Albino Burmese Python? Pros and Cons? Need Help from Experts

[Junior013]

Hello fellow snake hobbyists! My friend wants to give me an albino burmese python hatchling for my birthday. Is it a good pet for me? Are there pros and cons?

I am a junior highschool student from the Philippines. I started buying exotic pets just last year and I did'nt regret wasting a lot of money. I started with the insect world with tarantulas, scorpions and centipedes but then it went to turtles then to birds until I discovered the hobby of snakes. I purchased a normal ball python just to test it first. It was going good until it passed away. But that does'nt stop me at all.

I really appretiate you for taking your time for answering my questions!

- Gerry

[cchardwick]

The cons are is that it will get huge and eventually eat large rabbits LOL. The pros are it's probably one of the best large snakes as far as temperament and moving pretty slow, unlike a reticulated python which tends to run a bit more. You'll eventually need a very large secure enclosure, a regular supply of large prey items, and typically one or two helpers to help you handle and move the snake when it gets bigger. You can't really handle a snake like that alone once it gets big.

[Junior013]

Like how big do they actually grow and how heavy do they weigh in a full grown size. Do you have any idea in how big do their enclosure be? Can an alburm possibly eat a small dog?

[BPGator]

I don't have one, but a pet shop I go to has an albino Burmese on display. The enclosure is at least 8 feet long. I forget how long the snake is ( I want to say 14 ft), but they told me it weighs 130 lbs and eats 11 lb rabbits.


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[LightningPython]

I have a granite burm. I've had her for a year (she was about idk a year or two when we got her from a pet shop) and she was three feet long when we got her. Now she's nearly 7 foot long. They grow quick! She had her first rabbit on new year's.
We are now in the process of buying an 8ft vivarium, as she is growing out of her 4ft, which is going to cost about £300.
Male burns are often a lot smaller than females, I've recently seen one on Facebook that is about 16ft long

Even though my burm is only 7ft long, she has already tried to strike out at the dog when I was holding her. If she were bigger I wouldn't be surprised if she could eat one. I mean, there are videos on YouTube of burmeses eating crocs and stuff

As you have only had one snake, and have little experience I would say no to getting one. Only because they are big and powerful animals and setting them up and feeding can be a expensive.

But I can't make this decision for you, do research and you decide if it's a good snake for you

[Junior013]

I think the ball python is the perfect size for me to keep. Haha taking care of a snake that could grow that big could make me lose money or something's life (like my dog) but I am willing to take risk. I just need research and money. xD btw Thank you so much for your answer.

[Sauzo]

I would also agree, a burm is not a good beginners snake. You have to know what you are getting into. They get big which means they need big caging and big food. I wouldn't keep a burm in anything short of an 8x4 cage and you will need a helper when it comes to handling. You shouldn't handle a 10'+ snake alone as accidents can and have happened.

[L.West]

To Junior013 - you mentioned your first bp died. What happened to the snake??

I agree with the others - that large of snake would be a bit much for a newbie. The caging expense and food bill alone would be enough to deter me. Plus, as mentioned, one person can not safely handle that large of snake by themselves. Doesn't sound like a good plan to me. Stick with the smaller snakes.

Keep in mind - if you get it and determine down the road that it isn't working out - you have the responsibility of finding a proper home for that snake which may prove to be very difficult. Always think of the animals best interest over your own "wants".

[Sauzo]

Forgot to add, if you are looking for something that gets good size but is still manageable, I say either a boa or a super dwarf retic. Have to say I was kind of hesitant about getting a retic but Caesar is awesome. Only other snakes that is as laid back as him are my big BCI Rosey and Luna my dumerils.

[danielwilu2525]

If you want to go bigger than for you I'd get a Brazilian rainbow boa.