If you want to keep a large constrictor you need to adhere to a strict set of rules. When you stray from this ruleset you put yourself at risk. Getting lit up by a 14-18 foot snake can require a hell of a lot of stitches.

These are just some of the basics that new owners should look into.

-You will do better if you get your first one as a baby. You will have more time to work with the snake before it gets too large and difficult to manage by yourself. Never handle the big guys when you are alone.

-Hook train your snake, let it know when it isn't feeding time.

-Read their body language, know when to back off. Sometimes they just aren't in the mood.

-When they get big you will generally want to keep their head facing away from you.

-Get a cage that you can easily maintain and will support a heavy constrictor. Some cages come equipped with a divider that allows you to partition off the enclosure without removing the snake. This is a great way for one person to maintain a large snakes enclosure, you just work them over to the other side and slide in the divider from the front.