Quote Originally Posted by mainbutter View Post
bci or bcc (boas) get big. Not giant in the same manner of reticulated or burmese pythons, but I'd spend a few years with one of those before even thinking of going with something else that could potentially get bigger than 10 foot.

If you're seriously considering a giant someday, your best bet is burmese or reticulated python.
Honestly, I don't agree with this in any way. Bci, and Bcc do not, in any way, prepare you in any sense for a true giant. They just do not compare in any way/shape/form when it comes to strength, stature, size, etc. They even react/act entirely different, and to different stimuli, than the true giants.

As for the size reference with them. Their size does not compare, nor girth. Not even when it comes to safety. Your better bet...get hands on with a true Giant. Talk to as many keepers and breeders as you can, and make the dive head first. Do your homework on them, and you should do fine. Although their growth is rapid, they do not just blow up overnight. There is plenty of trial and error time in that growth period to learn about that individual animal. Treat them as individuals. Even as a species in general, each act/react/move differently than one another. Learn each movement they make and pay attention. Biggest thing is no matter how placid the animal is, do not let it lull you into a false sense of security. It is how people get seriously injured or killed, due to FR's.

As for a Retic being a good beginner "true" giant.....furthest from the truth. No giant is a good beginner giant. Period. They all have different aspects that make them both good, and bad choices as far as attitude, husbandry, medical aspects, etc. Look through and pick the species that best catches your interest. The one you love the most. Do the mentioned....learn about it, read about it, talk to experienced individuals about it, and get hands on with it....then when you feel you are ready, make the plunge. Good luck in whatever you choose