Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i guess i'm lucky because my wife loves snakes as much as i do. the problem is she fell in love with the orange albino colored burmese python and now is interested in possibly us purchasing one. we have corns and a red tail but i'm not up to par with burms. i've heard males stay smaller usually 13 feet or less. if so i would want a male. i've also heard thier temperments are great. pretty much i don't know much about the burms and any comments or advise would be great. i want to learn more before i jump into a monster snake that i may not be able to handle or care for properly. i have plenty of room for a large cage and food should not be a problem.
thanks for any advise

Hi,

From my experience with burms, I have to say that a Burmese python can make a great pet - BUT! - I don't agree with anyone who says that they are easy to keep.

Their size potential alone is one thing that makes keeping them a challenge. After all, how many people have enough spare space to build a cage big enough for an adult burm? And on top of that, how many people are capable of handling an adult burm. Its almost comical to me to watch as most people fumble helplessly while trying to handle my 12' male.

Another difficult thing about them is their need for strict environmental controls. Keeping a big snake warm isn't too much of a challenge, but keeping him warm and humidified is a bit more difficult. Failing to remain diligent on keeping up with the humidity can easily translate into a respiratory infection. Its a sad fact that so many burm owners find themselves seeking help for their burm who is struggling with "RI". Of course, care also has to be taken not to keep the animal too 'wet', to prevent the risk of mold and/or scale rot. I admit, I've had to deal with my burm having a respiratory infection, and it was no fun (and I'm sure it was even less fun for him!). So now, many dollars later, I have a very good enclosure setup for him that has reliable, consistent environmental controls. I'm determined not to let him ever get sick again (so much as I can help it).

The only other thing I can think of that is, well, not so great, is that he can be a bit destructive. At one certain time of the year (right around now!) he gets some kind of behavioral change that makes him kind of rambunctious. I'm guessing that its probably what would equate to 'mating season' for him, and he seems to be 'on the prowl'. Whenever I take him out he makes his way about the house, knocking things over all the way! Well, he tries to knock things over - but I'm right there to prevent the catastrophies. Now this is a problem, because he's big, and strong, and can knock over almost anything in the house, except maybe the refrigerator (he easily tipped one of my full amplifier stacks on one of his 'outings' - good thing I was right there to catch it). I wish I could describe better this behavior of his, as it looks eerily similar to the way a cat rubs itself against your leg or a piece of furniture. Problem is, when my burm does it, it knocks things over!

Anyway, I still think he's a great pet - it's just that he's more high maintenance than people are told whenever a sleezy sales guy tries to sell one.

If you have the space, the money and resources, and the ability to care for a really big snake, then by all means I would recommend a Burmese python. I might recommend something like a retic, as they are just awesome looking snakes too, but they are even bigger, and typically require a bit more work to get/keep tame.

If you do decide to get a burm, please share some pics with us!

- Mark
.

-----
.
-------------------------------------------------------------
My personal website: www.antegy.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
My Kingsnake.com Picture Galleries

- 1.0.0 Labyrinth Burmese Python Gallery
- 0.1.0 Suriname Boa Gallery
- 0.1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake Gallery
- 1.0.0 Pueblan Milksnake Gallery
- 0.1.0 Trinket Ratsnake Gallery
-------------------------------------------------------------
My photography on photo.net
-------------------------------------------------------------
My photography on modelmayhem.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
Me on myspace.com

If your prepared and have the space then go for it. But you also need to realize that while male's do generally stay smaller than females they are quite capapable of reaching large sizes and you should be prepared for that.
And get a shovel if you dont already have one..they work great for cleaning huge piles of snake poop.

Having the husband and wife on the same page when considering a large burm is very important; it is an incredibly HUGE commitment. Raising a large boa will give you a little insight as to what's involved but realize that a large burm is 2-3 times the size of a large boa. My wildlife center takes in 30-50 burms each year from very well intentioned people who were just not ready for such a commitment. The stats speak for themselves. They are wonderful animals and I greatly enjoy the interactions I have with those that I keep but they are just not the right choice for most people. Males can get just as big as females (I have personally seen a 18' monster male). If you are looking for something big but not that big, I would recommend an Olive Python; real cool snakes with big size and personality. Black headed pythons are also real neat; but are very costly. But, if you decide to get a burm, make sure you exercise EXTREMEL caution during feeding time and here's a few helpful hints:
1) Purchase long tongs (www.tongs.com) to introduce FROZEN/THAED PREY (especially when the animals are adults)
2) ONLY FEED THE SNAKE INSIDE THE CAGE: I know some here will disagree but they are wrong; period. (Sorry, that's very opinionated but having worked with countless burms over the years, this is one of those "absolutes" of responsible burm keeping)
3) Be consistent in handling and always have at least two of you around when taking the snake out.
4) Learn how to "read" the snake; don't ever let your guard down.
5) Make sure you have suitable housing (SECURE)
6) Temperatures and humidity are CRITICAL when keeping burms: day temps should range from 80-82 deg F on cool side and a basking area that reaches 90-94 deg F. under the basking area, night temps should NOT fall below 80-82 deg F. Humidity levels should be in the 60-80% range

Good luck with your decision.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>i guess i'm lucky because my wife loves snakes as much as i do. the problem is she fell in love with the orange albino colored burmese python and now is interested in possibly us purchasing one. we have corns and a red tail but i'm not up to par with burms. i've heard males stay smaller usually 13 feet or less. if so i would want a male. i've also heard thier temperments are great. pretty much i don't know much about the burms and any comments or advise would be great. i want to learn more before i jump into a monster snake that i may not be able to handle or care for properly. i have plenty of room for a large cage and food should not be a problem.
>>thanks for any advise
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Thats some good advice...especially the feeding in the cage part. If anyone tells you different they are wrong.

