Red Tail = dangerous?

[fishmommy]

I think I know the answer to this, but have not seen it spelled right out...

I would love a BCC. Is this an animal that is not safe to handle alone as an adult?

[tmlowe5704]

Depends on what type. There are some types that can top 11 or 12 feet and others that top at 5 or 6 feet. Many people say not to handle alone if the snake is at least 7 or 8 feet, which many red tails can top. If you are inexperienced with larger snakes, make it easy on yourself and get help once it is at 6 feet.

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

Very few redtails SHOULD ever get over the 8' mark unless its overfed and only ones over 10-12' are most likely extremely overfed. Even a B.c.c. if fed as conservatively as Gus at Rio Bravo reptiles does won't likely get much over the 8' mark.

As for redtails being dangerous? Sure, they can get big and are constrictors so there is a cance, a small one but a chance. I think of this mainly because of their genrally docile temperments but even the most "tame" snake can turn in a feeding response. Its not likely if you use common sense that you will ever be "attacked" by a C.b.b. redtail.

[tmlowe5704]

Very few redtails SHOULD ever get over the 8' mark unless its overfed and only ones over 10-12' are most likely extremely overfed. Even a B.c.c. if fed as conservatively as Gus at Rio Bravo reptiles does won't likely get much over the 8' mark.

As for redtails being dangerous? Sure, they can get big and are constrictors so there is a cance, a small one but a chance. I think of this mainly because of their genrally docile temperments but even the most "tame" snake can turn in a feeding response. Its not likely if you use common sense that you will ever be "attacked" by a C.b.b. redtail.

True, but better to be prepared than to wonder why this snake is growing larger than the typical 8' mark.

[fishmommy]

yeah...I'd rather not starve the poor thing just because I wasn't prepared for it's true potential size


I know that with some varieties of snakes, 8' is still not dangerous, but the girth on the Red Tails makes the difference.

I would love to get a BCC someday, but it sounds like if I do I need to make sure my spouse is 100% on board and willing to be my buddy when the enclosure is open. I need a few years of skill building as well
Surinames are so gorgeous, and the demeanor of all the red tails is just wonderful. Something you just don't get with smaller snakes

anyway, thanks for the input...it's always great to hear from people who keep them. Reading about length and girth is one thing, but the gut feeling of someone who handles these snakes as adults is priceless to a noob like me!

I am really hoping someone brings an adult BCC to the NH reptile show next month so I can get a look up close and personal!

[SPJ]

If size is a concern, go with one of the dwarf BCI's.

[tmlowe5704]

They really are not hard to care for, even at larger sizes. Husbandry for most is a snap but when it comes time to put it away and that 7 foot snake does not want to go in its' enclosure then you are in for some fun

[Rapture]

yeah...I'd rather not starve the poor thing just because I wasn't prepared for it's true potential size

There's a difference between feeding conservatively and starving a snake.

[fishmommy]

I realize that...I didn't mean to imply that they were


What I meant is I don't want to be in a position where my interests might not be in the best interest of the snake. I realize that conservative feeding is well within the bounds of healthy snake husbandry I just didn't want to put myself at a point where I might take it to unhealthy levels due to a fear of size.

hope I didn't raise anyone's hackles...that wasn't my intent at all

[JimiSnakes]

They really are not hard to care for, even at larger sizes. Husbandry for most is a snap but when it comes time to put it away and that 7 foot snake does not want to go in its' enclosure then you are in for some fun

Haha, this is sooo true it's funny. I wish I had pics of me trying to put some of mine away...I'd win a comedy award for that