What do you wish you knew before getting into Retics/ Larger pythons.

[Albert Clark]

I don’t keep retics but I do keep an olive python and a scrub python which are both just as big as an SD retic if not larger. The olive is a really mellow fellow. They’re often called gentle giants even though there are some fiesty ones out there. I’d highly recommend them if you’re looking for a more manageable large constrictor. I can reach in and pull my olive out of his enclosure anytime without worry. The only time he’s ever bitten me was when he missed his rat during a feeding attempt. I quickly invested in some larger tongs and haven’t had any problems since. The scrub reminds me a lot of a retic. They’re often very commanding and demanding animals that deserve the utmost respect and a bit of caution. I’ve had my scrub for almost 4 years now and even though he’s gotten a lot better and doesn’t bite or musk me every time I touch him, he’s still very unpredictable and always keeps me on my guard. I’ve thought about rehoming him several times but haven’t brought myself to part with him just yet. I accept that he’s most likely always going to be a hands off/display only animal. He gets handled only when necessary and never just for fun because handling him isn’t fun. It’s intense and sometimes even scary but I still love him. I did my research beforehand and kinda knew what I was getting into and took the leap to the dark side anyway. I learned some valuable lessons but in hindsight I’d probably pass on the scrub if I had to do it over again. I don’t see me keeping any more giant snakes. I would definitely concur that giant snakes, while challenging, just aren’t worth the headache. Carpet pythons and boas are far more rewarding to keep imho.

Thanks EL for the testimony and the edification. I always wanted a granite Burmese python but always wondered how I could contain and keep one. Deep in my mind I knew it would be a massive undertaking raising a “giant” and slowly gave up on the idea.