-

Wow Rob, I never knew you recieved that many. Where do you find that many new homes?

Its a real problem and we are quickly running out of good networks to find good homes. At this time, we are even refusing burms unless the owner is willing to pay a $200 fee so that we can run bloodwork, fecals and help pay for the cost of feeding/keeping while finding a good home; that has drastically reduced the number of abandoned animals.

>>Wow Rob, I never knew you recieved that many. Where do you find that many new homes?
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

That's awesome, do you find much with the diagnostics?

On a tangent, what vet do you use? I mean, is he open as a regular practice or is he a zoo vet? Are their many herp vets in the Chicago/Milwaukee area? Hot herp vets? The reason I'm asking is my wife is really pressuring me to move to Wisconsin after vet school. I'm even considering finishing my schooling in the states.

Ian

Northern Illinois has a number of EXCELLENT reptile vets; if you get to teh point of moving let me know and I will give you names and numbers.

>>That's awesome, do you find much with the diagnostics?
>>
>>On a tangent, what vet do you use? I mean, is he open as a regular practice or is he a zoo vet? Are their many herp vets in the Chicago/Milwaukee area? Hot herp vets? The reason I'm asking is my wife is really pressuring me to move to Wisconsin after vet school. I'm even considering finishing my schooling in the states.
>>
>>Ian
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

>>That's awesome, do you find much with the diagnostics?
>>
>>On a tangent, what vet do you use? I mean, is he open as a regular practice or is he a zoo vet? Are their many herp vets in the Chicago/Milwaukee area? Hot herp vets? The reason I'm asking is my wife is really pressuring me to move to Wisconsin after vet school. I'm even considering finishing my schooling in the states.
>>
>>Ian

I live in WI (Milwaukee area) and the best herp vet in the area is Elmbrook Vet Clinic in Brookfield. While I do NOT think they deal with hots (Rob will be able to refer here) they have not batted an eye on my health certs for gators up here. What Kevin Ruch does NOT know, he will learn. He takes continuing courses in husbandry and will call around for advice when he hits something he is not comfortable with. I refer all my adoptees to him.

I also would like to second Robs comments on everyone being on the same page BEFORE getting the snake. Working with Rob for several years and funneling several of the burms he gets each year through my rescue (not to mention the crocodillians) please make sure the entire family is on the same page. I currently have 2 burms waiting to come into my rescue from last week and the calls never stop. With the change in regulations I can now keep them here, where as previously I was unable to, I feel that if ANYONE in the house is hesitant, look to a different snake. Blood pythons are another choice of heavy bodied snakes that do not get excessivly large, like the burms, retics and Rocks.

Joey, should you move up this way, look at joining the Chicago Herp Society. It is a great group of folks who work hard to educate the public and work on conservation. We are always looking for new victims to work with us. Wait that was supposed to be members...

-----
Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

As much as I'm going to miss Canada, I'm looking forward to the incredible herp crowd of the Milwaukee/Chicago area!

Your DVM certainly has the characteristics of a great herp vet. The first thing a good one learns is that you can't know it all!

Ian

>>As much as I'm going to miss Canada, I'm looking forward to the incredible herp crowd of the Milwaukee/Chicago area!
>>
>>Your DVM certainly has the characteristics of a great herp vet. The first thing a good one learns is that you can't know it all!
>>
>>Ian

Well Chicago is much better in that respect than Milwaukee. Milwaukee does have a fledgling Herp Society that seems to be following the same vein as chicago in its efforts to educate. Unfortunatly their meetings are on a work night. You will find that there is no shortage of normal animals down this way. A large shortage of unusual. However should you move this way, you will get to the see Robs Rattlesnake Exhibit, which while I havent seen the completed set up, is quite phenominal from what I hear. Drop an email to either rob or I when you head this way and we would be glad to hook you up.
-----
Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

"2) ONLY FEED THE SNAKE INSIDE THE CAGE: I know some here will disagree but they are wrong; period. (Sorry, that's very opinionated but having worked with countless burms over the years, this is one of those "absolutes" of responsible burm keeping)"

LOL: Coming from anyone else I would think it was just arrogence, with you, experience. I wouldn't even want to take my ball out for feeding, let alone a burm!
-----
Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Rescued Ball Python - Apep
0-1-0 Rescued Mountain Horned Dragon - Ki
0-0-1 Rescued Aggressive Bearded Dragon - Zeus
0-0-1 Rescued Non-Alpha Green Iguana - Bud
1-1-0 Rescued Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
0-0-1 Rescued Dieting Panda Hamster - Mr. Fluffy
0-1-0 Rescued Little Angelic Kitten - Isis
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids