big prey to him? and will you have someone helping you hold this guy? I would deff say this is not a beginner snake. But if you feel you are ready and can have a tank actually a small room lol to house this guy then go for it. As far as the price yes that is a lil high, considering you can get albino's for around 200-250 * amazing snakes, just not something i'd ever own. :)

If you really want a burm, I'd suggest purchasing a baby from a reputable breeder.. I bet you can find one for less than $120 SHIPPED. I'd suggest getting a male rather than a female (buying from a breeder, you can be sure of what you're getting)

Males stay smaller (still 10-12' and 100 lbs is something you need to be prepared for!)

Females can top 20' and 200lbs.

As far as the giant species go, burms are typically the best temperament-wise. Babies are often a bit shy, some even nippy, but usually they become quite docile with age, however you can't let your guard down, and you should have at least one other person to help you handle it when it grows larger.

I have a 2 year old male granite morph burm. He is fed conservatively (once every week or two weeks a jumbo rat) but he is pushing 8' and 15-20lbs.

Here's a couple of pics.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=48448

Hmm, yes. Thanks guys for all that info and advice.
Now heres my new question. A Male Burmese.. mentioned above was said to be between 10-12 ft. Is that the average size for an adult male burmese.. or do they typically get alot larger than that?
I understand that the females get 20 ft and such. But I wasnt sure if the males stayed in the average 10-12 range?
Im just curious.

Cuz I know my Redtail boas (both females) will range from 8-10 ft. or so If taken care properly.. and I've seen several redtails like that... anyhow..Im just curious about the male burmese.

Thanks guys :)

If you are interested in burms and finding out the needed husbandry, talk to Jim from http://www.bebos-burms.com/ . He is one of the best burm breeders in the country. Tell him Michael sent ya.


Yes, males typically grow to 10 - 12 ft. Esp. if you keep them on a maintenance diet. The largest female burm I personally have ever seen was only about 18 ft. long but weighed in at 200+ lbs.

Getting a burm is a big decision and is one that should not be taken lightly. They require lots of room and big prey items. I personally do not think anyone should have one until they have their own house. Just my :2cent: .

I personally have a big guy see this post http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=48278 and before I decided to start housing giants my GF and I went through many pots of coffee deciding if it's was something we should do. We had many talks and decided to do it. First we made sure we had everything in place for when he got big (housing, large prey items, what to do in case of emergency, handling, vet care...) and anything else we could think of. My guy was 7-8 ft when I got him, now he is 10-11 and 60lbs or so. We always use two handlers, always pay attention to his mood, he has struck my GF twice and was able to hold her in the cage, it was due to a simple mistake both times on my GF part (she smelled like food) but we were following the 2 people rule and I was home and was able to get him to release her both times with cold water. It does take a lot of work but if you are careful and have plans in place it makes things safer but don't ever underestimate there power. Boa's the same length can hold you but a burm can fold you! They are twice as strong. But having simple plans in place can make housing and caring for them great. I love the giants but never drop you guard. Oh one last thing when they are big and they poo you might as well get a wheelbarrow and a shovel and maybe a respirator

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Everyone around this area, as I have stated several times, have kept their ball pythons in the same container

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Not everybody, I don't.
I have 16 of them all house individually, and I do live in North East GA ;)

My :2cent: get some more experience under your belt with successfully keeping your BP before getting into large constrictors.

I just wanted to point out one thing here. Some folks suggest getting a male burm if you want a burm that won't get too big. And that is almost always a good idea. However, even then, you need to be ready to deal with a true giant, should he turn out that way. Because it CAN happen.


Our dear Rusty, of Rusty_Reptiles had a 17' male burm. There used to be pictures posted of him, but they have long since expired. :( But here's a post where she mentions him:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...53&postcount=6

It can happen. :cool:

I quite enjoyed those pictures.
Thank you.

And thank you to everyone with their tips and advice and such. :)

Hey bro, checked out your myspace....good music.

What I do when I want to find out about a species on here is go into lets say....giant pythons....then click on replies, or views....it then shows you the most popular threads and those are usually ones with A. Important Information....or B. Pictures....or C. Drama.

Good Luck



Mike

Thank you on the compliment Mike. It means alot to us to hear such things.

I'll definately do that :)

Its probably been said time and time again, but I'll shoot you some info to help.


I'd recommend going to a breeder for a few reasons. Burms are susceptible to many kinds of respiratory illnesses, and sicknesses if not properly cared for. Being at a pet shop, you have no idea what kind of care they have been undder in the past, and whom they were with in the past. Best bet, go with a breeder. There's a few different breeders out there that specialize in the giant Python species. I'll PM you probably the best Burm breeder. For a first Burm, get what you'd like. If you think, believe, and trust you can handle keeping a female, then go for it. Don't buy "what people recommend"...buy what you want. It'll ensure your happyness and success in the end. Just make sure before buying it, to buy the enclosure, and equipment you need for him or her. Look into Animal Plastics caging. They work wonders when your dealing with giants. It's all I house my AfRocks in!