New burmese python

[bchapman]

I am planning on getting a burmese python from a place near me that took him in as an abandon. It is in great health - however, it is 4 years old and only about 7 feet long.

I have heard that they should reach that length in their first year. Is it likely that it will grow more?

Also they are only asking 150 for him, is that a good price for it?

[Shelby]

Well, my male burm who was fed well (not too much not too little) was right around 6' at his first birthday. A 7' 4 year old burm is severely stunted. I would consider a snake like that a rescue. You would want to take it to a reptile vet to check it out anyway.. make sure it doesn't have parasites, as that can stunt growth even more. Even so, with good husbandry this snake could still grow.. remember, burms can top 200lbs and 20'. Males even get to 15' and 100lbs or more.

$150? Well.. you can buy a healthy baby for around $65. This animal has been neglected.. it's up to you, if it's worth it to you, then go for it.. just know all you can before you take the plunge.

[bchapman]

How common are dwarf burms? I have heard of those - I just havent ever actually seen one that I was sure of.

The snake is in beautiful health.. I checked it out, he is VERY solid, his mouth, vent, eyes are all clear - his scales and under his scales are in beautiful shape. He honestly just looks like a smaller adult..

I did see another post when I searched this topic - someone on the board had a 7 year old that was around the same. Theirs did grow a bit.

This snake was taken in to the pet store (who are breeders), because it belonged to someone that moved and was not able to take the animal with them. They had an Asian snake of some type (which is a really beautiful snake), and a Columbian boa - which was about 4 years old also and about 9 feet. All three snakes appeared to be in remarkable shape - I am just curious about the size of the burm.

[Shelby]

Dwarf burms are not common now.. they go for over $2000.

[_BoidFinatic_]

You should definately rescue this animal and pay the $150.00 adoption fee if that is what it is. Saving this python will take the risk of irresponsibility off of the rescue/pet store. If you feel as if you can handle this one, then go for it. Work with him and post some pics .

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

I've heard lots of horror storied about snakes being neglacted and then having problems internally later on.
Burms these days are a dime a dozen. They are commonly breed, have huge clutches, and therefore are readily available. They are IMO THE MOST often dumped snake ever!!! I wouldn't pay 10$ for a snake that common. If you really want a burm, find one at a rescue or that someone is giving away. Is the burm at a petstore?

[bchapman]

You should definately rescue this animal and pay the $150.00 adoption fee if that is what it is. Saving this python will take the risk of irresponsibility off of the rescue/pet store. If you feel as if you can handle this one, then go for it. Work with him and post some pics .

I adopted him last Wednesday He was living in a tank too small for him for the last 4 or 5 days, but still bigger than the one he was in..

We custom built his enclosure over the weekend, and it gives him about 10 square feet of roaming room!

He had a vet check on Saturday - his lungs and blood were all checked - the only thing that could have stunted his growth (as i was told by a burm breeder) was kidney/liver disfunction or internal parasites. His blood came back fine (except for a SLIGHTLY elevated WBC - which our vet said wasnt enough to really make antibiotics necessary, but we got 3 days worth of shots to take care of the problem). Parasites are not a problem apparently. We are awaiting one more test of bloodwork, but everything appears to be in order.

Ill post pics after he is inside his new house!

[_BoidFinatic_]

Great ! Glad to hear that you took him in. I hope you have a wonderful time taking care of such a beautiful creature.

[bchapman]

It has been around a year since I adopted my Burmese python. He has been eating 1-2 large rats every couple of weeks, is in perfect health, and has the temperament of a puppy.

He has grown maybe an inch, but has gained about 3 pounds in weight. Other than that, he has had extensive blood work done and every other kind of checkup by some of the best reptile specialists in Michigan.

Every person I have spoken to that has dealt with or had a specialty involving large snakes in the last 10 years are absolutely certain that this is a dwarf burmese python!

He has made a few trips to classrooms to be shown to children, and he is great with them!

[Shelby]

That's very cool.. I'm glad he's done so well for you.