First big snake?

[Gio]

Lots of good advice so far. When I see something nice, the first thing I look up is the enclosure size. Not the bare minimum, stick it in a tub forever, enclosure. I always try to go past the 'minimum' either now or later after my snake grows up, because enrichment is just as important as anything else in pet keeping. For retics, new information surfaced that they do enjoy climbing as well as being terrestrial. Are you able to provide such large space, including height space, for such a big snake? I can picture a retic may need like a small room to accomplish all of its enrichment needs. Please don't stick such a wonderful active snake like retics in a bin. Also the bigger the enclosure, the more you will have work with your heat sources to make sure the husbandry stays right.

So for me, it's deal breaker if I know now or in the future I would never want to or be able to provide such enclosure. I would love to have an Eastern Indigo if it is ever legal to do so in my state, but I know I can't because of their space needs. I would love to have a sulcata tortoise, but it would most likely stay indoors and no one in my family will inherit it, and those animals would destroy my house if forced inside all the time lol.

Unless you have someone who is willing to take your snake, don't expect anyone else including your local zoo to take it should you change your mind.

Anyways, good luck with your decision.

Nice call,

Without a doubt retics are semi arboreal. My old retic has been the second most arboreal snake I've owned. He was in the "canopy" more than the boa and the coastal carpet.

Only my newest addition, the Bredli is perched more, and the royal, not so much although she will climb now and then.

If you are looking into the type of snake that I least recommend (retic), you will want to present it with a nice set of options.

This guy was pushing 9 feet and used every inch of the 6' x 30" x 2' cage. I loved the snake and his activities, but as I stated earlier the attitude was horrendous.

Here are a few enclosure photos.







You get the idea here.


The SD and dwarf localities are more reliant on migratory bird patterns and other seasonal events for food. I suspect they climb more frequently but I have seen some mainland retics using huge trees.


Honestly IF and you decide to go this route and you do get a nonaggressive animal, I think you'll be rewarded. They are like noting else.

Unfortunately I was dealing with this.


He was ready for a go almost every time I opened the doors because he pretty much lost his mind at the 3 year old mark.