Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i posted a few days back about possibly getting a burm a daytona. the care appears to be the same for the most part as my larger boas. my next and final question for now is whats the average size for a well fed male and female. i know some, male or female, will just get big because of genes but i would probably want something that would top out at about 15 feet maybe a little less. i know that burms grow quickly, i've heard over 6 feet in one year. space is not a factor as well as food, just over all size. don't get me wrong i know the burms will get big i just don't want a 20 foot snake at this time. i heard that male top out at generally 13 feet or so. thanks for the previous replies and thanks for your time again.

From what I have read males are generally smaller than females. You never really know what the snake could turn out to be. Your best bet is to see the parents and approximate from there.

If size is an issue- at all- Burms are not for you. I've been keeping/rescuing Burms for nearly 30 years now, and you just never know how large they'll get. I've seen males over 15', many times...in fact, I've never seen a "full grown" 8' male, which is supposedly the lower limit of their size range. I have a 3 month old snake now that is nearly 4 ft, and I feed him once a week or less.
Take a look at Diamonds, if you haven't already. I love them, and in fact may begin breeding them next year. Beautiful, and even tempered when handled often.
http://www.pythonpete.com/diamond/diamond.htm

Good luck!

James

size is really not an issue to me. i have the space and the resources to care and house a large snake. i currently have many boas and corns. i'm sorry if my question came off wrong. i do want a large snake but would prefer something around 15 feet not 25 feet. i do understand that a lot a burms are bought on impluse but my desire is not an impulse. there are several pig farms in my area and also i know a rabbit breeder. i also breed my own rats. so food is not a question. thanks for your responce.

Sorry if you're getting responses that aren't very helpful- in my case I've seen so many, as you say, "impulse bought" burms, that often I try to discourage folks without realizing it.
It sounds like you've thought it out, though. Food sources once they reach 12' or so can be tricky...I feed pigs, and you mention a supply available to you.
I'd recommend getting a room set up for him, with a shift cage if possible. If you're unfamiliar, this is a smaller room adjacent to the main enclosure that can be closed off with a door. I feed giants in the shift cage, this way they don't respond to the main walk-through door as a potential food source, and if you end up with a...moody...snake, you can encourage him to enter the shift cage with a meal while you clean or de-mite or whatever, in the main enclosure. Typically this is more useful with rescued retics than burms, but it can be handy anyway.
I wish I could tell you that a male Burm won't exceed your stated limits, but...you just never know. I don't believe I've ever seen a male over about 18 feet, and he was unusual, but as soon as I tell you that, I practically guarante that the male you get will grow to a world-record size and eat your Volkswagon. (spouting "Fahrfegnugen my ass", no doubt)
I can tell you that Burms are my favorites, and many folks who obtain one quickly become fans and obtain more...so be warned, lol..you may have to add on to the house.

Best of luck,

James