No, the reason forums like this are frustrating are because of so many inexperienced keepers doing incredibly irresponsible things. Eschmit, I applaud the incredible lengths you went to before purchasing your first retic. It was clear that you were going to be a responsible keeper just based upon the fact that you were so concerned about whether you were ready for one or not. I know, it's a catch-22, but you put the necessary thought, research, and energy into that purchase.

But a woman that thinks it's ok to take a retic out in public (I don't care if it was empty!) immediately after she receives it, has to take the snake to the pet store to make sure it's getting the right sized meals, and has never been bitten before is clearly not experienced enough to own a large snake.

I personally kept boids for 10 years before finally buying a burm or a retic. I have been bitten too many times to count. I can read my snakes' behaviors and am able to realize when they are going to strike. I know the devastating force that comes from a retic strike when it is hungry, and I know it isn't a novelty to parade around.

I am sorry if what I say is harsh, but I feel it is necessary. I know I'm not going to convince reticgirl to get rid of her snake, but if one prospective retic owner reads this and understands the graveness and seriousness of owning a retic, then I will have done a little bit to help the hobby.

I LOVE pythons. In addition to a nice collection of ball pythons, I have a burmese python and a retic. They are a joy to keep as long as you can provide the necessary space, food, and care. I know there are a number of keepers that went straight for the big snakes and have never looked back, but for the most of us, it takes baby steps to get to that point. My very first python was a spotted python. I remember when I first got bitten by him, it was a struggle to put my hand back in his enclosure. I can only imagine how that fear would have been magnified if it were a six-foot reticulated python. I can't say that I enjoy being bitten, but I'm definitely not scared of it.

I have invested a lot of money and effort into my collection, and I'm going to be sorely remiss if I have to lose my right to breed reptiles because of too many irresponsible and unprepared keepers.

I am not saying that retics are bad, are dangerous or an inappropriate pets. I am saying that there are inappropriate retic owners out there, and they unfortunately give retics a bad name.

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