Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Love the look of the Burmese python. But do they make good, tame pets? I have a Ball Python and a Dumeril Boa, would love a Burmese, but want to do my 'homework' first, so anyone who owns a Burmese, please let me know what your experience in owning one is like. Thanks.

Well, I don't necessarily know if i'd recommend one to just ANYONE. Yes, they are very tame and docile, but like all animals temperments vary. But, these animals are true giants and are a lot of work and a long term commitment. It all depends on the responsibility and commitment, as well as experience as to whether they would be a good pet. They're not for just anyone. Just know what you're getting into. Sorry, i don't mean to be preachy but i'm just giving the facts. If you feel you're ready and can provide, it would be a great pet and is truly a rewarding experience. Good luck and i respect your want for knowledge about the animal before you just go buy one.

I love burmese pythons - they are usually gentle.

BUT (and I have a big one)

VERY FEW PEOPLE HAVE THE ADEQUATE FACILITIES TO CARE FOR A GIANT SNAKE!!!!

Try reading here: http://www.anapsid.org/burm.html

And of course, e-mail me for more info as to why I don't think they make great pets..
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Bonnie Keller
VA Reptile Rescue
www.vareptilerescue.org

I personally would not recommend a burm. I've been bitten by a 4 meter(that's about 12 feet?)burm in my arm. It took 20 minutes before she let go and i could go to the hospital.
A snake is never tame. Docile maybe. But it can't be trusted! It remains a wild animal and snakes don't get tame. They can become easy. The will also feed on big prey. Are you capable of killing a big rabbit if you have to?
They are beautiful and i love keeping them. I just wouldn't want you to underestimate them...
Good luck on your decision.

I think it has more to do with YOU and YOUR capabilities than what the snake is like. If you are afraid of being bitten or are apprehensive about handling a very large snake, then no, it probably is not the snake for you. But if you realize that an ocassional bite goes with the territory and expect it and can cope with it when it comes without panicing, then maybe. And I am not talking about aggressive territorial bites either. Those almost never happen when dealing with a docile burmese. But feeding accidents resulting in a bite can and do happen frequently. I have been bitten and wrapped scores of times and don't think much of it. The last time was just a few nights ago I got it in the right forearm by a 10 foot albino retic male. It was during feeding, just as 99% of my bites are. I choose to hand feed so I place myself in the danger zone, so this is avoidable and entirely my fault. But my wife simply unwrapped him gently from his tail up and by the time she reached his halfway point he realised he had something other than his rabbit and he released me. I placed him back in his cage and offered him his rabbit again. He took it without hessitation. The whole thing was no big traumatic ordeal for either of us. The important thing is to never panic. I don't take the same chances once the pythons are over 11 or 12 feet, but an ocassional accident happens with the big ones too (about once every couple years). I have never had to go to any hospital. I never even put anything on it (neosporin/peroxide, etc) unless it is rips or gashes and they always heal up just fine.
I think BoaBoi had a lot of valid points about long term commitment and I think it is more important that the snakes recieve optimal care than whether or not we as the keeper get bitten. But I think if one already has experience with reptiles and gets a baby burmese that they can get to know their python and "grow" with it and by the time it is large you have the working skills to handle any situation. But like BoaBo said, it's a long term commitment. Expect the burm to live 25 plus years. I don't think space is an issue. I think most people above the lowest poverty line can afford to sacrifice 8x4 floor space.
I really don't think that "size" is really the most important factor. I have scores of gentle giants but the snake I respect the most is a vicious little yellow malaysian male blood that does everything in his power to do me the most harm he can. He's the only aggressive snake I have and I give him a wide berth. He's amazing in his attempts to shred me, I must say. I have tried all of my taming methods with him but nothing has been effective, so now I just leave him alone as much as is possible to keep his stress down.
The bottom line,... I think it requires more responsibility to operate a motor vehicle than it does to keep and raise a burmese. But if you "fear" it,... you have no business having it. Fear is your worst enemy in a bad situation with a large python, (or anything for that matter). Because quite frankly you just plain don't know what to do, and fear makes one make HUGE mistakes. And that is no way to be when being constricted or under attack.
Other than that,. enjoy your burmese if you get it.

