Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'd like some opinions on this, I'm debating whether to get a female red-tail boa or a male burm python, I want the snake to tap out in size of not more than say 6 to 10 feet. Thanks for your input

Between 6-10? Go with a red tailed boa.

A burmese will at least get to 10 feet, even a male. However, they have and can get to 15 Feet, so if you are NOT ready for a 15 feet snake, you are NOT ready for a burmese python.

Sorry if it was a little harsh but, its the truth...

Even a small adult male is going to easily surpass the 10' mark (and that, to me, is a very small male). You would be MUCH better off to get a boa constrictor and there is nothing wrong with that; these are some of the most fantastic pet snakes you can own (and in my opinion, far better pets than a burm for the average person). If you look at my post below about Big Bertha, you can see a pic of our HUGE female burm that is fed a "maintenance" diet; these snakes are wired to get big.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

Thanks guys, I used to have an african rock python, had her for about 8 years, but she died of an amoeba a couple of years back, she was 16 and a half feet. But since then I got married, had a baby, and I'm looking into taking up the hobby again, but my wife won't let me get anything like the size I had before. And the size of male burms on most of the care sheets found on the net are limited. Thanks for the input.

Most blood pythons (female) will top out at 5 to 6 feet but will be as big around as a cantaloupe. You have a big, fat, docile python that is incapable of becoming huge. I suggest getting cb (captive born[hatched]) because an imported wild blood can not only be diseased but can be downright vicious.

>>I'd like some opinions on this, I'm debating whether to get a female red-tail boa or a male burm python, I want the snake to tap out in size of not more than say 6 to 10 feet. Thanks for your input
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Believe in yourself and your abilities and you can accomplish anything.

I have heard on many accounts of breeder male burmese pythons only being 4-5 feet long. If you want your male burm to stay small, feed him smaller prey(ie. if for example, if he is able to eat rabbits, feed him medium rats). You can keep him any length you want by reducing the size of the prey. I hope I have been of some help and good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

Matt

I am sorry but I completely disagree with this philosophy. I truely believe that genetics play the largest role in determining the overall size of a snake. If you underfeed your snake to stunt its growth all you are going to end up with is a skinny burm that is always hungry and looking for its next meal. Todd