as far as burm vs. retic, I've never handled a retic or had much experience with them, but I fostered a burm for several months and I must say he was the most interesting snake i've ever had. he had a personality and you could almost tell what he was thinking as he lurked around his cage and followed the happenings in the room. while he never struck defensively, he definitely made good warning and he ate like a fiend. He was a gorgeous snake and I was really sad to have him go to a new home once I found one.