Adopted snake, need help IDing.

[Exelightning]

Hello, first things first. I have owned many ball pythons, and corn snakes in my life, and feel the time is right to make the jump I've been waiting a while for. Anyways, I recently adopted this "Burm", but they told me it was two years old, and only about 4.5 feet long. Is it possible that a Burmese python would only grow to that size in two years if it wasn't fed enough/had a large enough aquarium? Anyways, I'm including some photos and if anyone could let me know if they thinks this truly is a Burm, or a ball python, I would be very grateful.

[reptiledude987]

Looks like an albino retic to me. Clearer head shot would help. As far as size goes if I'm right that its a retid could be dwarf or SD to explain size.

[SnoopySnake]

Its definitely an albino burm, but I'll let someone more experienced with them chime in on size. It could be younger than you were told or it could've been underfed.

[reptiledude987]

How is it that you know burm and not retic? Just curious...

[Cmwells90]

I would also say a albino burm.

How is it that you know burm and not retic? Just curious...

I say burm over retic because of the morph, I've never seen a morph like that on a retic, but I have for burm. I did a quick google to be sure, but it looks burm to me.

[reptiledude987]

ok i was looking at head shape and heat pits not pattern. Im sure someone with several of each will chime in on this one. Either way really nice looking snake!

[SnoopySnake]

How is it that you know burm and not retic? Just curious...

Patterning and head/heat pit shape. Neither of these pics are mine, but here's an example.

Retic:
http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp348/CodeWilster/JuliasSqueezer.jpg

Burm:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8sIAWoxrHc/TphSJ3AakAI/AAAAAAAAAjY/ff60IFRlJpg/s1600/4.jpg

[reptiledude987]

Ok from those pics clearly a burm. thanks for those thats helpful

[Exelightning]

Wonderful, thank you all very much!

I will be feeding her properly and will update with pictures when she grows :). I'm so happy to hear that she's a Burm and not a ball!

[Exelightning]

There's a headshot for you, best I could get at the moment

[metalcopper]

Definitely a Burm. As long as it's not a dwarf, a Burm should be around 5 to 8 feet in its first year, depending on exactly how much it has been fed. So a two year old at 4.5 feet is stunted in my opinion, probably due to the amount it was fed. Males will be smaller though also.

[reptiledude987]

Is there a visible difference between a dwarf and normal retic aside from size?

[Exelightning]

Is it possible to help her recover from stunted growth?

[reptiledude987]

Not completely all you can do at this point is keep him on a good feeding schedule and have good growth from here. Unfortunately he wont reach the full size he could have had he always been on a proper feeding schedule. But I'm sure hes in better hands and will be a happy member of your family.

[Exelightning]

Very true. I'm glad she will be taken care of properly now :). What a shame people think it's okay to buy one and not understand the responsibilities. Also he had her in a 30 gallon tank -.-

She ate her first rat a couple day ago and had no problems at all, and is very docile, so I think she will be good from here out, but I plan on bringing her to the vet soon to get checked up just in case.

[David VB]

That's about the size a 6month to a year should have... Looking at the head and rest of body, it's clear he's underfed :( Mine is just over 2 years now and as a male he's close to 9feet and way bigger in girth. Like Reptiledude987 said, he won't grow to his full potency anymore, but he still can get some length and girth if you feed him properly, meaning enough to grow but not too much he will get fat. Do you know if ti's a male or female? as for the morph, i'm not the expert, but there could be pearl in it, no?

[Tsubaki]

I'd say underfed as well, my male burm is 3,5+ feet, he's from past October.

[millertime89]

Someone else on here had a burm that came to them that had been stunted. 4-5 years and 6-7 feet long. It filled out and grew a little but never got long. I would feed like normal for a burm that size and see where it gets you.

[dave himself]

IMO that this snake is under fed but is much younger than stated. I could be wrong but I just can't see a 2 year old burm staying that size no matter how much it was held back, as I said this is just may opinion and I could well be wrong. Anyway best of luck with him and it's good to see he's now in a home where he'll be well cared for :)

[millertime89]

IMO that this snake is under fed but is much younger than stated. I could be wrong but I just can't see a 2 year old burm staying that size no matter how much it was held back, as I said this is just may opinion and I could well be wrong. Anyway best of luck with him and it's good to see he's now in a home where he'll be well cared for :)

You would be surprised. Like I said, another member on here got a 4-5 year old burm that was pretty stunted and it just never put on the typical burm length despite his efforts. It just filled out.

[Aaron_S]

Hello, first things first. I have owned many ball pythons, and corn snakes in my life, and feel the time is right to make the jump I've been waiting a while for. Anyways, I recently adopted this "Burm", but they told me it was two years old, and only about 4.5 feet long. Is it possible that a Burmese python would only grow to that size in two years if it wasn't fed enough/had a large enough aquarium? Anyways, I'm including some photos and if anyone could let me know if they thinks this truly is a Burm, or a ball python, I would be very grateful.