>>I personally would not recommend a burm. I've been bitten by a 4 meter(that's about 12 feet?)burm in my arm. It took 20 minutes before she let go and i could go to the hospital.
>>A snake is never tame. Docile maybe. But it can't be trusted! It remains a wild animal and snakes don't get tame. They can become easy. The will also feed on big prey. Are you capable of killing a big rabbit if you have to?
>>They are beautiful and i love keeping them. I just wouldn't want you to underestimate them...
>>Good luck on your decision.
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The fastest way to achieve great wealth is by living more poorly for much longer.

>>> I really don't think that "size" is really the most important factor. I have scores of gentle giants but the snake I respect the most is a vicious little yellow malaysian male blood that does everything in his power to do me the most harm he can.

Size is really the only important factor when it comes to what can kill you. A blood python, as vicious as it is, isn't going to be able to do anything more than give you a nasty scar. Which is unpleasant, but dead is forever.

Alan, I'm sorry but don't talk to me anymore if you're not gonna take my advice. See ya at the show or at Mike's or something. Later...
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Be yourself! It doesn't matter what other people think!
~*Rachel*~

I don't know who you are, and I don't know who you think I am, but I do not know you ...maybe you know another ALAN out there somewhere, but I assure you I am not he!!!!

ah well. Don't worry about me .
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Be yourself! It doesn't matter what other people think!
~*Rachel*~

Based on the amount of rescued burms we take in at the wildlife center that I run, I would say that MOST people who keep herps are NOT qualified to keep a burmese pyhthon on a long term basis. Most people are not willing to make the LONG term commitment in owning a giant snake for 30 years. Most people don't have the experience, attention to detail when it comes to safety, knowledge, dedication, financial resources, and experience in owning a snake that could potentially end your life with one mistake. I would go so far as to say that 99% of people who are considering a burm as a pet probably should reconsider. But for that 1% of hobbyist who are qualified, burms are wonderful animals and one of my all time favorites. They are wonderfully responsive if cared for properly, are fairly easy in their care IF given the proper amount of room and appropriate environment, and are truly beautiful and magnificent animals. If you are a minor, then this is all a mute point because I don't believe that minors should own large constrictors UNLESS it is under the supervision of parents/adults who HAVE the proper experience and expertise in keeping large constrictors responsibly. Okay, lets hear the rants and flaming responses!

Rob Carmichael, Director/Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest Parks & Recreation (IL)

One point I try to make to folks considering large boids, including burmese pythons, is this: Large boids as pets can be considered more "dangerous" than most venomous snakes as pets!!

"WHAT?!?!?!" You may cry, "NO WAY!!" But consider this:

If you're bitten by a venomous snake, you have time to react, put the snake back in its cage, call 911, get to the hospital, etc - most of the time.

If a large boid grabs you in feed response, and gets you just the right way, you *may* not make it to the phone to call 911...

(Now, before people slay me, realize that I understand the odds of either of these situations happening is minimal if you have any clue about keeping reptiles. Further, in either scenario, a second person should always be on hand to assist.)

--Bonnie Keller

PS - the snake in this picture is one of THREE albino burms I've gotten into the rescue in the last year... plus three large natural burms... And all of them came from "knowledgeable" keepers.

VA Reptile Rescue

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Bonnie Keller
VA Reptile Rescue
www.vareptilerescue.org

Thanks to you all for your replies to my inquiry. I have decided on a Ball Python -- again!!!! FYI, many pet stores in New Jersey will no longer sell or carry any of the large snakes, like Burmese Pythons, as people are abandoning them at record numbers throughout the State. So, I will settle on another Ball Python, and I thank all of you for your education and informative data. It was interesting.