Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When I got to the reptile swaps I see people selling there retics. Today this dude was selling one that was 4 yrs old male and probably about 8 ft kinda skinny, not sickly but not thick. But I see other ones to that are not real think and not babies and not that big. Then I come on here and see these dinasours you guys have and say thats a retic and why I dont get one. I guess my question is, are these people under feeding them or is it a shot in the dark that they are not huge, or are they just slow growers and it takes more than 4yrs to get to these huge sizes and when does there growth really slow down. I have always wanted a retic, but 20ft is to much snake, but I see alot and am like well, I could do that. I do own a burm, but I think a dwarf might be the route to go when I go with a retic, but I can not stay away from those colors of the retic.

Thanks
Jeff

So here she is around 13' of Jampea, not to bad to handle though. Sorry it took awhile the weather hasnt been real great.

I thought that those where to small. Thanks for the pics.
Thanks
Jeff

Gorgeous Shaun!!!

Now we see why you produce such gorgeous little silver babies!!!

Wow.

Amanda's 2 cents

Here's my approx., 15 foot silver. Tame as a kitten. Luckily.

It was either much younger or underfeed, at only 8'. Most retics could reach that in a year without too much work, as they are definetly one of the fastest growing snakes in the world. Its also true that males are naturaly smaller and can be kept at a more reasonable size (12-15) without stressing. I dont think however that keeping a giant at 8' for 4 years is ok and wouldnt recomend it.

You have a burm but won't keep a retic? I'm the oppo! I've kept retics but won't keep burms! In a year you can have a normal retic to 9 feet depending on feeding, temps, and genetics. If you raise them normally could still end up at 9ft in a year. Normal would be around 6-7ft imo. Your choices for under 20ft are: kayaudi's 8-9ft range as adults, Jampeas 8-14ft, SuperDwarfs (I'll just say tiny lol), and Bali Yellow Head Retics. Personally I like the bali's the best as yellow heads are my fav! You can get some beautiful color out of them as well! Bali's your looking at anywhere from 9-16ft. I've heard of 20fters but I'll keep it like that (heard of). I had a 10 1/2ft male to give you an idea of how large females can get. He was 6yrs old and WAY underfed! You could see his backbone when I got him. Later went from 15lbs to 25-30lbs ! Anyways just some info I thought I'd let ya in on!

John

I know, weird huh. But from my understanding tics get alot longer and when I talk to people they say that retics get huge, the sizes your talking about I could handle. But that 20 footer that Shaun has, thats a little to much snake. Awsome, I would love to have it, but handling it alone, no go. The yellow heads are awsome. I held one that was about 9ft and fell in love with it. Looked into it and was told they get huge as well. Then I see the normal retics and swear one day, I won't be able to help myself and I will get one. And the more I talk in this forum and ask questions the more I want one. I am all over the place though right now. Some many snakes I want and so little room right now, until I move.

I've got three (1.2) of the Bali yellowheads, I'm very happy with them. Mine have stayed pretty small for this locale. Each was an 8' (approx) adult when I got it. I've had them about 2 years, they've grown a bit, but mainly girth. They do have attitude, but aren't too bad to work with. They were the first retics I owned, I've got 4 more now, with proper planning they are a great snake!
As a sort of size gauge for this photo, remember it's two snakes, occupying a space of under 2' X 2'. Easily handled by one person.
And just look at the pattern and colors!