First Retic Experience

[Madness420]

Attended my first reptile show today, Repticon Raliegh, and i got a chance to hold an 11ft male Retic... tho it felt like he was holding me lol. i must say it makes me want a big snake, but not a full size retic... not yet. however i would have came home with a super dwarf retic if i had the money.

[IW17]

Wow that's a stout snake. Is that really only eleven feet? Much heavier bodied than other retic I've seen of similar length. Either way I'll bet that was a cool experience with such an awesome snake!

[dave himself]

Beautiful retic, you should go for a dwarf if you were comfortable and confident holding this male :)

[Madness420]

the guy said 10-11 feet... i would not be suprised if it turned out to be 12-13... i am 5'10" so you do the estimating. it was deffinately heavy, felt like about 100lbs... is that a good ball park estimate?

[IW17]

12-13 seems closer but it's hard to tell from pictures without seeing the whole snake. Either way it's a wonderful experience to handle such an amazing snake! I'm definitely jealous.

[reptiledude987]

Love these animals this one especially. How big do the dwarf retics get? what size enclosure do they require?

[Madness420]

i have heard 8-12 for dwarfs, 6-8 for super dwarfs...

[IW17]

Depends on the locality and how pure the bloodlines are. True super dwarf retic stay small. 4.5-5' for males and 6' for females. But jampea locality retic, which are considered a dwarf, can get up to 15-16'. Feeding plays a big part though. There is a size for everyone, just make sure you know what your buying.

[Madness420]

what questions should i be asking and what should i be looking for if i want a 9-12ft snake when its all said and done?

[IW17]

What locality, what percentage of each locality, how large the parents are. Most reputable breeders will be able to set you up with an animal that fits your needs. Just remember that feeding also plays a huge role. And no matter what, nothing is 100% certain. There's always the possibility an animal will end up larger or smaller than was thought.

[stephanbakir]

If you want the tiniest Retic possible, I'd look for a PURE Kalatoa Retic, stunning and generally under 5 feet

[Madness420]

i dont want a small retic, i want one that will max out at 9-12

[IW17]

Pure jampea male, or anything 50% SD or better should stay at or under that size.

[Sublimeballs]

You've got 3 options for pure locales that fit your size range: kalatoa, madu, kayuadi. But... Realistically in the US you've got 2 real options; a kalatoa, or a male kayuadi(females have been known to hit 14feet). Haven't found anyone producing pure madus.

A jampea male would probably fit your size range but because of jamps feeding mode i don't suggest them for first big snakes. Especially not a male jamp... they get crazy ocassionally. I have a 10 foot male jampea that's around 6 years old and a 3 year old female that's 11 feet long and still growing.

I really suggest looking into a pure kalatoa female. My female is about a year and a half and a little over 4 feet long. She's been fed well(not stuffed with rats) so we'll see how big she ends up but 7-8 for a female is the norm; and up to 10. They don't have the same over the top, kill everything feed mode as jamps; although still respectable.


High percentage SD crosses are another route to go. Size is less perdictable, but you get some cool paint jobs.

[Madness420]

i really like the tigers and purples as far as paint jobs go. goldenchilds are pretty sweet too.

[millertime89]

Is that Danny's retic? I'm pretty sure he had some on display at Repticon Raleigh.

Slimeballs is spot on. I've got a 50% kalato 25% jamp (100% SD bred to a 50% Jamp) female that's 2.5 yrs old and is about 8 ft. Insane feed response on that girl and I don't see her growing a whole lot more. I feed and feed and feed and she just doesn't grow! She's gorgeous and one of my favorite snakes.

Slimeballs, we should see a few clutches of pure Madu/Honey Island stuff this year. I know some people with breedable adults, it just depends on if they want to do the dirty with each other or not.

[SnoopySnake]

Slimeballs, we should see a few clutches of pure Madu/Honey Island stuff this year. I know some people with breedable adults, it just depends on if they want to do the dirty with each other or not.

How much do these usually cost and how big do they get? I want a retic one day but I'm looking at the smallest types I could get my hands on.

[millertime89]

How much do these usually cost and how big do they get? I want a retic one day but I'm looking at the smallest types I could get my hands on.

Madu/Honey Islands are rare and not that cheap. You can get a 50% Jampea 50% SD for 2-300 usually. Those should top out on the shorter end of the length you're looking for. I need to pull my 75% SuperJamp out to clean tonight and I'll try and get a pic for you if she'll cooperate (she's always on the move).

[SnoopySnake]

Madu/Honey Islands are rare and not that cheap. You can get a 50% Jampea 50% SD for 2-300 usually. Those should top out on the shorter end of the length you're looking for. I need to pull my 75% SuperJamp out to clean tonight and I'll try and get a pic for you if she'll cooperate (she's always on the move).

Thats not too bad of a price.. I think the largest I'd be willing to go for is 8 ft, but it wouldn't be for a while so that could always change. Would definitely love to see that pic! :)

[millertime89]

They can take a while to get that size. Mine's a female and not pure superjamp so she'll probably get a bit bigger, just slowly.

[Sublimeballs]

Adrian, a pure female kalatoa would be what I'd suggest; 7-8 feet is normal for an adult female. My female is 1.5 years now and fed very well and she's still tiny. She also doesn't try to kill anything that moves and very relaxed about being handled( I only really handle my animals at cleaning time). They're really the best beginner retic.


Kyle is it Mike chambers that has a pair of madus? I talked to 2 breeders that had some when I was searching for my male jampea; but can't remember who. Maybe tics and balls had some aswell. Hopefully they get eggs(id love to buy a pair). Anyone producing halmahera yet? I haven't been to active in the comunity recently..... Baby on the way!!!

[millertime89]

Kyle is it Mike chambers that has a pair of madus? I talked to 2 breeders that had some when I was searching for my male jampea; but can't remember who. Maybe tics and balls had some aswell. Hopefully they get eggs(id love to buy a pair). Anyone producing halmahera yet? I haven't been to active in the comunity recently..... Baby on the way!!!

He does but he's not sure if his are big enough to go this year. They probably could but I would worry about them becoming egg bound. I believe Rodney has them as well. Still nobody that I know of producing halmaheras. The person I know that had them sold them and I haven't been able to find out who to.

[SnoopySnake]

Adrian, a pure female kalatoa would be what I'd suggest; 7-8 feet is normal for an adult female. My female is 1.5 years now and fed very well and she's still tiny. She also doesn't try to kill anything that moves and very relaxed about being handled( I only really handle my animals at cleaning time). They're really the best beginner retic.

That doesn't sound too bad, hows the price range?

Baby on the way!!!
Congrats!! :) I just had mine a little under 3 months ago so I haven't been posting as much either :o

[millertime89]

300-500 for pure kalatoas is what I've been seeing lately.

[Sublimeballs]

I got my female for $500, worth every penny.

I know Aubrey Pruitt had one or a couple halmaheras but I think he lost them in the plague. I really want a halama or salayer pair.

Congrats Adrian, did you tell me you were pregnant when we were private messaging a few months back? Boy or girl or is that the 1.0 human? Hope you've got a little herper on your hands.

[SnoopySnake]

Would a male be a bit cheaper or is it not a great idea to go with a male for a first retic? lol. Yeah I believe I told you and yes that's the 1.0 human, haha. He'll be a little herper if I can help it. :)

[millertime89]

My second retic was a male SD and I got him maybe 3 months after I got my female. My brother's first retic is a male SD and they've both been amazing animals. My male SD is hands down my most docile, and easily my favorite snake. Typically getting a male retic first isn't the best, but with SDs I haven't notice a difference in their temperaments compared to the females.

[Sublimeballs]

I can second that. Although I got lucky on my female and she's the calmest Reticulated python I've ever met( I don't even have to break feed mode, this is an exception not the rule); I haven't seen or heard of SD males freaking out for a period of the year. But even if male SDs did lose their minds aswell atleast It'd only be 6 feet long and not 14.


What's the little guys name? I'm hoping for a boy so badly; afriad I'll have to kill some little boy in the future if I have a girl.

[millertime89]

I can second that. Although I got lucky on my female and she's the calmest Reticulated python I've ever met( I don't even have to break feed mode, this is an exception not the rule); I haven't seen or heard of SD males freaking out for a period of the year. But even if male SDs did lose their minds aswell atleast It'd only be 6 feet long and not 14.

That's exactly like my male and my second female is calming down and is starting to develop that same super calm demeanor. My first female is 75% SD and has always had a feed response and I doubt she'll ever break that habit at this point. Same with my 75% superjamp female.

There are some male SDs who go nuts for a period each year but they're the exception, not the rule.

[SnoopySnake]

Well that's a lot better then, I'd be much better off with a male since they tend to stay a bit smaller. I've still got some planning to do though as I won't be getting one for at least another year. :o

His name is Vincent.. I didn't know what I wanted till I went to get the ultrasound, haha. Somehow I just knew it'd be a boy though! Good luck :)

[Sublimeballs]

I'm glad to hear someone else has a SD that calm. I thought it was a bit weird that I can just open up her cage and reach in with no worries about her intentions(wouldn't dare do this with my other tics or even my childrens python). Does your male do the same thing as my girl? Calmly tongue flick you to see what you are, she does the same to rats followed by a really hard strike. Even if I've been feeding and the snake room smells of prey still really calm until she's confirmed it's a rat.

[Sublimeballs]

Adrian, one of my best reptile friends son is named Vincent. He's one of the smartest little boys I've met and absolutely love all reptiles. Hopefully your Vincent follows suit. Thanks, Were really hoping for a boy(don't get me wrong well be just as happy with a girl).

[millertime89]

I'm glad to hear someone else has a SD that calm. I thought it was a bit weird that I can just open up her cage and reach in with no worries about her intentions(wouldn't dare do this with my other tics or even my childrens python). Does your male do the same thing as my girl? Calmly tongue flick you to see what you are, she does the same to rats followed by a really hard strike. Even if I've been feeding and the snake room smells of prey still really calm until she's confirmed it's a rat.

Yup, 100% spot on. The little female is a live eater unfortunately so I've got to leave the rat in with her, she won't take it stunned from the tongs.

[BagnaraSnakes16]

Vital exotics sells 62.5% superdwarf tigers for a real great price. Ive talked to a few who have bought males and their real calm and stay small within 10 feet. This is going to be my first retic when im done with college next spring. Cant wait!!!

[millertime89]

I would happily buy from Kris at Vital. I know him and he's a great person and a great keeper.