Cow Retics Size

[fancoll]

Hey guys, let's say that I am currently saving for my second snake and Cow Retic caught my eyes. I just want to ask people with cow retics out there, how big do they usually get? Cause I know they are dwarf genes so I know they will be smaller but how small? How are their temperament? Are they a good pet for a person who only owns a ball python? How much money should I expect raising a retic? And what is the difference between a cow retic and a GC cow? Thank you so much

[jmcrook]

Could still easily hit 14’ or more. Will be very expensive to house and feed. Temperament varies by individual. Cow=phantom+HOGS, GC Cow is the same thing with GC. Could not recommend more strongly against this as a second snake. Get a boa or carpet python and thank yourself later.


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[bcr229]

A cow retic is not 100% dwarf; they have a decent amount of mainland blood. My "dwarf" genetic stripe female retic is 16 feet long and 125 pounds.

Temperment is like any other retic; could be easy, could be very flighty and always require two people to safely handle it.

[Bogertophis]

...Are they a good pet for a person who only owns a ball python? ...

I'm not a retic-keeper, but from everything I've read on these forums, I'd say "no way". Sorry, but you asked. It's a world of difference from a BP, & there are SO many better choices around.

[wnateg]

Definitely not recommended. And they are not good "pets," it's a big snake that can kill you. And I say that as someone with a retic.

[Reinz]

Welcome to the forum Fancoll.

I sure hope you are comprehending what these very seasoned snake keepers are telling you.

[fancoll]

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Welcome to the forum Fancoll.

I sure hope you are comprehending what these very seasoned snake keepers are telling you.

Hi can you please tell me more about retics. I really like them but kinda not sure about them since everyone keeps telling me they are aggressive or very reactive with a very strong feeding response. I have been waiting for 8 years just so I have enough time and money to move out so I can own snake so I really want to learn more about retics from people. I take snake very seriously and not a pet and recognize its size can get real quick that is why I want to learn how to handle them.

[dakski]

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Hi can you please tell me more about retics. I really like them but kinda not sure about them since everyone keeps telling me they are aggressive or very reactive with a very strong feeding response. I have been waiting for 8 years just so I have enough time and money to move out so I can own snake so I really want to learn more about retics from people. I take snake very seriously and not a pet and recognize its size can get real quick that is why I want to learn how to handle them.

It's not about learning to handle them as much as being prepared for stitches, having a minimum of two people available for handling, cleaning, feeding, etc. Also, cage size and costs and food costs.

Very few people have the time, money, space, or willingness to deal with retics long-term.

If you want a bigger snake, as mentioned, Boas and Carpet Pythons are both great options. Neither have the risks of requirements as a retic.

You also mention that you are just moving out. I wouldn't consider a retic until you know you have a long-term housing plan and financial stability.

It's also not just that they can be aggressive and food driven. Their shear size makes them problematic. It also means the margin for error is low and the damage is much greater if something happens.

[KevinK]

I’d definitely put Retics in the advanced category...when you realize how fast they can move and you see a buff 6’0 guy struggle to control one for a cage cleaning it really puts it in perspective. I actually think a male burm is in the intermediate category but once again, are you prepared to deal with 10ft and 100lbs of muscle AND can you afford an 8ft cage with heat panel and thermostat PLUS find a rabbit source (harder than you’d think)? Couple thousand bucks you’re talking just to meet the husbandry requirements.


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[Bogertophis]

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Hi can you please tell me more about retics. I really like them but kinda not sure about them since everyone keeps telling me they are aggressive or very reactive with a very strong feeding response. I have been waiting for 8 years just so I have enough time and money to move out so I can own snake so I really want to learn more about retics from people. I take snake very seriously and not a pet and recognize its size can get real quick that is why I want to learn how to handle them.

"Everyone" keeps telling you the downsides yet you're still trying to elicit a different answer? This is why people get in over their heads with snakes, & this is why the snakes end up getting re-homed or dumped. Experience with one B.P. does not prepare you for successfully keeping a retic- it just doesn't. Why rush into this? I don't understand why you're so fixated on only acquiring a retic? And you mentioned "moving out"- I hope you're aware of the difficulties in finding a place to live that allows such species, especially if you're renting, or sharing a place. And keep in mind that many places do not allow these to be kept at all (I'm talking about city, county & state laws too). And who's going to be your reliable safety back-up when the snake gets big? When snake-keepers get injured (or worse) it always makes for sensational headlines in the media & results in more bans for everyone else keeping snakes, responsible keepers too. None of us want to see that happen...do you understand that? It's one thing to admire a creature, but quite another to be able to LIVE with it. And "wisdom" is knowing the difference, before you get in over your head.