Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Note: I originally posted this in another forum but would like as much imput as possible so I'm just pasting it here, so comments mentioning "this website" should be ignored. Also, I apologize for the length but I would like well informed advice.

Hey people, I have never kept snakes before (most of my experience is in Iguanas and Uromastyx) and have recently become very attracted to Yellow Anacondas. I am 19, and have been studying snakes since early childhood, but care information for yellow condas has been quite a bit more difficult to find than for other snakes.

Though I do not have experience with owning snakes prior to this, I never get ANY animal without extensive research. Other than experience, of the other questions I will likely be asked, yes I do have the room for it, yes I do have more than enough time for it, and yes I do realise it’s size potential.

My largest concern is just the temperament which I have been informed is not the best. But if I were to buy a CB, supposedly "well started" neonate, and spent the adequate time to "tame" it, would I at least be able to clean it’s tank without getting my ruined once it is larger? I know it will vary from snake to snake, but in general? Like I said, I have more than enough time to spend on taming while young.

I know people reccomend keeping other large, more docile boids before Anacondas, but if I were to get a young CB neonate, wouldn’t I be able to "understand" and read the snake by the time it is a large adult?

The reason I ask is because I have gotten mixed messages. Some people say all of their yellows are mild tempered and a joy to keep, and others say they have never been able to tame one. I even saw somebody on this board tell somebody that if they were going to get a RT Boa, that they may as well just get a yellow if thats what they really wanted, which is kind of the position I am in, but I wanted other opinions. I think it is important to start with a snake I am truly interested in and like rather than start with a corn snake just for the sake of experience. If I get a corn snake or ball python I am not really enthralled with, I think I will eventually lose interest in properly caring for my snake (and subsequently stop and give it away/sell it).

So, I know these snakes are not generally reccomended for beginning herpers, but I do have the room even for a very large one, the budget, the time, and am very commited to doing as much research as possible before purchase. So do you guys think I could keep one, or should I just stick to the RTB? Your reasoning would be appreciated.

How long have you been intrigued with yellow anacondas? The reason I ask is that you are making an important decision about keeping a snake with the potential to become very large.

This is a long term commitment, and you are nineteen. How will you feel about this creature in 5, 10, 15 years? There are only select people willing to take on a full-grown anaconda if you find you don't want it anymore, and they get many offers of unwanted snakes.

Another consideration: what if you fall in love with a non-snake lover? It happens. I'm fortunate in that my husband enjoys my reptiles, but relationships can end over keeping or not keeping the scaly one. A friend once had to choose between his fiance and his olive python. He's still single.

Be fair to yourself and the animal. If you see your life as a path that includes a yellow 'conda, go for it. If you're not sure, wait awhile and see if the passion for this species persists. Just a few thoughts. . .

rgds,
althea

I would say if you are willing to take care of it in the long term, go ahead and get it.

If you meet someone who doesn't like snakes then that is their problem. There are plenty people out there who do.

On a related note, one of the local pet stores just got a yellow anaconda last week. I don't know what they were thinking.

Max size is usually about 8'. I carried a tooth from one in my finger for 2 years, years ago. Worst bite I ever had. I'd go with one of the medium sized pythons...like a MacLott's or Carpet.

(not that I'm trying to scare you off....but they ARE known for their nasty temperment)
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1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

well I was in the exact same boat you were last year. I actually about three years ago was scared stupid of snakes. figured the best way to get over it was to aquire one. So I got an argentine boa, so no, a yellow conda was not my first snake. but it came relativey a few months after.

I debated heavily if it was the right decision and put butt loads of research into them. First off whoever told you that if you were thinking of a red tail and wanted a yellow, to just go for it, was sorely mistaken. Not to trash talk the yellow, because I recommend you get it if you are prepared. But it is different, yes average length isn't that much more than a red tail, but then add in that at that length she will be about 3-4 times the weight. They are fatties. My yellow was the second snake I bought and you will learn quick how they act before they get large if you spend enough time with them. Just take your time in choosing one. From my experience condas have their mind set on their attitude from birth. Working with them can help a little but not much, so just find a neonate that is calm and keep workingw ith him/her. My girl is incredibly sweet and calm. Never has tried to bite or hiss. She is a little over a year old and pushing 6 1/2 feet with no signs of slowing. So if you doo chose one be prepared for a fast grower. Yellows are also supposed to be much more mild mannered than greens. So like I said, just take your time, go to a few shows and handle ones before you buy, or at least buy from a breeder who carries a good reputation.

