As it is, if a newbie asks what pythons we'd recommend for them to keep based on disposition/"aggression" alone, we'd refer to them the ball python or an Antaresia python or even a Burm (IF they have the finances required...).

However, it is inevitable that they would be curious about the other python species because they "look" more appealing, suits their personality better, they're "up for the challenge", etc.

Based on experience, I have listed here a "disposition meter", from 1 - 5, 5 being the most docile, whereas pythons scoring a 1 would be "living chainsaws". I hope this will help the "newbies" in better selecting a python that is truly suitable for them.

Since I haven't kept/handled a LOT of python species, I would appreciate if other members would also contribute with their inputs

Anyhows, without further delay....

5
Ball pythons
Burmese pythons****

4

3
African Rock Python**

2
Green Tree Python***

1
Reticulated Python*


Need help on:

1) Python Curtus (Bloods/Short tailed pythons)
2) Morelia pythons (Carpets, Scrubs, etc.)
3) Liasis Pythons

NOTES:

1) These scores do NOT include species specific husbandry requirements (ie: Chondros need a branch to perch on, Burms aren't cheap to feed, etc.); I'm purely scoring them on their natural tendency to "bite first, ask later" attitudes.

2) *I've kept 4 retics in my life so far; only one of them would score a "6 out of 5" when it comes to docility, aka, can be picked up bare handed as long as you don't smell like food.

3) **I once obtained an Afrock male when he was 17 months old. "Feign bites", flighty impulses and head butts were very common during the first few months. Nevertheless, he was a VERY strong hisser but eventually, permitted me to pick him up barehanded. Later on, I handled an 8 month juvy (WC?) unassisted in a pet store who did hiss loudly but nevertheless, permitted me to handle him barehanded.

4) ***Never owned a GTP but when I asked to handle a GTP at a pet store, the store attendants were at first hesitant to assist me and their supervisor (reluctantly?) assisted me by wearing a pair of heavy leather gloves lifting him up from the branch. I never did see him strike but I could see the supervisor (who's no "noob" himself as he claimed) sweating profusely. Traumatic experience perhaps?

5) ****Never owned a burm but I believe I've handled enough Burms from different owners, stores and zoos to confirm their "docility".