handling my first big? retic!!!

[reptileexperts]

Just a couple general notes from all this.

1) most people who are enthusiastic about their snakes will boast about them quite frequently, doesn't mean they are in it for the wrong reasons - and I did catch the part about answering questions, still wording makes that a very dangerous assumption statement

2) Purchasing snakes like those on a whim is never a good idea. If you have a collection of large constrictors already, that's fine if you have the extra QT housing ready and what not, but if you've never dealt with a breeding season male giant, do not just jump in like that, it's a danger to yourself and the snake

3) Mainland retics are pretty mellow outside of the cage, they resist at first and start to move forward quite a bit, but after the first 5 minutes they generally stop trying to move much and just want to stretch. Dwarf / Superdwarf much much more active IMO

4) You're doing good getting caging to your friend and making sure he get the proper setups ordered. Quickest / best option though may be Vision caging. Take a look into the 600 series, not too pricey and qujck to get them to you. If he just needs two shipping will run anywhere from 150-300 via frieght. I believe its 15 per cage, 300 per flat

5) It is quite rare for a retic to generally get above 18 ft in captivity, the statement about imagine working with a 25 ft snake is very misguided, some of the largest in captivity at the moment are around 24', and most keepers I know has their biggest girls maxing around 17' wtih a few 21' snakes in there but these are very specific lines and localities.

These statements are not meant to offend anyone who posted, just some outside insght. Please ensure your friend does know that the feeding response of a retic is nothing to mess around with, and any bite that may occur needs to handled very carefully and not "jerked" back or extreme damage can be caused. Its bad enough that when a retic bites, it already begins turning its neck twisting the wound tearing deeper.

Good luck to him though, if he's in Ohio hope his permits are good and in order!