Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So my husband and I are considering one of the two for a family pet, and keep holding off buying one to make sure we do all the research wee can. We have several larger boas, biggest being a little over 8 foot, but was just curious as to what everyones exsperience with them and suggestions or inputs! thanks so much!

Madeline

I keep both and I would say a burm would be the good choice to get you ready for a retic imo my burms are alot calmer and less flighty when out of cage but retics are also awesome to keep it really comes down to personal pref for me hope i helped at all

I have kept both and have an affection for the burms, I find them more laid back. But its really your choice.
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Michelle
www.AssortedSerpents.com
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Like "awesome" and "Michelle" said, definitely a "personal" preference.

I've kept them both over the years, have both species now. Two different personalities, both awesome snakes commanding respect. The best advice I can offer you is to keep on taking your time in choosing and go to reptile expos, local herp clubs, and even pet stores and spend time handling & observing each speices.

As already mentioned, retics are a bit more active, faster moving, than the more laid-back burms. As far as temperament goes - I've found that for the most part - you'll get out of it what you put into it (handling/conditioning). Whether retic or burm.

Best wishes!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com

I think the snake that connects with you will receive the best attention, large pythons require a lot feeding and cleaning in comparison to the smaller boas. Make sure you are ready for this. I've always liked my retics and I have had a few burms too. I don't think you would go wrong with either as long as you know what you are getting into. Go see a few examples of each and let the snake choose you.

thanks ya'll, we went to a show yesterday and they had retics and burms there and we handled all of them several times.. came home with this guy
'10 Lavender Albino
so far so good, hes pretty calm right now but he isnt used to his new home yet. right now you can reach right in and pick him up. hopefully we can keep it that way, thanks for all the input everyone! if i have any trouble i know where to go for helpful answers!

one bit of advice with the "we can reach right in and pick him up" comment. Start now hook training him. Before you reach in and pick him up use a hook to stroke his back and move him around a little. This will get him used to "it's not feeding time, it's handling/cleaning time". This is one of the most important thing that is different than keeping the medium sized boas. A reaction bite from a 16ft retic is BAD!!!!!! I've always loved my retics and will hopefully add me another one back into my collection in Daytona this year.
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Josh & Krysty Hutto

Various Ball Pythons, boas, dogs, cats, fish, a couple sulcatas and a few other odds and ends.

a BAD dog is MADE not bred, support the American Pit Bull Terrier as the greatest breed of dogs on Earth!!!!!