Best step-it-up snake

[Ridinandreptiles]

So ive kept bloods and boas...i rescued a mean retic but swiftly gave it to a guy who had more experience.
Now thw question, to step it up burm or retic?

[Daybreaker]

It's up to you. If you have any doubts (be realistic with yourself) then wait a bit: go with your gut. Take into account the money aspects, manpower needs (ie someone to help when it gets big), stability (in terms of housing when it gets to be an adult and if you're renting or not or have a permanent home, etc), the new ban for burms (maybe retics in the future too) if you may move out of state down the road, and possible space issues. But I love my retic and IMO you can't go wrong with one (burms for that matter too).

[Ridinandreptiles]

i have put massive preparations into owning a giant python, but i was wondering if anybody had a suggestion of which is better for a beginner, or if theyre equal

[reptileexperts]

Neither are beginner giants . . . Boas an OK start but these guys are just not comparable. For you its going to be get what you love and commit to keeping it. If there's a mutation you like in one vs the other, go with that. There are also Dwarf blood in both of these animals so you can get them smaller. Consider Half Dwarf burms if they are available in your state. Then there's Jampea Retics, big but not as big - looking at 11-13 ft on average for a good size female. Even consider 50% Super Dwarf crosses. These get to the 10 ft mark for girls, and 8-9 ft for boys. Have the awesome retic attitude, and can generally be found to have some of the really neat pattern mutations for a good price (SD Tiger 50% go for around 450). Here is my big boy that I posted a shot in another area tonight:


9 ft and a beast of a snake for a "super dwarf"

[OctagonGecko729]

Neither are beginner giants . . . Boas an OK start but these guys are just not comparable. For you its going to be get what you love and commit to keeping it. If there's a mutation you like in one vs the other, go with that. There are also Dwarf blood in both of these animals so you can get them smaller. Consider Half Dwarf burms if they are available in your state. Then there's Jampea Retics, big but not as big - looking at 11-13 ft on average for a good size female. Even consider 50% Super Dwarf crosses. These get to the 10 ft mark for girls, and 8-9 ft for boys. Have the awesome retic attitude, and can generally be found to have some of the really neat pattern mutations for a good price (SD Tiger 50% go for around 450). Here is my big boy that I posted a shot in another area tonight:

9 ft and a beast of a snake for a "super dwarf"

Is there such a thing as a good beginner giant other then burms and retics, 10ft+? With cost not being an issue. Also what exactly do you mean by "Have the awesome retic attitude", I have heard alot of mixed opinions on retics "attitude" and even more mixed opinions on the attitudes of dwarfs/super dwarfs.

Thanks,

[gsarchie]

I don't believe that the young man was asking about what larger pythone species is good for a beginner herper, but what species is best for a first time keeper of the larger pythons. The OP has extensive experience with snakes and other herps, but not giant pythons.

I am of no help brother, I would say to go with what your heart most desires! I have no desire to get a retic but would love a burm or an olive python. Whatever you do, post some pictures, otherwise it didn't happen!

[Ridinandreptiles]

I don't believe that the young man was asking about what larger pythone species is good for a beginner herper, but what species is best for a first time keeper of the larger pythons. The OP has extensive experience with snakes and other herps, but not giant pythons.

I am of no help brother, I would say to go with what your heart most desires! I have no desire to get a retic but would love a burm or an olive python. Whatever you do, post some pictures, otherwise it didn't happen!

yes i know i want one, i have planned who will take it if i have to leave, its enclosure, ive been hanging out with my friend who has burms and retics to try and learn their behavior and handle them. just wondering if one is in fact better than the other.

[reptileexperts]

Is there such a thing as a good beginner giant other then burms and retics, 10ft+? With cost not being an issue. Also what exactly do you mean by "Have the awesome retic attitude", I have heard alot of mixed opinions on retics "attitude" and even more mixed opinions on the attitudes of dwarfs/super dwarfs.

Thanks,

Retics are cage aggressive most of the time, highly food aggressive, but extremely intelligent. This is true with dwarf and super dwarf retics. Their attitudes have a bad wrap due to the original wild caught lines being so temperamental. But thanks to captive programs, the captive bred specimens are just as workable as their mainland coutnerparts. I will say though, the pure SD are quite flighty and not a lap snake.

As to the OP - if size is not an issue your question is do you want a heavy snake that is going to be fairly calm and lethargic, or do you want a slender LONG snake that is VERY quick and intelligent. If you can work with both then decide do that. It doesn't matter what any of us think, it comes down to personal preference. They both require a ton of respect and care. And their size demands this constantly.

[MrBubblyDrink]

You rescued one, couldn't handle it, gave it to someone who could and now you're asking which one you should get, and that doesn't sound silly to you?

[MrBubblyDrink]

i have put massive preparations into owning a giant python, but i was wondering if anybody had a suggestion of which is better for a beginner, or if theyre equal

If this was true why did you give the rescue away????? I don't understand.