Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking to get a big python of some sort, and i've basically narrowed down my search to either a blood or a burmese. (previously, i've stuck with colubrids, and a children's python) i'm aware that most people here are probably partial to bloods, but i was wondering if anyone has/had kept a burmese also, and could give me a side-by-side comparison of the two. i like the look of bloods, and i also like that they don't get as long, but all the adults i've seen at local shows have looked pretty crappy, so i'm inclined to think they may be somewhat dificult to care for. which do you think would be best for a first "big" snake? i've also been thinking about anacondas... any oppinions on those?

thanks-
-kyle
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Edited on December 20, 2003 at 19:52:35 by phwyvern.

I keep both and have for some time. I also deal with the legalities and logistics of snake keeping with many agencies and private owners. Large constrictors are becoming more and more difficult to own due to increasing legal restrictions. The burmese are also a logistics issue related to care/maintenance/vetenary care/feeding that does not come up with bloods. How do you clean a cage for a 150lb snake by yourself? How do you transport it to the vet? etc. Any short-tailed python can provide you the feel of a large constrictor without the length and incredible weight. I would recommend the blood before burm from that perspective. If you have the resource and assistance to work with a burm then that is fine. However most states and local towns restrict snakes over 6 or 8ft which again makes bloods a better choice.

>>I keep both and have for some time. I also deal with the legalities and logistics of snake keeping with many agencies and private owners. Large constrictors are becoming more and more difficult to own due to increasing legal restrictions. The burmese are also a logistics issue related to care/maintenance/vetenary care/feeding that does not come up with bloods. How do you clean a cage for a 150lb snake by yourself? How do you transport it to the vet? etc. Any short-tailed python can provide you the feel of a large constrictor without the length and incredible weight. I would recommend the blood before burm from that perspective. If you have the resource and assistance to work with a burm then that is fine. However most states and local towns restrict snakes over 6 or 8ft which again makes bloods a better choice.
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It isn't "Ideas" that fail or succeed,... it is the "Sytstems" which are instilled to launch and sustain the idea that either fail or succeed.>[Me.]

np

get a boa. blood pythons are a pretty tricky snake to keep. especially for a person without any experience with boids. Burmese are great snakes, but they need huge amounts of room and food. (not to mention that at 12' or more they can actually kill you) Boa constrictors are awesome snakes, especially for a beginners. they are great looking, easy to care for and can grow to 8' with ease.(many reach 10' ) My bloods are my favorite among my collection,but no doubt about it, blood pythons are NOT suitable beginner snakes, burmese are just too big but boas are incredible pet snakes! good luck with everything