Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Robyn, this question is for you. I see that you are attempting to breed the Boelen's Python and I hope that you are able to do it. My question is it's maximum size. Most of the literature says that these snakes get anywhere from 6 to 8 feet in total length. On your website it says you have a female that is 13 ft. long and I have read up to 15 ft. This is a far cry from the 6 to 8 ft. thing. What do know about size from what you have seen, heard, or read? Thanks, Wayne. Oh, and are you able to post pictures of your big female?

n/p

Sorry, but that is why I'm only asking Robin this one question. I know he is on this forum regularly as opposed to other forums. Also, keep in mind that Pro Exotics sponsors this forum and like Robyn, I like other reptiles besides just monitor lizards. Thanks.

I agree with you. Personally, I think an interest in many kinds of reptiles is not only healthy, but more, benefitual.

Also, I think 90% of reptile husbandry goes across the board, with only very minor differences between the types and even less differences between the species. Cheers

20ft is close to maximum. Cheers

Thanks Frank. Holy smokes that is Burmese size!! Next time I see a very large Burmese I'll try to envision the Boelen's in it's place.

I had a female that was over 10ft and she was one impressive animal! I had another animal that went to Brian Sharp that was big as well. Big Jim

I appreciate virtually all animals and plants - whether they be mammal, bird, reptile, etc. Although I must admit that I haven't yet learned to appreciate parasitic worms. As far as keeping reptiles go, I think that monitor lizards are quite demanding animals that are best kept by people who are 100% ready to keep them, although once a person is then it is very rewarding. The only reptiles that I've kept that I think are harder are the Asian softshell turtles. Our native Florida and Spiny softies can do almost fine in cow manure while the young Chitras, Pelochelys, and Amydas have VERY strict water requirements that even experienced turtle keepers are not always able to achieve. I think I am pretty happy with what I have now.

all of our adults are 10 ft plus, perhaps nearing 15 ft on some.

they aren't like burms, they are more like big scrubs, 4-5 inches in diameter, but they just go on and on, and on...

we haven't cracked any secret breeding code though, they continue to be elusive.

however, i think the key to breeding them, much like with monitors, is a wide temp gradient.

in the wild, they are at very high elevations, and see a big temperature swing from day to night. we have worked with that aspect, offering caging that varies from 55F to 120F and we have seen them use all of it. lots of courting and cops, but no eggs.

our animals are young, adults raised from captive hatched babies, so we still have plenty of time, and i am sure part of the problem is that they are not the primary focus of the snake collection, so they don't get all the mental energy and attention that they need.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Thanks Robyn. I completely understand the on and on and on thing as I own a very docile Scrub Python. Indeed I can now envision a 20 ft. Boelen's. Good luck with these snakes and all of your other projects.