Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all-

Well, I have kept several Retics in the past, and have entertained the idea of getting another one. I have maintained a few juvis, and one 12' snake for a short period of time. Various situations caused me to need to find other homes for them. If I do get another one, I want to make sure to keep it, so I need a few things put into perspective. This will help me decide if a Retic is right for me at this time. Firstly, I have heard of many people keeping adult Retics in 6' cages. While I know alot of you believe this to be inhumane, I am of the thought that as as long as the snake is removed fairly often for excercise, this is not as big of a concern. Please don't flame me if you disagree, I am just trying to get opinions. I would be fine with an 8' cage as swll, but the 6' one is more practical. Secondly, and realistically, how much food does a large adult need? Say, a 20' snake? How often, how much weight in rabbits? For those with snakes that large, what would you say is your average monthly food bill per snake? Lastly, I live alone, but am at a point in my life where I may move several more times for graduate school, etc. How does one move a 20' snake across country, or some large distance? This is by far my largest concern. Any input on these questions would be awesome! I just want to really think this through, for the snake's sake and my own. As far as care, I am well versed in that, it's just these questions that I am trying to figure out. Finally, I may need to find some local herp society people to assist me with a large specimen, as I am EXTREMELY strict on the "several persons present while handling large snakes" rule. Unofortunately, none of my friends share my enthusiasm for snakes, and tolerate them at best. Again, I am torn between my love of this species, and the practicallity of owning a Retic in my situation. Sorry for the long winded post.

thanks,
Brian

If you get a male you will not have to worry about the size potentials as much as with a female. Also there are smaller locales and dwarf species to choose from now being Captive Bred. A 20ft retic still requires alot of food and a determination to grow it that size, they just dont occur. 15-16 is more the avg. size, 3- 8lb rabbits will feed a larger avg adult every 2/3wks keeping it healthy and content but not contributing heavily to further growth. Males are quite healthy at 11/12 ft, and less expensive to feed as such. The female pictured eats 40 lb pigs every 3 wks when available. Auction market price here can range $25- $50 dollars seasonally dependent.

I figure a square foot for every foot of snake over 10 ft. The reason I use ten foot as a base is that the weight gain (ie.. girth) does not dicatate cage requirments as heavily until this size. At 10 ft you are able to begin planning ahead with caging cost and size. Typically a 6 x 3 cage (18sq.ft.)will hold most average specimens adequately.

As far as relocation this can be a tricky area.. First you dont know where you may go, so you have to figure possible legal restrictions on size or species. Second moving the snake long distances can be a hassle if the weather is not ideal (usually its to cold or to hot)Seldom if never could it be left in its cage and placed in a Uhaul and transported cross country without health risk. Im sure someone has done this successfully, but I dont know who. I would be hesitant, to many temp variables.

Large bags, big rubbermaid trunks and ability to transport in a controlled environment (60-75 deg) must be planned. As well as figuring how long in transit, will the moving truck with the cage take 2 days longer than you in the car driving seperate with the snake. Granted one snake is easier then several. I moved my whole collection this year(6 adult pair + numerous other species) Im glad my first move was only 2 hrs away, as it served to prep me for a cross country move in planning. I think as such I have figured out the safest, cost effective method for my situation, but you will need to consider how often you may need to relocate.

Lastly you do live alone, as for that you are on your own. I wouldnt just allow anyone to act as a spotter, there is just to much involved and the health of the snake (and you) is at risk with the inexperienced. YOu will definately need to plan on this if you are wanting anything to attain size.
Hope this helped
Notah

Notah-

Thanks for all the good info! I have always prefered males for the size reasons. Also, I have maintained several of the dwarf species (Kayuadi), but to me there is nothing like a regular retic, in terms of beauty and awesomeness. Someting is lost in the dwarves that only mainlanders have, IMO. Good to hear your input on the cages size as well. As far as the moving goes, I do not move frequently, if that is how it came across. All that was meant by that statement, is that at some point, I will need to move somewhere else, and would like to bring the snake with me. I am well aware of the laws that some states have, and since reptiles are such a part of my life, I would proabably choose a place that did not have such restrictions. As far as living alone is concerned, again, once the snake reaches a larger size, I will not under any circumstances handle it alone. I mentioned the living alone aspect so that people would not ask me if whomever I live with minds me having such a snake. I do know quite a few experienced herp people here to help me, but it was more of a concern of finding these people wherever I ended up. That is why I mentioned local herp clubs. As said before, I have kept several retics, and have worked with other large species of snakes (anacondas, amethystines, etc). Just not at the sizes that some of these species attain. That's not to say I am inexperienced. I have kept reptiles extensively for 14 years. I am just guaging the practicallity of this decision. Your insight put me more at ease in that I know I could properly maintain this snake, but it also made me think more on planning ahead. I do appreciate your help. I will need to do some more research on who has sucessfully transported a larger retic.

thanks again,
Brian

BTW, did you mean 4lb pigs, or 40lb pigs? Those are huge!! Also, I assume you meant to feed rabbits ranging from 3-8lbs every 2 or 3weeks, not 3 8lb rabbits at a sitting, right? Please explain.

Brian

40 lbs is correct, as well as 2 or 3 individual 6lb-8lbs feeders for a large retic every few weeks is a good maintainence feeding pgrm (Indv.amounts can vary hence 2-3 ;and amendment of 6lb-8lb). One could also use smaller items on a more frequent basis, that would equal desired amounts within the smae time frame of 20-25 days. Again what I am describing is for an avg (15/16ft) adult retic.