I'm happy you've rescued this snake. Seriously, good job.

However, I'm unsure if this is really the time to make the jump you say you were waiting for. You couldn't tell if this was a burmese python or a ball python and didn't seem to know that the "it grows to the size of it's enclosure" is a myth. I'm not trying to be an *** but that stuff is pretty basic and giants cannot be taken lightly as much as some people feel they can be.

Be sure to do a LOT more research going forward if you plan to keep it.

[millertime89]

giants cannot be taken lightly as much as some people feel they can be.

Werd. They can do some SERIOUS damage if you get lazy and make mistakes around them. I'm always on guard around them, more so than with any of my smaller snakes, even the ones with bad attitudes.

[Aaron_S]

Werd. They can do some SERIOUS damage if you get lazy and make mistakes around them. I'm always on guard around them, more so than with any of my smaller snakes, even the ones with bad attitudes.

For the record, I wasn't alluding to you. (I'd just say you). I meant many people who own giants. They SAY they respect the power and strength but yet never show it in their handling practices when pics are posted. Actions speak louder than words.

Sad reality.

[millertime89]

For the record, I wasn't alluding to you. (I'd just say you). I meant many people who own giants. They SAY they respect the power and strength but yet never show it in their handling practices when pics are posted. Actions speak louder than words.

Sad reality.

I know. It's a "If the shoe fits, wear it" situation. Merely backing up what you said. Some peoples' handling practices abhor me. Just a mess waiting to happen.

[Aaron_S]

I know. It's a "If the shoe fits, wear it" situation. Merely backing up what you said. Some peoples' handling practices abhor me. Just a mess waiting to happen.

Yes but more dogs bite than snakes so it's all okay!

[dave himself]

I know. It's a "If the shoe fits, wear it" situation. Merely backing up what you said. Some peoples' handling practices abhor me. Just a mess waiting to happen.

What would you say we're poor handling practices Kyle ?

[dave himself]

You would be surprised. Like I said, another member on here got a 4-5 year old burm that was pretty stunted and it just never put on the typical burm length despite his efforts. It just filled out.

As I said mate this was just my opinion :)

[millertime89]

Yes but more dogs bite than snakes so it's all okay!

Logical fallacy, but that's for another thread.

[Exelightning]

I'm happy you've rescued this snake. Seriously, good job.

However, I'm unsure if this is really the time to make the jump you say you were waiting for. You couldn't tell if this was a burmese python or a ball python and didn't seem to know that the "it grows to the size of it's enclosure" is a myth. I'm not trying to be an *** but that stuff is pretty basic and giants cannot be taken lightly as much as some people feel they can be.

Be sure to do a LOT more research going forward if you plan to keep it.



Here's the thing. The reason I am having trouble identifying if the snake was a Burm or a ball is that they look very similar. She is two years old, as the guy has pictures of her from two years ago, and she has been in the 30 gallon aquarium. I don't think it's fair of you to judge me based on a few questions I have asked, that after researching have come up with mixed answers. People like you scare away newcomers to the forum, I think you need to get off your high horse and give me a chance before you instantly accuse me of not knowing basic information. I came her for answers, not to be judged. If you asked me a question about how to fix a car, I would try to help you, not tell you you have made a mistake and should stick to riding a bike.

To answer a few of the questions, yes she is a female, and yes she is at least two years old, which is why I wasn't quite sure if a Burm would be restricted to growth based in size of aquarium and being very underfed. Now, do you still think it's possible a Burm would only be 4.5 feet after two years? I've looked up dozens of articles, and have never seen a single instance of a snakes growth being stunted that much. Maybe you think it's not the right time, but the reason I am making sure of these things is because I DO. I can assure you I do not take any snakes lightly.

[Aaron_S]

Here's the thing. The reason I am having trouble identifying if the snake was a Burm or a ball is that they look very similar. She is two years old, as the guy has pictures of her from two years ago, and she has been in the 30 gallon aquarium. I don't think it's fair of you to judge me based on a few questions I have asked, that after researching have come up with mixed answers. People like you scare away newcomers to the forum, I think you need to get off your high horse and give me a chance before you instantly accuse me of not knowing basic information. I came her for answers, not to be judged. If you asked me a question about how to fix a car, I would try to help you, not tell you you have made a mistake and should stick to riding a bike.

To answer a few of the questions, yes she is a female, and yes she is at least two years old, which is why I wasn't quite sure if a Burm would be restricted to growth based in size of aquarium and being very underfed. Now, do you still think it's possible a Burm would only be 4.5 feet after two years? I've looked up dozens of articles, and have never seen a single instance of a snakes growth being stunted that much. Maybe you think it's not the right time, but the reason I am making sure of these things is because I DO. I can assure you I do not take any snakes lightly.

