Posted by:
laurarfl
at Mon Oct 8 07:22:20 2007 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by laurarfl ]
"So I think i have a Bit of experience with snakes. I'm very comfortable handling snakes in general.
Now, moving forward, since talking to this breeder Ive been seriously flirting with the idea of gettin a Burm."
I think that each type of snake and each individual snake presents its own challenges. I was recently given a 10year old, 12ft Burm that still makes me nervous! I've had him for 2 months and he's a great snake, but the power, size, and potential problems with these guys keeps me on my toes. I didn't grow up around snakes, but I have 6 years of experience handling snakes, including a large boa and other assorted smaller snakes.
Ironically, the snake that creeps me out the most is a 4ft Sunglow corn snake that seems to see a target board on my hand. I really don't like to get bit and he has it in for me, plus he's fast and skittish. My teenage daughter just laughs at me and picks him right up. (I'm much more comfortable around our lizards.) Our 7ft boa creeps out my husband because he has the S neck and that 'look'. Toby is one of my favorites because I can read him so easily.
Even though I didn't grow up around snakes, I have owned a variety of exotics, horses, and livestock throughout my life (I'm 37). The secret is to learn as much as you can about an animal, especially how to 'read' its behavior. I've only had my Burm for 2 months, but I know he's really grouchy when he's shedding and for about 4 days after he eats. I know if my boa isn't fed while his head is in the hidey, he'll strike while you're closing the door. If that crazy corn snake has his head close to the door, he'll probably nail me. If my Colombian tegu is in the left corner looking up at the door, she wants out. If the Argentine tegu is half buried, leave her alone. The alligator is clicker trained for feeding, don't make the noise before you open the door...you get the idea. I spend a lot of time working with my animals. We work with the public so they MUST MUST MUST be safe!
There's a post further down the board titled "Do I really want a burm". Some people gave me some great advice and maybe you can glean from it. This snake is expensive and I'm getting ready to plop down quite a few hundred dollars for his cage, plus another hundred or so to set up his heating. Ditto for the boa who is being moved back inside from my garage.
"I'mm pretty sure its illegal to breedburms here, which he mentioned to me. When dealing with breeders what should i look for (not that i have a huge selection)"
Legality is one thing. Legitimate herpers work very hard to stay within the boundaries of the law in order to sustain our reputation. I don't think the public thinks much of Burms anyway. I know I spend a lot of time convincing people that snakes aren't that bad and snake owners are very responsible, 'normal' people. Here in FL, Burm ownership is being monitored because of what is perceived as irresponsible ownership. There's more to it than that, but that's another thread! If Burm breeding is illegal in BC, there's probably a reason. You may not agree with the law, but breaking it or supporting those that do is really not the best way to change it. In fact, it gives ammunition to those who are trying to limit what we own.
"let me tell you this website is a godsend. either way i still have tons of questions."
This website has been very helpful to me as well. Keep asking questions and chances are you'll get your answers. I've found that most of the people are pretty helpful. I've asked some pretty dumb questions and put it out there for whole Internet to read  . Sometimes you get an immature, smart *** answer, but not very often. In fact, don't let the one you got earlier chase you away.
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RE: Seriously Considering a Burm - laurarfl, Mon Oct 8 07:22:20 2007