Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Until now, all I have owned is ball pythons. I have 17 to be exact. I have always wanted a larger snake as a pet. I am thinking about buying a male hatchling albino burm. I have a 30 gallon and a 60 gallon tank. I will start him off in the 30 and move him to the 60 as he grows. Being that I want him solely as a pet, I wont over feed him to try and get him to breeding size fast. My question is how long will it be before he out grows the 60 gallon tank? Thanks for any help.
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RIP Gunner

On a proper diet, and, if kept in optimal conditions, you'll be lucky if you can keep that snake in a 60 gallon for more than 8-12 months. "Tanks" scare me as I envision cages with screen tops and bricks on each corner. Personally, I would first invest in a properly made reptile cage and then consider a burm. These are powerful animals, much moreso than a ball python and as such, require more careful attention to cage design and security. You mentioned getting male....just realize that males can reach very large sizes (one of the largest burms I have seen was a 17 foot male and the owner got it because he was told that males top out at 12 feet).

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center

>>Until now, all I have owned is ball pythons. I have 17 to be exact. I have always wanted a larger snake as a pet. I am thinking about buying a male hatchling albino burm. I have a 30 gallon and a 60 gallon tank. I will start him off in the 30 and move him to the 60 as he grows. Being that I want him solely as a pet, I wont over feed him to try and get him to breeding size fast. My question is how long will it be before he out grows the 60 gallon tank? Thanks for any help.
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>>RIP Gunner
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Thanks for the advice. I was under the same impression that males did not get as large as females.
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RIP Gunner

Males do tend to be smaller. Mr. Carmichael was not stating that they don't but just liek everything in the world there are exceptions. Even though most males tend to peak at about 12-14 it is not unheard of to see some much larger. But even at average of 12-14 that is still a lot of snake and would require special attention. Two people would need to be present when ever the cage is opened or the snake is removed. Food sources would need to be established prior to the snake reaching adult sizes and caging is a must. I completely agree with Rob that "aquarium style cages do not work sufficiently for any of the large boids. First is the screen top. Even if you tape most of it off it is still hard to regulate humidity and still allow for proper ventilation. More importantly there is no good method to secure a lid like that that a large burm could not push off or berak through. Also, glass creaks relatively easily. If the snake struck at you or something and shattered the glassit could result in serious injury to the snake. Also glass is more rigid and less giving the plastic or plexiglass. When the snake strikes at a door made of plexiglass the panel gives a little and offers a little less of an impact the snakes head and neck. Glass does not give and the entire force is absorbed by the head and neck. This too can result in serious injury. Hope this helps a little bit more. Todd

Thanks guys. I am still thinking hard to see if its a good idea to get one of these guys.
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RIP Gunner