Sounds like you're doing your homework. I took me almost a year to decide to get this one particular Burm. I have a business where I go into the schools, etc and teach kids about reptiles. Someone saw my van sign and asked if I would take an albino Burm. I've never had a snake that big and really didn't want one (neither did my husband). I declined. About a year later the same woman sees my van in the grocery store parking lot, asks about what I do. She asks if I have a Burm, then if I want one. Turns out the to be the same people. My husband and I decided to take him and he is the grand finale of some shows. If I weren't in this business, I wouldn't have such a large snake. One reason why I accepted him (besides being free) is that he is already 10 and I felt I could handle the time commitment for the rest of his life, KWIM? I also got my boa from someone who just didn't want him and he was only 3, only 5 1/2 ft, dehydrated, dry skin stuck to him. Of course, I'm not implying that you would ever treat your animals like that, it's just an example of someone who changed their mind later. These people who gave me the Burm were moving to Alaska and had to give up all their snakes (including another Burm, Afrock, and Boa). NO ONE would take them, no zoos, not the Serpentarium. Once you have the big boys, you've got 'em!



Like Hillbilly said, (such a good virtual friend), no one is trying to talk you out of it, everyone just wants you to know the truth, good, bad, and ugly. And like Josh said below, make your own decision. If you do decide to get a Burm, get a good feeding plan in place, get handy with a snake hook, and have an emergency plan. I use a hook with my boa and it helps to differentiate between feeding and handling. He's turning out to be a real bugger when he's hungry. Of course he's 7ft now, nice and healthy!

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