Keeping large constrictors/other large species - decision time

[sami]

Right.

Due to space restrictions (already have a sizeable collection of reps) and lack of space for more than one in the reptile room we're converting I have to make a decision...

I have decided I would like (and am ready for) a larger species of snake, the decision re which one needs to be made soonish as the viv to house my large beastie is the next on the 'to be built' list. It's obviously going to be beneficial if I can decide exacly which one i'm going to go for in advance.

This way rather than just building a generic large viv I can cater the viv for the species it will eventually house (ie when the snake is large enough to be comfortable in it's full sized viv).

So the shortlist so far is:

Burmese python
Reticulated python
dwarf/super dwarf retic

does anyone have any other recomendations for a large species? (I don't want a conda)

Now about the retics -

I'd love a retic, but there is only ever going to be two of us to handle it and my OH is quite petite bless her so realistically only me. I know that retics can have a bit of a temper and at the length/weight they reach i'm not so sure handling/feeding/cleaing etc should be done solo hence dwarfs/super dwarfs making the shortlist also. Your thoughts on this point?

Anyone have any advice about any of the mentioned species? Any pointers, do's and don'ts, advice etc?

Any pointers from burm owners about things I should try to include in the viv (i don't mean heat/light/stat etc but rather features and dimensions etc)

Same again for retics?

Anyone kind enough to post setup pics for retics or dwarf retics (i have searched and not found any)

Can any retic keepers give me any pointers as to what retics like in their vivs/ what works well in a retic viv?

Any help and advice appreciated.

[LeeH]

don't have any experience with the above but macklotts are nice snakes and look amazing as adults or maybe carpet pythons like a coastal

[murinus]

for most 'big' snakes a simple viv is usually best as they tend to just trash anything else you might put in with them, with a dwarf retic you could make a nice viv with branches and foliage etc ?

[Eric]

Here's a link to the thread I have been working on for my new cage I just built.
http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/snake...-progress.html

I would stay away from retics at 20ft like the one I have seen recently you better have atleast 4 people. Just an amazing animal but wow you have to see one in person before the size really sinks in.

Yellow anacondas are an option I have 4 the biggiest is only 7ft won't get much over 13ft 15ft is considered huge for this species. The are semi aggressive not as bad as some retices I have delt with.

Burms are pretty good choice normally mild tempered.

Handling tips always keep a bottle of mouth wash near you if the bite and throws a few coils poor it in there mouth they will let go, I would say anything over 10ft have 2 people. I usually go 1 person for every 5 ft over 10 so 3 for 15ft then 4 or more for anthing over 18ft. Always good to have back up. just some thoughts.

[sami]

Although i'd love one I don't think a retic is the way to go yet.

Serious consideration being given to a dwarf retic though

[Eric]

Dwarf are cool but still get big just not as big as the regulars. I really know nothing about them.

I would check out the bob clark forum to find out about them there are alot of people that have them there. If I was after a retic that is where I would start.

Herp-Fan Forums

[wba6745]

hello there i keep borneo retic's,java retic's,burm's beleive it or not in my experiance a good retic is by far a better choice than a burm.i find that the burm's are very moody a bit like a stroppy teenagers with the retics as long as you treat them nice and show them respect they will be as trust worthy as you would find a large constrictor to be,i also find the size wise the burms are much the heavier snake i.e if you put my 10ft java next to my 10ft burm the burm makes the java look tiny so as for ease of handling the retic is easier,as for housing mine are kept in breeding pairs in 8ft3ft2ft viv's with a large water bowl and a hide box and that is it any more would be completly pointless espeicaly with the burms it would be destroyed in second's please if you want to chat more about it pm me and i'll send you my number and some pictures if you need them

[poshweiller]

i have common boas and the famales can grow to 12 feet and very chunky,the males a little smaller,these tend to be quite docile placid snakes,just a thought??

[sami]

Originally Posted by poshweiller

i have common boas and the famales can grow to 12 feet and very chunky,the males a little smaller,these tend to be quite docile placid snakes,just a thought??

I knew this was coming.The OH does not count BCC's as one of the snakes I have to pick one of!!

So there will be a common boa in the colection as well at some point, already have viv space set aside!

[Beardies]

i say burmese python