Reticulated Python Q & A Update

[bcr229]

It's not FULL grown that anyone knows. But the females largest on that island reported were 5 ft

Isn't the question still out on whether that's a result of genetics versus a fairly limited food supply?

Though if it's genetics then I can see a lot more retics in my future.

[reptileexperts]

Isn't the question still out on whether that's a result of genetics versus a fairly limited food supply?

Though if it's genetics then I can see a lot more retics in my future.

Definitely going to hit on this because the single answer to that question is yes

[speedycat222]

They have very pale eyes and light coloration. Really nice looking snakes. You're crazy for not buying one. (:

[jclaiborne]

[QUOTE=Though if it's genetics then I can see a lot more retics in my future. [/QUOTE]

Agreed!

**not sure why it didn't quote right

[Artemisace]

I'd like to know if breeding Dwarfs and Super Dwarfs varies from mainlands. I know Retics breed at around 18 months ish for males and about 4 years for females, but google has many conflicting answers on the subject and I can't find reliable youtube channel on it. I'm going to be getting into retics next year, or later this year, and would just like a straight answer.

[artgecko]

Three suggestions for questions / topics:
Examples of how handling a retic (the different sizes, normal, dwarf, SD) works... How husbandry works with a snake that size.
I think many people don't consider this when buying one and have no concept of what size of snake needs two handlers, etc. I know this aspect intimidates me (even with, say, an 8 foot snake). If I knew more about it, that might not be the case. Not just holding the snake, but moving it between cages, transporting it, using a hook properly with it, etc.

The whole "breeding aggression" in males.
I've read this many times, but never seen it explained... i.e. why get a male because he is smaller, but then have him be more difficult to handle / aggressive than a female. Does this still apply when no females are present, when kept in a heated controlled environment that does not change all year?

What do proper enclosure setup (and handling) security measures look like? How to keep people, pets, and the retic safe?

Thanks for being willing to do something like this. I think there's a real void in info available about the bigger snakes (at least non-sensational info) and this would go a long way to change people's minds about them. And, on the flip side, giving people the info they need to weigh the pluses and cons of having a big snake and all that it entails. I think many retics end up on CL and in rescues because people either don't have access to the right info or don't bother researching before buying one.

[Alicia]

It's not FULL grown that anyone knows. But the females largest on that island reported were 5 ft

Not to spring on a totally different tangent, but . . . omg, I really hope someone keeps a pure line of that locality instead of immediately outcrossing it.

[reptileexperts]

Not to spring on a totally different tangent, but . . . omg, I really hope someone keeps a pure line of that locality instead of immediately outcrossing it.

The pure lines are almost readily available as WV right now. Cost is around 650

[reptileexperts]

Wild caught WC not WV not sure what happened there

[jclaiborne]

Wild caught WC not WV not sure what happened there

This may be a dumb question but are there distinct markings to identify them? How would you know you were truely getting one of these small guys?