Dude, regardless of what you think of me and my information, it needed to be said. You asked some questions and I tried to help the snake. Not give you the answers that suit your needs. The snake's needs.

Your analogy is flawed. A car isn't a living creature.

Anyway, burms and ball pythons (even albinos) do NOT look alike. Seriously. I have been around a LONG time and this is the first I've ever heard that.
Also, again you didn't know the BASIC myth that enclosure size doesn't dictate growth rates.

I made a suggestion based on the information provided. If there's more to it than that it is your fault for not divulging the information. I can only go on what's been given to me. Sorry to burst your bubble.

P.S. Newcomers flock to this site regardless of me. I have been around forever and(getting on my high horse now) I have forgotten more about snakes than you'll ever learn.

[reptiledude987]

Oh aaron you have an unriveled ability to be an *** and make a valid point at the same time. I love it lol.

[Exelightning]

Dude, regardless of what you think of me and my information, it needed to be said. You asked some questions and I tried to help the snake. Not give you the answers that suit your needs. The snake's needs.

Your analogy is flawed. A car isn't a living creature.

Anyway, burms and ball pythons (even albinos) do NOT look alike. Seriously. I have been around a LONG time and this is the first I've ever heard that.
Also, again you didn't know the BASIC myth that enclosure size doesn't dictate growth rates.

I made a suggestion based on the information provided. If there's more to it than that it is your fault for not divulging the information. I can only go on what's been given to me. Sorry to burst your bubble.

P.S. Newcomers flock to this site regardless of me. I have been around forever and(getting on my high horse now) I have forgotten more about snakes than you'll ever learn.

So since they look so different, you're saying she is a Burm without a doubt?

[Aaron_S]

So since they look so different, you're saying she is a Burm without a doubt?

YES!!! (need 10 characters)

[Aaron_S]

Oh aaron you have an unriveled ability to be an *** and make a valid point at the same time. I love it lol.

You're welcome for the free entertainment.

If you'd like to pay me in some way. Head to the facebook page in my signature and hit the "like" button.

[SnoopySnake]

So since they look so different, you're saying she is a Burm without a doubt?

Multiple people have already confirmed this.. Aaron made extremely valid points and I'm sure he wasn't the only one thinking what he said.

[Exelightning]

YES!!! (need 10 characters)

Perfect, thanks, that's all that was really needed. Have you ever heard of a snake with growth so stunted?

Also, I think breeding snakes for profit is part f the real problem there are so many snakes needing adoption.

[Aaron_S]

Perfect, thanks, that's all that was really needed. Have you ever heard of a snake with growth so stunted?

Also, I think breeding snakes for profit is part f the real problem there are so many snakes needing adoption.

Yes I've seen and heard of stunted snakes in a similar way. It's sadly not all that uncommon. A lot of misinformation out there.

How do you know it's always for profit?

[Exelightning]

Yes I've seen and heard of stunted snakes in a similar way. It's sadly not all that uncommon. A lot of misinformation out there.

How do you know it's always for profit?

Usually the goal of an "enterprise" is profit.


Anyways, we have stumbled quite far from the topic at hand and I would like to thank everybody who has helped, whether or not you believe I am capable of taking care of this beautiful snake.

Thanks!

[Aaron_S]

Usually the goal of an "enterprise" is profit.

John,

You say I made an assumption about you but then you go ahead and do the same. After your review it's quite clear I hit a "nerve" of yours.

Since you brought it up I figure I will divulge why I breed snakes.

I do it to pass along the passion I harbour for them. I love my snakes to no end. They are amazing creatures and I've been drawn to them since I was 3. I want to share that passion and help others experience there's and see there faces when they talk about it.
Yes I sell my snakes for money and I make a bit (usually just a break even) because it costs money to maintain my collection and my goals within my hobby. I can't keep every baby I produce so I sell them. Which really helps pass along the passion to new keepers. I love the excited feeling I get from someone buying their first snake from me and just being so pleased. Much like I was when I got my first 17 years ago.

As for why it's an "enterprise". I just like the name and I have plans for my hobby to incorporate other species so I wanted something a little more general to encompass that.

[Aaron_S]

Usually the goal of an "enterprise" is profit.


Anyways, we have stumbled quite far from the topic at hand and I would like to thank everybody who has helped, whether or not you believe I am capable of taking care of this beautiful snake.

Thanks!

You're welcome for the help :D

It's my expertise.

[Kuamata]

Aaron, perfect. You captured my exact thoughts to the original post and his response to yours with the car analogy. Thank you for having the guts to say what I was afraid to. Corns and Balls all the way to Burms is a huge leap, not a step. Bloods, Carpets, or RTBs would of been a more appropriate step.

At any rate, I wish you luck with your new giant and hope she gets all the care she deserves. Also, remember, your python probably came from a breeder in the beginning. Don't bite the hand that feeds, if you get what I'm saying.