Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How do you know when a retic is overfed or underfed? Thanks =)

It's easy to overfeed a retic (or almost any giant python or boa for that matter) simply because they almost will never refuse food (to a point of course). Needless to say, this is unhealthy for the snake. As far as being underfed, you'll know it because he will be quite aggressive and will appear to be in feed mode even when you take him out to handle him.
My question to you Kid (without sounding too condescending) is do you know what you're getting in to? Have you had other giant snakes before you got your retic? I hope you're prepared to care for your snake when he starts to gain some size.

I totally agree w/ other reply. It seems that alot of large Boids are overfed. Retics tend to have a fairly quick metabolism compared to Burms but still need to be watched. I had good luck averaging 1 meal every 2 weeks the first couple of years and now feed my adult (born in 2000) about 15 times per year.

I'd like to touch on the reply above about if the kid knows what he's getting into. I may have differen't opinions that most. From what I have seen from the multiple inquiry posts is that retic_kid (even the name) shows a strong interest. Only time will tell if it stays or not. It's quite easy for one to get bored with an animal. You come into it thinking "yeah, i got a snake that's going to get 25 ft and im gonna be popular and talked about" when in reality most don't attain great lengths for a decade or so. I see his posts asking very basic questions of which the answers should be common knowledge to someone before they aquire such an animal but he's on the right track. I'd just like to say to retic_kid that you should take your time and do things right. Once your retic(s) gain size it's not exactly cheap to feed them when they're gaining a lot of weight and length until they start to slow down. Then toss them a couple rabits every month or so. one thing you need to keep in the back of your mind is safty for you and the snake. When the animal reaches 12' it's time to start using plexiglass shields or clear boxes over their heads. Also it's definatly a good idea to have someone else who has experience with large snakes with you when you're cleaning and feeding in case your retic decides you'll make a nice meal. All in all, I think he can do it just fine. In the mean time you should troll the forums and learn everything you possibly can. Cheers!

Thanks for the info ill think of it maybe i can forfeit it for a while and go back to balls and boas...=)

I dont really overfeed my retics (at least i dont think i do)Hes not agressive (really puppydog tame!) And i dont think im that much of a kid anymore im like 15 already and ive had balls and a red tail a few years ago....=)