I am feeding MY breeder females which will be bred and benefit from additional weight and size for gestation of eggs. If you are not breeding you wouldnt need to feed like this nor such large items. I get pigs cheaper then rabbits, not every one is as fortunate. I utilize quite a few pig farmers, not the auction.

I feed my male breeders 2- 4lbs rabbit every 2 wks, but they just have to climb in and work their ways with the female for a few weeks a year. Except the male Sulawesi he gets a smaller pig(20lbs) or more rabbits, but he is larger than my other males. Sulawesi is the largest locale retic, so naturally size figures in a bit more. My female Sulawesi gets larger pigs then the other female breeders.

As always indidividuals will vary slightly in neccessities and behavior. What Im describing is, I would contend as typical amounts to maintain adult health without considerable additional growth. At the same time preventing nutritional deficiencies.

Notah

the YH pic in prev. post is in an 8ft x 3ft cage

As far as the transporting goes, I moved from Chicago to Texas, via a U-Haul, w/ myself, my girl, 4 beardies, my dog and my Retic all in the front cab of a 10'er.

The temps did vary depending upon the state, but everything went perfect. I just put Ajah in a sack, placed her on the cab floor, safely and securely, and checked on her frequently. If it got cold, we turned the heat up, hot, rolded the windows down.

It's very possible to transport your herps on long trips. MAke sure their fed and hydrated and your set. But that all also depends on the drive time. We drove for 17 1/2 hours, straight through. Worked for us. Good luck!

You would never have a snake fed before a move like that. I would have had the snake empty for weeks before that.

it sounds like from what you describe, both you and the animal would face hardships from that situation. It frankly sounds pretty impractical.

Regarding transport, I've seen people use rubbermaids with holes poked in the sides or top. So long as temperatures stay moderate, it could probably suffice for a days drive. Rubbermaids do come big.

I think for a 20 foot snake, a 6 foot cage would hardly let the critter move from one side to the other to thermoregulate. And it would certainly not allow enough room for two retic sized hide boxes. I've heard the rule that the cage should be 3/4 as long as the snake. I can see how this would be difficult to impossible with a snake over 10 ft, but 8 feet seems far preferable.

I don't know how you feel about other species, but if you admire another semi-large snake such as blue beauties, indigos, carpets, white lipped, etc, something that stays under 10 feet but is still an active and responsive beautiful critter may be preferable. The six foot cage would be adequate for such an animal, and you could handle him/her alone.

My vote is to hold off on getting a retic for a few years until your situation is extremely stable, and you have really easy access to some reliable and snake loving friends.

Either way, good luck.
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0.2 chickens
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave)
0.1 Halflinger horse
0.0 Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (coming soon)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

Hi-

Thanks for the input! Actually, I have kept many of the species you mentioned. At the moment, I have no snakes, and only plan on getting one soon. Having kept several retics, I thought I would get another one, and allow myself to be fully dedicated to it's care. This would be far easier for me than having a large collection that included a retic. Expenses, time, etc. would get the better of me with too many snakes. I appreciate your views, and will consider all the opinions I get towards my decision. I do agree that stability makes it much easier, but that being said, some people I have known are very sucessfull with this species, and are never in real stable situations. I think it comes down to you level of dedication, you experience, both of which I have. Either way, they are magnificent snakes with uncanny intelligence, and I will add another one to my collection sooner or later!

Brian

It sounds like you have the passion for the animal and are practical but you should probably keep up with the forums and keep reading. I see you as a person who is capable of picking up knowledge and making a decision without it spelled out for you. I deffinitely can admire you for thinking things through and getting second opinions as well. However, I would have to say you should hold off for a few reasons. One, when you are ready to make the decision, you will be able to answer all your own personal questions about your individual situation yourself. Two, you seem to know how to care for the animal and I think you are wanting someone to say it is ok to house an animal over 15 ft in a 6 ft enclosure when you know it is not acceptable. It is the fact you would possibly allow yourself to take poor advice and blindly follow against your gut instinct that might just be your extreme love for the animal and anxiety that would ultimitely comprimise the well being of the animal. My suggestion is to sit back and wait until you have a good clear head and can really decide to yourself (truthfully) whether you are ready for this snake at this point in your life. Good luck
: )

Hi-

Thank you so much for the input! You hade some really great points, and I think you are right. Maybe some part of me wants to wait on a retic, but my obsession with them makes me hope someone will tell me "it's OK." You all made valid points, and of the highest concern is finding help with the animal. I would deffinately not be comfortable with have a friend over to help who is not REALLY experienced with larger snakes. If things got out of control, I want the piece of mind to have someone there who can help me out of the situation. I know too many people who have a friend over who knows nothing about reptiles, and does not even inform them of the potentially dangerous situation a large python can get you into. So, maybe you all are right. I think I will hold out, and wait until I am in a stable living situation, and them make some friends who are a serious as me about snakes, and can help me out. Then, I can also get a larger cage without worrying about space and moving. I think I will probably splurge, and get that albino Colombian redtail boa that I have wanted for so long instead! Much more managable alone, and another of my favorites!

thanks,
Brian

np
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0.2 chickens
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave)
0.1 Halflinger horse
0.0 Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (coming soon)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

Have you thought of buying a dwarf retic

Hi-

I have owned several dwarf retics, but like I said in an earlier post, there is something truly magnificent about a normal-sized retic. I find that the dwarves are shaped different in the head, and have differences in behavior, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love the dwarves in their own way, I just don't find them to be a substitute to the "real thing."

Brian