So my GF and I are talking about geting a retic.....

[Skyrivers]

I have done a lot of reading the past few weeks and a reptile show coming up in 2 weeks things are ramping up for the new purchase. I am building an enclosure with multiple levels and more natural look that will be plenty large for the retic we get. I want a retic that I can use for education for people who fear snakes and want to get to know them better. I have 3 ball pythons. All successful at this point. What I like from my reading so far is that retic's tend to have more personality to them as well as getting larger than balls do. My concern is getting one with a good personality. Every breeder I have talked to online always says "He is a puppy dog" etc.... I think picking one up in person and spending time with it would be a good way to go. Here are the questions....

1. Do females have more aggressive tempers than males in general? I know each snake will have its own personality. I will not be breeding or have a retic of opposite sex in the house.

2. Is it better to get a baby and raise it up or find one full grown that the owner can represent their temperament?

3. Do females have issues if you don't breed them? I think I saw one YouTube video that said they will produce eggs but will be infertile even if not breed?

4. What are some of your personal trial and errors you went through during your learning process? I want to learn!

5. Are there any dos and don'ts with the enclosure? I know the temperature gradient and basic husbandry but other things that are just bad for the snake in general?

[bcr229]

Females are typically more even-tempered, a chill female neonate will remain that way. Chill males can become major doo-doo heads when they hit puberty and want to breed.

Enclosure - keep it as simple as possible for an adult. These are big snakes that eat big meals and drop big messes. I have no idea how mine manage to get - stuff - on the ceiling of an 18" high enclosure but they do.

Babies are easy to buy online because they're cheap to ship. Adults, not so much. If you can find a local normal/classic adult female you will likely get a good deal on her, plus you get to meet her before you bring her home.

[Zincubus]

I have done a lot of reading the past few weeks and a reptile show coming up in 2 weeks things are ramping up for the new purchase. I am building an enclosure with multiple levels and more natural look that will be plenty large for the retic we get. I want a retic that I can use for education for people who fear snakes and want to get to know them better. I have 3 ball pythons. All successful at this point. What I like from my reading so far is that retic's tend to have more personality to them as well as getting larger than balls do. My concern is getting one with a good personality. Every breeder I have talked to online always says "He is a puppy dog" etc.... I think picking one up in person and spending time with it would be a good way to go. Here are the questions....

1. Do females have more aggressive tempers than males in general? I know each snake will have its own personality. I will not be breeding or have a retic of opposite sex in the house.

2. Is it better to get a baby and raise it up or find one full grown that the owner can represent their temperament?

3. Do females have issues if you don't breed them? I think I saw one YouTube video that said they will produce eggs but will be infertile even if not breed?

4. What are some of your personal trial and errors you went through during your learning process? I want to learn!

5. Are there any dos and don'ts with the enclosure? I know the temperature gradient and basic husbandry but other things that are just bad for the snake in general?

Maybe consider getting a Dwarf Retic - I've seen them at 10 to 12 foot which isn't as daunting as a 20+ foot monster.

I was also seduced by the Retic's inquisitiveness and personality but I went for a Super Dwarf Purple Albino which is only just over 3foot at two and a half years old.


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[Skyrivers]

Maybe consider getting a Dwarf Retic - I've seen them at 10 to 12 foot which isn't as daunting as a 20+ foot monster.

I was also seduced by the Retic's inquisitiveness and personality but I went for a Super Dwarf Purple Albino which is only just over 3foot at two and a half years old.


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This is so funny. The Super Dwarf Purple Albino is exactly what we are looking at.

[Zincubus]

This is so funny. The Super Dwarf Purple Albino is exactly what we are looking at.

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[Skyrivers]

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Love the blue eyes. Amazing looking snake.

[Ax01]

Maybe consider getting a Dwarf Retic - I've seen them at 10 to 12 foot which isn't as daunting as a 20+ foot monster.

I was also seduced by the Retic's inquisitiveness and personality but I went for a Super Dwarf Purple Albino which is only just over 3foot at two and a half years old.

Mr. Zincubus, what is your feeding regime for your SD Purple Albino? that's the smallest i've heard yet and that size Retic would be very attractive to alotta peeps (including me).

[Zincubus]

Mr. Zincubus, what is your feeding regime for your SD Purple Albino? that's the smallest i've heard yet and that size Retic would be very attractive to alotta peeps (including me).

Well it's my resident dustbin and gets anywhere between 2 and 4 jumbo XL mice every 7 to 10 days or so ... it's not written in stone

Next time he's out I'll get a photo to show his size .. or lack of it


Edit ... Just had a look at him carefully ... he may be nearer 4' but no more - possibly a few inches less .

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[paulh]

IMO, a snake for desensitizing is likely to be moved away from the owner's home periodically. It should be small enough for one person to handle. An adult retic seems too big to me. A dwarf or super dwarf is a possibility, but there are plenty of other species of more predictable size and lower cost that could fit the bill, too.

[Sauzo]

That is wild that that SD is only 3 ft. Even 100% SDs get bigger than that. My 37.5% SD, 31.5% dwarf male is about 7-8 ft and will be 2 years old this May. He's pretty awesome. He's a white albino tiger het snow.