Possible new rescue, know nothing about retics-- help?

[Archimedes]

So I'm in contact with a fellow on Craigslist saying he has a retic that he needs to rehome. Says it's only 2ft and that he doesn't have the "extra time" for it anymore.
Aside from the question of why oh WHY you would ever CONSIDER getting a retic if you have significant time restraints, is there anything I should be worried about with this snake? I've got pictures hopefully forthcoming from the guy, but two feet seems AWFULLY small for a retic at any age, correct me if I'm wrong. Unless it ends up being an SD, in which case it's probably not such a bad thing. I don't know. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I'll post more info as it becomes available, but right now I'm worried for this little guy.

[xFenrir]

It could be a baby. I would think that anything up to (or possibly even over) a year old would be around 2 ft. Depends on what/how he fed it, what kind of Retic it is, etc,etc. The guy probably got it thinking he'd look like such a bada$$ dude with a 20+ft. snake and impress everyone with how manly he is, and thought that he could just stick it in a tank and not have to do anything after that except feed it every now and then. But now he's probably realized the reality, and it's taking away from "his time" so now he doesn't want it.

I'm not a Retic specialist or anything, but I would definitely ask to see if you can see it in person before you get it. Check for breathing issues (RI's and such), body condition, make sure there's not scale rot, mites, or any other skin condition, make sure it's not acting funny... All the usual basic stuff. Also checking the enclosure is a good idea, because if he's been keeping it improperly or at the wrong temperatures, that could prepare you for possible issues that might be in the future. As much as anyone wants to rescue an animal from a bad situation, and as cold as this sounds, make sure it's not going to drain your wallet and take away money that your established collection could need. Big constrictors are not the easiest thing to transport and find good vets for.

[Archimedes]

So aside from the fact that he's probably a college kid trying to look cool, I think I see why he got her. He named her Violet Parr after the Incredibles character, she looks like a real beauty.



This may be something I pursue further, because those markings are stunning. I think I'll see if he has any more info on her, specific breed and history, but he's only asking 100 for this beautiful girl...

Anyone got any more insight?

[babyknees]

With CL all the usual health issues are of concern. If you decide to go through with it just make sure that you're prepared to care for a giant snake. If you're seriously thinking about this start doing your research and looking into the cost of caring for an adult retic.

[xFenrir]

^ x2 if you don't have access to rabbits (which are expensive in their own right) it's gonna be SUPER, SUPER expensive to feed it rats. Not to mention how many rats it would take...

[Archimedes]

It'd be worth it, if I can justify it in my head. My only issue with going into this is that I'm in an apartment. A large snake could be really difficult to move when that time comes, unnecessary stress and all that.

Fortunately our local pet store does supply rabbits F/T, I believe. I'll check on that. He won't tell me any more about her over email, which is concerning in its own right. I still have a zillion questions for him, whether she eats well, F/T or live, what type of enclosure, whether there are any other issues. Hrm.

[iPanda]

A snake that is 2 ft (it actually looks closer to 4, maybe 6') can fit in a 4ft viv until they're around 10 ft. They're great snakes. and to whoever say most snakes stay under 2 ft until over a year...you're talking about a retic, the fastest growing snake there is. My guy is just over a year, and he's pushing 9 ft...really, rabbits aren't THAT expensive, and if you have access to a pet store, they'll usually give you a good deal, or you can order frozen from the internet. it's not that hard. good luck! =]

[xFenrir]

A snake that is 2 ft (it actually looks closer to 4, maybe 6') can fit in a 4ft viv until they're around 10 ft. They're great snakes. and to whoever say most snakes stay under 2 ft until over a year...you're talking about a retic, the fastest growing snake there is. My guy is just over a year, and he's pushing 9 ft...really, rabbits aren't THAT expensive, and if you have access to a pet store, they'll usually give you a good deal, or you can order frozen from the internet. it's not that hard. good luck! =]

Hrm, I thought they were slow growers. My bad.

[reptileexperts]

Xfenrir is SEMI right on the growth - they can stay ridiculous small at the year mark if they were fed improperly. However that guy just looks really young and def over 2 ft. When a retic hatches its usually around the 28-32" mark from a mainland family. The guy is probably off by quite a bit on the size. If you are thinking about getting a retic some stuff you should know.
1) That's just a normal. Nothing special about it genetically speaking, though its a nice normal, most retics are IMO
2) You can get a captive bred normal from a specialized retic breeder that will be free of most CL problems with little effort and not much if any more money - 75 for a normal hatchling is quite common, tack on 35 for shipping.
3) Sex is everything - gender that is. Females can get quite large - but 20' is an exagerated measure that few retics reach, and those that do are considered treasures! Most females will top off around 17-18' in length, and most males will reach 9-11 ft with proper feeding, and 14-16 ft if fed an overly intense diet. Buying this snake from CL you are not exactly sure of the sex especially from this person selling it who obviously is clueless. Buy from a trusted breeder.
4) Retics do not take a lot of time. People use the "I dont have time for it anymore" excuse to give up "pets" they no longer seem to care about or want to mess with, or they want the next cool pet. Either way - red flag.

That being said - Retics are impressive and awe inspiring pets to the right keepers. It is a huge commitment with money and space, and if you land on a mainland female, even the 14' ones will need special care. If you land on a male, even a 9 ft breeding mode mainland deserves the utmost respect.

Final advice - don't do it. . . yet. Do research. Give yourself a solid backing in the subject. Then pursue a retic that you hand select from a breeder who cares more about the retic than a CL seller. Retics deserve forever homes. Not just "Until . . . " homes. Be fully prepared before making such a giant commitment. The deal is honestly not a great deal. I've known breeders that will literally give away normals to people they trust will take care of them. Get to know the community. Find me over on Facebook at the Retic Nation Group and get to know a lot of the big keepers and what we do.

If you have any specific questions post away and I'll answer when I can, or some of the other users with even more experience in the matter will answer.

Cheers, and good luck either way.

[OsirisRa32]

The fact that he wont give you details over email is hugely concerning and shady to me...that alone, for me personally, would have me saying "no thanks".