How hard is it to deal with large snakes?

[Dr_Gonz0]

We have no plans on getting any more snakes until we get an apartment. We were thinking about a red-tail boa. I had a juvie when I was little but we had to move and find a new home for her, so I never got to experience her as a larger snake. What about olive pythons. I think that is what they are called. Anyone know about the temperment of these?

Papuans are generally larger than Boas, though i am not sure about their tempermant, as i know very few people that own them. They are definitley gorgeous snakes though.

Robin

[Hardwikk]

Um.... did you see the youtube video of 4 guys trying to get an anaconda's mouth off of one guy. Here it is if not:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P5S217F0cw

I know a green anaconda is a lot larger than a Burmese, but still, you get the idea.

No offense to YOU, but I wouldn't trust two professional body guards to get a mad Burm off of me. So your comment about your "female fiancee" is equally true in reverse. The same goes for the other poster who comments on his girlfriend's ability to help him. The only thing that might help anyway is a bottle of alcohol to get the giant to release. So alcohol can be good afterall!

But I still think that an experienced handler who has a love for Burms should go for it. I wish I had the space/courage/money to do it myself.

One more thing, school buses weight a lot more than 2,900 lbs. Of course, I still wouldn't want a large python squeezing me! But here are some school bus facts for you:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_d...hool_bus_weigh
http://www.stnonline.com/stn/faq/schoolbustypes.htm

Now, back to the original OP, sounds like you are on the right path of research, etc. Kudos to you and good luck. I am sure you will do what is right for you. I am jealous!

At least in that video the guy didn't yell #@%&$! like someone else we know who got bitten by a retic not too long ago... Anyway, I think you should start with something smaller than a burm, like a Constrictor (4-12 feet in length. Maximum length ever attained is 14.5 feet). I read that they are pretty docile and aren't that hard to find in the pet trade.

[CeraDigital]

My recommendation is to buy what you want most, concentrate on it, and work towards your goal. You keep other species, there for you have atleast basic knowledge of Boid husbandry. Keeping a B. c. i. will, in no way, teach you about keeping a Burmese, or other giants. No matter it be safety, husbandry, or anything of the like (yes, this is coming from first hand experience). Go with a male Burm if your that concerned on size. Male's generally stay around a 12-14' maximum, with a 10-13' average.

[Jay_Bunny]

I'm really starting to lean towards the olive pythons. I'm going to begin researching those and once we have the space, if I think I can handle it, I'm going to get one. I've just fallen in love with them.

Thanks everyone for your input. Its nice to see honest opinions on big snakes instead of "oh they are easy, just a bit bigger than your average snake"

[8b8ll]

I'm really starting to lean towards the olive pythons. I'm going to begin researching those and once we have the space, if I think I can handle it, I'm going to get one. I've just fallen in love with them.

Thanks everyone for your input. Its nice to see honest opinions on big snakes instead of "oh they are easy, just a bit bigger than your average snake"

Good call!

Olives ROCK!

Talk to Mpenn I know he has one.

Looks into scrubs as well.


Mike

[bearhart]

Olives are beautiful but...

http://www.dampier.wa.edu.au/Room13/olivepythons.htm

3 to 4 meters with a max of 6.5.

That is a big snake!

[Jay_Bunny]

I was told the Liasis olivaceaus olivaceaus only gets up to 10-12 feet in length. Information was provided by Blake_Herman. I still have some research to do and I've been invited to have some hands on experience with some big snakes by someone here on the forum. Now we just have to figure out a weekend to go up there.