I didn't mean to discourage interest in African rocks. I just parlayed my experiences with the ones I had, which was admittedly several years ago. However, I saw little bluff at all -- mine meant business and proved it many times. But that in and of itself makes them interesting animals. They are not burms, or even retics for that matter. They may command even more respect than retics. But people need to know the big picture about these (and other) snakes. I would venture that African rocks are better suited for more advanced herpetoculturists who have had lots of experience with big snakes. And a potential African rock owner with experience with a few bigger snakes with attitudes has a leg up on those who have only dealt with tame burms, etc.



I have checked around on some price lists lately, several of which advertise very tame African rocks. So maybe the aggression I encountered a few years ago is being bred out as more and more captive snakes are hatched.



They are a handful, and if one does feel ready to take the plunge, he (or she) must not be easily intimidated. African rock pythons can be very intimidating animals. But at the same time, keeping one, especially taming a baby, can be a very rewarding experience.



RP

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