Sounds like your doing your research, so I think if you believe you can handle it, go for it.

just keep in mind an anaconda bite can be pretty nasty, especially as an adult. They have little rows of razor blades and are known to repeatedly bite in quick succession. Also it's good to know that unlike most other snakes they attack fromt eh side with no warning. They don't really curl up into the strike position as most boas. they will lay normal and then with no warning hit repeatedly from an angle. I have been bitten once and it was completely my fault, not due to a nast temper.. but just take care if you do get one.

Thanks for the replies everybody. To answer a few of the questions I was asked however;

"How long have you been intrigued with yellow anacondas?"

Like I said, I have been interested in snakes since early childhood and Anacondas were the second type of snake that caught my attention and fascinated me (African Rock Pythons were first) and made me want to learn about snakes and reptiles in general. I had just never considered owning one and they had kind of slipped my mind until someone showed me pictures of their yellow.

"This is a long term commitment, and you are nineteen. How will you feel about this creature in 5, 10, 15 years?"

This is hard to answer because I don't know. I am an animal lover and enjoy the company of animals at all times, but I can't guarantee it will always be that way. I think so, but nothing is ever certain.I would however, like to work with and breed various reptiles in the years to come.

"Another consideration: what if you fall in love with a non-snake lover?"

Than oh well. If someone expects me to get rid of an animal I paid for, put time into and became attached to just because they think it looks gross or something, than they can peace out. I don't want em.

To the guy who reccomended a Burmese, nah thanks. The yellows reach about the max size I wanna house at this point in time, and I don't want anything thats almost guaranteed to exceed 13 ft.

"You will learn your snake, but if you have an issue with getting bitten, a Yellow Anaconda isn't the snake for you. If you can live with the idea that this isn't a ball python and you won't be able to hand it to a child"

I don't have a huge issue with getting bitten, but I wouldn't like it to be a daily thing either. If I get bitten once in a while, fine, but I don't want to be nursing new wounds every time I change the water bowl (which in the case of this snake is about twice a day I've read).

And I don't even like children petting my dog. Not because hes unfriendly (hes a big baby), but because I don't like children.

"Another point, one which made me wait till 1989, are you planning on having a family? IMO large snakes and infants do NOT mix. I refused to have a large snake in my house at the same time we were going to have babies. "

See above. I have no plans for any "children" that don't have fur or scales, or maybe feathers. Unless I get one of those hairless dogs. They're kinda cool.

"In terms of keeping better beginner snakes like Ball Pythons and Corn Snakes, you said you may lose interest very quickly, but before you purchase any animal, you have to be committed."

Which was exactly my point. If I purchase a corn snake just for the sake of "practice", I wont be commited. I can't be commited to something I don't want. It would be like marrying someone you don't even like. As far as I'm concerned, it just wouldn't even be fair to the Ball Python or whatever I went with. It should be with someone who wants it.

But thanks for the replies everyone, and your comments will be taken into consideration before I make any final decision, which wont be any time soon because I like to research everything for at least a month before I purchase it. I have overlooked important information in initial studying before that when it was brought to my attention, caused me to change my mind about the species, so it's definitely NOT something I am rushing into.

Would you mind giving me your name and social so I can take out a life insurance policy on you?

No offense, but judging by your answers you seem young and a bit naive. I think you should get something smaller and less dangerous and work your way up.

If an inexperience person raises a yellow anaconda, which I think can reack sizes around 20 feet, it will develope a nasty disposition. And you know what they call a 20 foot, 600 pound reptile with a nasty disposition? A killing machine.

Unless I'm extremely mistaken, yellows range from eight to twelve feet, only a few going out of that range. They're still heavy bodied powerful creatures admittedly. Wipe-the-floor-with-ya type snakes, but hardly killing machines unless someone is both very stupid and very unlucky in the same moment.

To the original poster, it seems feasible to keep a yellow as a first snake, but doesn't strike me as easy. I understand (and support) the hesitation to get a learners snake. But is there any smallish hardy species you like on it's own merit as a pet itself? Like a sand boa, thayeri, or some unusual rat snake? Just to initially get the hang of keeping a snake, if not a large one.
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0.1 chickens (Condor)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

See above. I have no plans for any "children" that don't have fur or scales, or maybe feathers.

Ahh, but you are young still. You will probably feel differently in 10-15 years.

If I purchase a corn snake just for the sake of "practice", I wont be commited. I can't be commited to something I don't want.

