Quote Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents View Post
In my opinion, Burms seem to be like a big ball or boa when they are properly handled and tame. Retics do seem to have a different personality and intelligence but it always varies from snake to snake.

I had an albino burm years ago that was so laid back, I took him to childrens reptile speaks at a local preserve and nature center. He also went to one certain carnival with me every year which had a most exotic pet contest every year. He was wonderful. Then again, a friend had a green anaconda which was the very same way. He was invited to appear at our local movie theater on opening day of "Anaconda" to be allowed to properly educate people on the snake.

So it isn't just retics that can be like that. With the giants it really depends on how it is raised. Of course retics do seem to have a better memory and may never be the same if they experience a trauma in your care. They may or may not be the snake you can hand off to a friend. They tend to choose who to be comfortable with and who not to.

Just do research and try to get some hands-on experience handling big snakes of different species and ages.
excellent points, most of the big snakes have there past sterotypes which when speaking to actual keepers are the exception rather then the rule.
i love burms and cant wait to add one to my own collection but what he said about retics was dead on, i have a 8ft male who some days cant stand my girlfriend, he'll huff and puff if she comes near him but i can pick him up mid huff, its all about the snake/keeper relationship or if im holding him anyone can touch him, i established early on (which yes does work with retics) that i was the "boss" tho and wasnt going to be intimidated or what not. retics are extreamly smart and can learn scheduals and do have good memories, mines shown me all of these.

ur doing the right thing askin questions but mabye the better questions would be, what size are you going to be comfy with and what are u looking for? a 15ft snake who is going to go where it wants or a 10ft couch bum who just lounges? if you ask me u cant go wrong with either but maby if u say what your looking for in a giant we can better help u, i have a pet peeve about people choosing a burm or retic because of size and simple things like that