I have had 3 Burmese Pythons and own over 20 ball pythons, and I think both are a great species to work with, hands down. If you feel confident with your experience with your Ball Pythons and have the space to house Burmese Pythons, it would be a good snake to jump into. I think they are both naturally calmer, more social snakes all together, but I have to agree with the above that say its all on a snake to snake basis. I have outgoing ball pythons, shy ball pythons, aggressive ball pythons, chill ball pythons, and fearless ball pythons. My largest Burm is an absolute lover and the definition of a gentle giant. Another of my Burms hisses and makes a whole lot of noise, but I think its more of a complaint than a threat because he's never tried to bite anyone ever. However, in my experience, baby Burms tend to be nippier than their adult counterparts and when compared to other baby snakes... but ball python babies can be too. I think overall you're right.. it all comes down to is conditioning -- or a mixture of nature vs nurture. No matter how much time you put into some animals you just may have that personality clash. I have a ball python named "Sniper" for a reason -- I've had him since a hatchling and there is just no convincing him out of being 0 defensive and tag-happy, while other snakes are much easier to "tame." I would recommend to meet your Burm first before buying and seeing if you can handle their personality -- or start off with a hatchling you know you'll have to work with a little. Either way, good luck!!
-----
Cheers!

• Chelsea Lynn Gardiner

(and Frank M. Wood)

[ Show Entire Thread ]