You make a very valid point here. No one should get a "practice" snake, IMHO.

I actually warned you against it, but I think you sound like you have thought this through and that you are prepared for what awaits you. And it sounds like you know a lot more about notaeus than some of the people who answered your original post (20 ft - LOL!).

The only warning I would give is for to consider the fact that you ARE fifteen and during the next few years your interests will wander before they solidy in one or two directions. I have been a snake lover for almost 40 years, but there were a few years (16-18) where they weren't my number 1 priority. You sound like you are ready for the commitment however. I assume your family is also ready?

One last thing to consider. This is a snake that you are going to have to take care of with some frequency. So you will be in a hurry to go somewhere with friends one day and look over and see that your anaconda is sitting in its water tub along with a pile of fresh snake feces. Your temptation is going to be to say "Man, I don't want to deal with this snake's attitude right now", but your responsibility is to clean the water bowl, in spite of the struggle that may be involved in getting a big dirty snake out of its bowl. This is where you have to be the responsible snake owner and tell your friends to wait. That's a hard choice for me at 42, at 16, I don't know if I could have made it!

Get the snake, take good care of it.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

One thing you MUST consider is if you plan on going to college.

I will tell you right now, you DEFINITELY can NOT take care of a yellow anaconda through college unless you plan on going to a local community college.

"the fact that you ARE fifteen"

Actually, I'm nineteen. I know it's not a huge difference, but I am more responsible and have a much better idea of the course of my life to make a more informed decision than when I was 15.

To whomever asked, I have no plans for college.

I am actually back to leaning more torwards a Red Tail Boa now though, not because of the conda's temperament (which I have become very convinced I can handle...I've worked with aggressive animals before), but because of how messy they are. The fact that they urate and defecate so much more often than most snakes is a turn off. I have heard too many stories about how they will often "paint" their cages. I may as well get the RTB which will be easier to work with, and can go with weekly cleanings with maybe a little spot clean when needed. Too many people have told me that they need to disinfect their whole tanks almost daily. Nah thanks.

Thanks for the help though, everyone.

GO for it yellows tend to stay smaller than greens and just be very choosey when purchasing its just like gettin a dog ya gotta know its the ONE just dont jump at the first one shop around handle before purchase etc,etc. i dont personaly own one but have 31 snakes and monitors 3 of which are burmesee pythons which also get very large its a long term loving commitment so just make the right choice and ENJOY

My largest concern is just the temperament which I have been informed is not the best. But if I were to buy a CB, supposedly "well started" neonate, and spent the adequate time to "tame" it, would I at least be able to clean it’s tank without getting my ruined once it is larger?

You will learn your snake, but if you have an issue with getting bitten, a Yellow Anaconda isn't the snake for you. If you can live with the idea that this isn't a ball python and you won't be able to hand it to a child, then a Yellow Anaconda is OK. They aren't as unpredictable as Green Anacondas.

However, they are large snakes. Where are you going to be living in 5 years? Will you be able to keep a large snake? That question is very difficult to answer.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

IMO, you can't go into this with a "lets try it" attitude. Not in any way saying you are, just making a point. Snakes like this if properly taken care of can easily live 20 or more years in captivity. I purchased my first Boa, Elvira, in 1989. We've been caring for her for 16 1/2 years and she's still going strong.

If you do get a snake it has to be a long term commitment, there just is NOT very many places that will take in a large adult snake and way too many unwanted ones for them to take.

Another point, one which made me wait till 1989, are you planning on having a family? IMO large snakes and infants do NOT mix. I refused to have a large snake in my house at the same time we were going to have babies. Yes the cages are secure and no, my snakes have never gotten out. Just was not a risk I was willing to take. Same reason I'd never keep a "hot".

Bottom line, think about it and if you're willing to make that lifetime (of the snake) commitment and willing to incorporate your pet into your life decisions wife/kids/housing etc. then go for it. If you're not that ready for that large of a commitment, then please don't.
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Thanks,

Dave "Rainbows-R-Us"

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB)
4.12 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
2.1 Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 Het for Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 BCI "Elvira" normal from 1989
1.0 BCI albino / het-anery
0.1 BCI Hypo / het-albino
0.1 BCI Anery / het-albino
0.1 BCI Hypo (possible super)
1.0 BCI albino het stripe
1.0 BCI salmon hypo
0.1 BCI ghost

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

I stopped handling/having venomous when my daughter was born...20 years ago.
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1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

The Yellow anaconda is probabley the "BEST" of the anacondas. There temperment is down right [bleep]ty though. If they are off the ground and/or in plain sight, they are as pissed of as 10 Biak Green Tree pythons and with the size big enough to KILL YOU. Even though they are the smaller of the 3 Anaconda Species I personally have seen Females reach 20 Feet in Captivity and still have a nasty Disposotion. In my opinion African Rock Pythons Are Easier to TAME!! If you find your self attracted to the larger snakes I always suggest the Bermese Pythons because they are renowned to have a very tractable desposition. I would stongly suggest first though get about 10 years under your belt with CORN SNAKES and BALL PYTHONS before ever attemping any of the "GIANT" species.

AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE 10 FOOT RULE. "IF IT IS OVER 10 FEET DO NOT UNDER ANY CERCOMSTANCES HANDLE THE ANIMAL BY YOUR SELF AND EVERY 3 FEET PASSED 10 YOU BETTER HAVE ANOTHER PERSON WHO IS EXPIERENCED ON HAND"

THAT SPECIES IS A LARGE DANGEROUS PREDATOR WHO IS CAPABLE OF KILLING YOU SO USE EXTREME CAUTION AND PLEASE CONSIDER ANOTHER SPECIES.

I realise the purpose of this thread is to try and talk an inexperienced guy out of getting a rather inappropriate species for a newbie but notaeus DO NOT GROW TO 20 feet - Ever.
15 foot notaeus is virtually unheard of.
Let's at least make it believable.

What I love most is when you say you have personally seen 20' females....

You people crack me up with your exagerated mis-information, LOL. First, there are 4 species of anacondas: E. murinus, E. beniensis, E. deschaunsi and E. notaeus. With greens being the largest and yellows being the smallest. On average yellows top out at: females 10-12 feet & males 7-9 feet. I believe the record for a yellow is around 16 feet. Weight wise your looking at, tops maybe, 90-100lbs for a fat gravid female. But more than likely the weight will be closer to 70-80lbs. Yes, a snake that size does have the potential to kill. Hell, a 6 footer has the same ability. I personally have a female yellow. She is soon to be 20 months on the 11th of this month and is already at 7 feet. She is strong and quite capable of choking me. I got her when she was less than 30 days old. Working with them and interaction is the key. Make slow smooth movements around them as fast movement tends to make them nervous. Yes, I have been bit several times but all have been a defensive strike due to ME doing something that she does not like. Every snake is different from the next and I can't tell you that every yellow will be as tame as mine. I can say I am lucky to have found one that is at least a 2nd generation cb. And as far as info on yellows go to the anaconda forum and read up on old posts from other yellow keepers. That is where I got alot of my information from and also talking with some of the people who keep them. I have kept snakes before(all U.S.) but my yellow is my very first exotic snake and first "large" snake. I can say I am very well pleased with my decision to keep such a unique animal.

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"I am all that is Divine, I am all that is Evil.
I am the one who brings forth Death,
On the wings of a Weevil." JSKII

that's a wicked mullet you got there, dude!
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1.0 Spotted Python
1.0 IJ Carpet Python
0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Variable Kingsnake
1.0 Savannah Monitor RIP
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion

WHAT A COMEDIAN
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"I am all that is Divine, I am all that is Evil.
I am the one who brings forth Death,
On the wings of a Weevil." JSKII

very nice snake too
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1.0 Spotted Python
1.0 IJ Carpet Python
0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Variable Kingsnake
1.0 Savannah Monitor RIP
0.0.1 Emperor Scorpion

I'm really glad you are more than willing to do your in depth research before purchasing any animal. Some people will just go out and buy a snake that has the potential to grow to 15 or more feet in length and not have a clue how to care for it. Certainly, researching it before hand is a plus in terms of knowing the care as well as having enough space. However, I'm going to suggest to you that you do get some experience with keeping snakes before moving to keeping a Yellow Anaconda, especially smaller snakes at first. You will find yourself with an animal that requires a lot of high maintenance. If you are concerned about temperament, a Yellow Anaconda is certainly not a good choice. Purchasing a captive bred one you can raise up to an adult snake would help but all snakes are different. Anacondas are known for their nippy temperament. Some Yellow Anacondas are better than others, but you are taking your chances. In terms of keeping better beginner snakes like Ball Pythons and Corn Snakes, you said you may lose interest very quickly, but before you purchase any animal, you have to be committed. You seem unsure about keeping an anaconda, so my advise would be to start with smaller, more docile tempered snakes before considering a large boa or anaconda. Moving into a snake that requires more experience can be very difficult for a beginning snake keeper. I hope you find a snake that you are happy with and I hope you make the right choice. Good luck.

