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A local reptile rescue organization has an 8' albino for adoption. I'm not yet sure if it's male or female or it's exact age. He apparently has several scars from unattended live feed. I have some experience with Ball Pythons and have been studding info sheets and this forum to get an idea of what’s required to care for it. I was hoping to get a feel for how difficult it is to adapt this obviously mistreated snake to a better environment. I will need to switch him to P/K how difficult is this, also we tend to handle our BP often can a snake of this size and background learn to tolerate handling or is his disposition already set by this time? Any info or help on an undertaking like this will be greatly appreciated!

If this would be your first burm I would pass if I were you. I hate to say that, but at 8' it's realy up to the snake if it wants to be "good" or "bad". If you have not dealt with a "bad" burm in person, you have no idea what they can do.

Now If you get it, Most burms will take to P/K right off the bat. I've only had one that has given me trouble. As far as handling I've never started to handle one at 8', I guess it would kinda be like a w/c at that point. If it was never handled you could be in for a ride.

I realy don't think a rescue is good for a first burm.

If you don't mind, why do you want to adopt it?

Have a good day!

Don't mind at all. Our family has really enjoyed our experience with our BP wich we got as a young snake. The more we get into it the more we have learned. I have been fascinated with the big boids and have considered adding one to the group. Even before we kept any snakes I was impressed by the beauty of the albino burms so lately have been gathering info on what it would take to care for one. As far as specifically a rescue, basically the same reason someone would rescue a dog from the shelter, you feel it's a chance to give the animal a better life then it had at the same time providing you with an animal you want!

Now, with that said, you bring up good points. And that’s why I posted here in the first place. This burm would be a pet; we have no desire to breed or anything other then to care for it and interact with it as we learn more and more about our new addition. If it turns out it could be more of a problem then its worth, we will go back to our original thinking and start with a young burm just as we did with the ball. Thanks for your input.

how is its disposition? You never mentioned it in your post.

I really don't know at this point we are just starting the process and wondering if it is even worth pursuing it any further. I have not actually seen the snake just gotten a written description of its current state.

I have always thought it was better to start with a baby. That way you can both grow together.

I would go and look it over, and see what it's temperment is like. It could be a very calm burm, most are. It could be a pain, some are. It is definitely worth it to look into.

I think the best thing to do would be check it out. Then make up your mind.

On a side note, You seem to be doing this the right way. Your asking ?? BEFORE your getting it, I wish more people would. what ever burm you do get, I'm sure your going to enjoy it, they are great snakes!!

Anymore ??? just ask.

Have a good day!

Thank You, I appreciate that. I'm sure I will ask before and after getting whatever we end up with. Collective experience is a great resource.

My next question concerns the cage. I was planning on building one large enough for an adult (found great plans here in the forum) would this be too much for a younger burm to grow up in if I were to go in that direction or would I need to gradually increase cage size as it grows?

Baby burms are too small to go into a cage large enough for an adult. I would give it till atleast 3-4 feet before moving it into a cage that size. If you still decide to do it, make sure that you put ALOT of hiding places within the cage. A cage that big will ultimately stress the animal out.

Hope this helps

chris

Here's a link to Rob Carmichael's answer to my very similar question on caging.
forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=712955,713092
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0.1 chickens (Condor)
0.2 dog mutts (half ownership, only mine when they misbehave, Lucy & Amy)
0.1 Halflinger horse (Crissy)
0.1 Normal phase California Kingsnake (Sophia)
1.1 parents
Still searching for 1.0 WC human

Thanks for the help. It sounds like the smaller encloser to start with might be easier in the long run.

If you are dealing with a good rescue group they will probably allow you to go over there and interact with the Burm so that you can see its disposition and if it is something that you are interested in. The rescue group will want to work with you for the good of you and the snake. The rescue group should also be able to give you an idea as to the type of snake it is( calm, nippy, etc.) If the snake is 8 feet you want to make sure you always have someone with you when you handle and work with the snake, that way it is safe for you and the snake. Wanting to rescue is awesome but you want to make sure that it is right for you, your family and the snake, because you don't want to take it and not be able to handle the undetaking and have to give it back. Keep us informed as to your decision and we will help whenever we can.

Scott

We are still talking over the options here at home. I'll let you know how things progress. Thanks for all the input.