Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i know people who have a ball and then gotten a burm

Hello,

Why dont you take a look at the post below, theres a link talking about the dwarf burms. If you can get your hand on those start off with something smaller such as a red tailed boa.

Depends, I actually got a boa first, had that for a couple months then got a burm and then a couple months later got a ball. Its up to you. If you think you can handle one then go for it. Just read up and ask questions. If you have the room, and dont mind a large snake then I dont see why not. They are a lot more aggressive then balls, when I say that I dont mean nessacary snapping but there feeding response is stronger. And mine seems to be regular very regular, pees three times a week and poops bigger than my rott once a week. I usually have to clean her before I go to work three times a week, no biggie. But to be honest its my favorite of the three. Shes big and just kind of moves around. You must be very carful when feeding or taking them out. I did not use a snake stick until recent. She was about 8ft when I started using one. And thats because I got nailed reaching in there for the water bowl. But I love her. Just a few things that I notice that are different.

I think a dwarf of some sort would be perfect for you. Dwaft retics are beautifull snakes that only reach about 10 feet if I'm not mistaking. Even a red tailed boa would be perfect also. Raising a burm or retic is comparable to rasing a child IMHO. Its a lot of work and money.

Do a lot fo reading BBall fan.
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1.0 Ball Python
1.0 Burmese Python

That's no lie about that stick! I've read that some people think you shouldn't own a snake if you have to use a stick. Those are the same people digging ditches with a spoon.

I fed my burm in the tub last week, then filled it to wash away the blood etc (Fresh PK). I had my head resting on the tub and all of a sudden he came up near my face. I was afraid to move cause I didn't want to attract attention when he was keyed up. He flicked my jaw line about 20 times before losing interest. Once he moved away I realized I wasn't breathing and my heart was pounding. It was great!

DZ

This just highlights the fact that feeding any large boid outside of its enclosure is an accident waiting to happen. We have had this debate so often on here that I am amazed that people still insist on feeding outside of the enclosure.
If you continuoulsy handle your snake that they will not become conditioned to feeding whenever the door is opened. This will only happen if you never interact with your snake and just open the door to throw a prey item in.
When you feed outside of the enclosure then you are putting yourself in danger that is unnecassary. Most snakes remain in feeding mode long after they have ingested their first prey item. They are thinking "hey I found one rabbit maybe there is more." When you then present yourself for whatever reason(to check on the snake, or to relocate it back into its enclosure) then you are giving the snake the opportunity to misconstrue you for a prey item. If you are dealing with a snake that is over 10' then you have a serious situation on your hands.
The last reason I strongly recommend feeding in the enclosure is the fact that when you feed out of the enclosure then you are putting your snake through unnecassary stress by having to handle the snake again after it has eaten to relocate it back to its enclosure. I am nat saying that it will happen but this stress can lead to regurgitation.
In closing I feel that feeding outside of the enclosure is like playing russian roulette. You might do it for years with absolutley no problem but eventually it is going to comee back and bit you in the a$$(literally). Todd

Dude! You're the first person to tell me to feed in the enclosure and coming from you, that carries some weight. Maybe it's the metal plate in my head but I prefer feeding out of the cage. I am careful about handling him after to ensure I do not touch the area where the food is and it's a rush for me trying not to get bit. I didn't realize that until this last episode I mentioned but it was a rush. I know if I get bit during this it would be my fault and I do not purposefully put myself in that predicament. I enjoy the challenge of getting out of a tough spot. I just read something else and I think I'm going top switch from Aspen to sheets. Sounds easier. Love to chat more but I have 2 parties to plan for this weekend.

DZ