Welcome Wallace.

[Gio]

What a handsome little guy you got there he looks awesome! Tigers are my favorite! And I like his dark rich colors


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks "Fitzy"!

I can do this all day LOL!
Proud daddy I am.

Kris at Vital is a busy guy and he had to deal with a lot of my questions. I'm NOT a huge buyer or big name breeder. I love the hobby and I genuinely love my small, diverse collection.

I think he sent me a very pretty boy here.


I used to drool over patterns like this that came in the 7-10 foot range. Now,,,,, I have one for myself!

The tiger in this guy keeps his head pretty clean. It makes his eyes really pop. I'm hoping you can all see this guy in my care 10-20 (I know that's long) years from now.


In speaking with a VERY knowledgable friend, I learned humidity can be quite important with retics. Not dripping, cage wall humidity, but the actual dew point moisture. Wallace is using a nice, mossy hide in his quarantine cage and it is proving to be an excellent tool to maintain his iridescence. You can also see the SD influence here. He has a lot of greens mixed into his pattern.

Mr. Rainbow. Love that coloring on his head!


One of the concerns I have and always have had with this species is size. I always see keepers post their "new reticulated python" just like I'm doing here. Sadly after a few years, I don't see a lot of reposts because things change. Usually because somebody stepped in a bit too deep.

I'm a well established adult, yet that still doesn't get me off the hook if Wallace ends up HUGE. I think Cody (Reptile-Experts) has broken up some of the myths and half truths about this species. I certainly would never have ventured into the retic world if I thought my chances of having a giant were high.

I have a backup plan if for some reason this guy ends up much larger than expected or wanted. This snake could out live me, but by that time both of my kids, who love snakes could and would care for my collection. In 3 years my son will likely be able to assist me with a large animal as well.

That said, as Cody has stated again and again; Buy from a trusted breeder, know the dwarf and SD percentages should you be seeking a smaller sized retic and look at males.

I'm rather optimistic that this particular snake will climb to my favorites list. There is no doubt. EVERY experienced, mature, solid keeper of this species raves about them.

I will continue to listen and learn from the experts and established keepers as that's why these boards exist.

At the moment, I'm still jumping up and down because I am so happy to have this guy.


This has been a wonderful week for me! : )