Dwarf/Super Dwarf Retic or Boa

[Gio]

Good question and good answers.

Retics are very fascinating animals. They are like nothing else really. They are very active, very fast and extremely arboreal, especially the SD x dwarf stuff. Even with a 6 X 2 cage unless it is 3 feet tall, I think you'll run into potential pushing issues, especially if the ceiling space is 2 feet or under. Every snake is different, but 3 of us here recently had SD X dwarf males that were not easy animals. JM had a male and a female. His pure SD female went over 10 feet if I'm not mistaken.

Moving up to a retic from royal pythons and a corn snake is a big jump. Retics are an advanced species and though I find them beautiful and interesting, I'm one that does not recommend them.

Here are a few other options that are "impressive" yet far more relaxing to own.


Actually, lets start with my retic.







Ooooops!! That's not him, that's his handy work.
That was a 3.5 year old male, SD X Dwarf X Mainland. He was 9 feet and still growing rapidly.

He was extremely aggressive and that situation came about after tapping him and confidently lifting him out of his cage. The fight was about 10 minutes. He came back up on me after wrapping my left hand and nailed my right hand. Both hands took damage. I was handcuffed somewhat but remained very calm. My family isn't interested in the hobby so I'm a solo handler. Although my wife would readily kill the animal to save my life if needed.

I consider most animals in the 8-9 foot range "doable" but an 8 plus foot retic is a lot different than any other snake at that length. Remember this is my limited experience and the experiences of 2 - 3 others. There are good retics out there, but you MUST put in the extra effort.

He was absolutely beautiful and I do miss having him in a sense, however I'm completely stress free now that he's gone.





Here's his replacement and as Craiga mentioned, a species you may want to consider. Morelia Bredli.
This is my male, Kevin. He's about 2.5 years old in this photo.


More recent here.


He'll be 3 years old mid September. He's around 5 feet long and growing slowly. I'd expect a 7-8 footer once he's topped off.


Speaking of impressive, this $80 coastal carpet mixey/mutt is pushing 9 feet and she's the sweetest animal I have. Super chill, long, and heavy, but not boa heavy. She's a super relaxed handler. This gal was 7 years old in June and she's still growing.


I love this snake and I'd say she fits into the "impressive" category.


Then there is my pride and joy, male, Barranquilla, Colombian boa constrictor. He's a pure locality boa bred by Gus Rentfro.

This animal is right at about 7 feet and is 8 years old.
He's heavy and pure muscle. The well kept boas have a shape that is second to none IMO. The lateral compression looks so different compared to most other snakes..




Boas and carpets fit the bill for many of us here. I've never hear a complaint from people who keep them.


You have some of these.


You want to go bigger, so I figured I'd show you what some of the carpets look like and what a nice boa looks like.

The first snake here was that 9 year old royal we bought for our son and she's great.

Long thread, but I hope seeing some photos helped.

Cheers!