Personaly i think a yellow anaconda if you do alot of research and alot of time handling it would make a decent pet after you manage to tame it down..and as far as size goes the biggest yellow we've ever owned reached only about 12 foot full grown..but i think if your willing to take the time and research this animal and take the time to work with it every day i say you should go ahead and get one..but make sure its a true cb..

a red blood python. The females (larger of the sexes) only average about six feet but they are a VERY heavy bodied snake and have TONS of personalty. The largest I have EVER heard of them getting is a little more than 9 feet. They are connsidered to be an intermediate snake becouse of their care requirements and becouse some of them can require some taming but if you can keep green iguanas healthy than I think that with some research you will be able to handle them.
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I have Balls!

think about this ... in 6 or 7 years a large rabit isnt going to cut it anymore so in my case getting hold of a 25lb pig every 25 days is kind of a pain oh ya it has to be alive hope your snake isnt a picky eater

Find a local pet store or a local herper that would be willing to hire you to help take care of their snakes. That way you'd be able to gain some experience while collecting a few bucks. Step up and take on the worst of the duties, cleaning IMO.
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Thanks,

Dave "Rainbows-R-Us"

0.1 Wife (WC)
0.2 kids (CBB)
4.12 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
2.1 Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 Het for Hypomelanistic BRB
0.1 BCI "Elvira" normal from 1989
1.0 BCI albino / het-anery
0.1 BCI Hypo / het-albino
0.1 BCI Anery / het-albino
0.1 BCI Hypo (possible super)
1.0 BCI albino het stripe
1.0 BCI salmon hypo
0.1 BCI ghost

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

Never seen a yellow over 10', although I'm aware they get a bit larger than that. 20'? Bad drugs
-----
1.1 Blackheaded pythons
1.1 Woma (Juvie female)
2.1 Aussie Olives
1.1 Timors
1.0 Angolan Juvie
1.1 Savu
1.1 Juvie Bloods
1.1 Juvie Balls
1.1 IJ Carpets
1.1 Coastal Carpets
1.2 Macklotts
1.1 Papuan Olives
1.0 Jungle Carpet
2.2 Scrubs (on breeding loan)
0.1 Jungle/Diamond cross
0.1 child, CB
0.1 wife, WC

hello i am aslo 19.. and i just happen to have bought a yellow anaconda as a first snake myself i knew the possiblity of their temper... but i went and bought it anyways... it was alreadt about 7 or 8 feet when i got it so handeling it was a little scary because of their reputation.. i ended up getting rid of it after about 2 weeks from fear of being taged.. but now that i have a year or 2 under my belt with snakes im no longer afraid of being bitten i wish in the worst kind of way that i still had it...

anyways i really wouldent advise getting a anaconda as a first snake untill u get a little more used to them and are able to read their reactions and i can now tell you owning a big snake and trying to work with them gets almost impossible.. but if your TRUELY not worried about being taged prolly more than a few times getting a baby thats been hand raised since birth could be a good way to go..

Then of course rember that male yellows get to be about 8-10 feet and females can be upwards of 11-12 feetdepending on how often they are fed....

if you would like to know anymore u can contact me on aol galbraith2004 im usually on @ night

good luck

He is the only one that has all the facts straight regarding the Eunectes group, and E. notaeus.

Kelly

There are certainly an interesting bunch of responses to this - take most of them with a grain of salt. Yellows can range in temperament from mellow to demonic...and I have had both. I have kept both WC and CB notaeus, and think they are great snakes. I have 3 very calm ones, and one that likes to bite - I can always see it coming, I usually let it happen, and I usually curse when it does, lol. No surprises in that area, once you have enough experience with snakes. As for the comment about yellows being so much messier than other snakes - I don't know where you got that information. I will not come out and say it aint so...but I will say that I have not found that to be the case. Any snake can make one heck of a mess. Sure, yellows will defecate in their water if they have a big enough bowl. And spills are common, just because they can...but most of my snakes spill their water and make a mess on a regular basis. Don't buy something that you aren't interested in...routine care becomes too much of a chore and frequently gets neglected that way. I commend you for doing your research and thinking longterm...when all is said and done, if you still want a yellow anaconda and are prepared to deal with it - get one. If you still have doubts - wait. If you find something else that intrigues you - research that, then decide