6 to 10 foot python?

[Fimpster]

Hi all. I am interested in getting a python to add to my collection. I have had 2 burms and a reticulated in the past. I would love another burm or retic, however I think it would be irresponsible of me at this time to purchase such a large species. I would however be very interested in a 6 to 10 foot species. I have had a Royal (Ball) but I want something a little bigger this time (and not so hard to feed!). What about Bloods? How big do they get? Can you recommend other species that max out under 10 feet? I will have a 7’x2’x3’ viv for him/her. And what about temperaments? I prefer an easy to handle species, like many juvenile burms are, but it is not an absolute requirement.

Thanks everyone!

~Fimpster

[BurmBaroness]

Irian Jaya or Carpet python, maybe?

[Aaron_S]

From what I have heard and read blood pythons i believe grow to about 5 or 6 feet and do get very robust for their size. They can have a nice temperment if you get one as a baby and tame it down. I have heard they tend to be picky feeders sometimes.

Since you have had experience before with large species maybe a scrub python would be a goo done to add to your collection but I don't know anything really about them.

[LdyDrgn]

I would agree with the Baroness. An Irian Jaya (morelia spilota variegata) wouldn't get too big (maybe not as big as you'd like), but a JCP (m.s. cheynei) would be ideal. They eat like pigs and when handled regularly, they calm down quite nicely. Other Carpets are notoriously nippy and expensive (Bredl's, m. bredli) and some just get too big (Queensland's, m.s. ssp). Scrub pythons (m. amethystina) get quite large and don't have the best temperaments.

Another option would be Macklot's (liasis mackloti mackloti). They get 6-8 feet and also with plenty of handling tame down beautifully. If money is no option, maybe go for a White lipped (Leiopython albertisii), those are on MY dream list, LOL. Timor pythons (python timoriensis) are quite beautiful, get to a good size, but are quite expensive.


Now heading back to the species molurus.... a Pimburan (p.m. molurus formerly p.m. pimbura) might also be a good option. They are quite beautiful in my opinion, but they don't have the best temper. Many will musk like mad, LOL The only major problem is finding one that is pure. Many are being crossed with Indian pythons. If you wish, I could clue you in on how to tell ;) Feel free to e-mail me on this if this becomes your choice. I can help you hunt down a pure one since I have a friend that breeds them :D

[The_Omen]

Blood pythons have some odd care requirements, high humidity yet low moisture etc...
I would go for a python that is not so tough in the husbandry area and that is a lot more forgiving in that area.
The carpets may just fit the bill.

If you consider a GTP, then please get some experience with ATBs first. ATBs can prep you for some of the aboreal care and set-ups and bites :).
Don't get me wrong on the meaning of that, GTPs stress very easily and once they stress and regurge, it is a long downhill road in some cases....

[stormyva]

I agree with the Carpet Python recommendations. There are several "types" of carpets to choose from that will fit your wants.

[Katt]

My suggestion, look at pics, visit some animals, go with what you like.

[J_Riley]

Originally posted by Katt
My suggestion, look at pics, visit some animals,

do your research on the individual species,


Originally posted by Katt
go with what you like.

[Linds]

Originally posted by Aaron_S

Since you have had experience before with large species maybe a scrub python would be a goo done to add to your collection but I don't know anything really about them.

I would have to disagree with the recommendation of a scrub python (with the exception of the the tannimbar scrubs, since they are a "dwarf" species). They are definitely a larger python species, and have very large teeth, and most won't hesitate to use them :eek:

Bloods can be an alright decision as long as you can meet their husbandry requirements. Are you looking for something that is easy to care for husbandry-wise, or are you prepared to deal with more specific requirements? Though many CBB babies grow into perfectly manageable animals, due to their massive size they can be somewhat awkward to handle, they won't just hang on to you like a burm or boa, you need to support them. For more informatio on bloods and their handling, <a href="http://www.ssnakess.com/caresheets/shorttailed/blood.htm">click here</a>. If you liked the retics, have you considered the Super Dwarf retics? All you love about retics in a 6' package :D Just be sure that they are true super dwarfs, regular dwarfs may still exceed 10', and there is often mislabelling when it comes tor etics, you don't want to buy a snake thinking it will only finish up 6' and find out that it is a regular retic :eek: Ringed Pythons rarely exceed 6' in length as well, though they require higher humidity. Any of the above listed can have a range of temperaments, and whatever you decide on, if you want it to be ultimately handleable your best bet is to buy it as a hatchling to acclimate it to handling, as some may take longer than others. Good luck with your decision, Katt said it best, look around, do some research, see what turns your crank ;)

[snakemann87]

i would suggest a boa(BCI), they are really good snakes, and males stay around 5'.

[LdyDrgn]

We have a male bci here that is 6-7'. I have a friend that has one at 10'. They are breedable at around 5' but they don't stay that way....

[snakemann87]

sorry, i meant to say 6'

[Snake Lady]

Its not in the python species but i would reccomend a Boa also. You say you want one from 6-10 feet well the BCI female comes to about 9-10feet

Snake Lady :)

[peregrinefalcon]

I recommend blood pythons! They are very easy to take care of, in fact I have one as my first snake. They usually get 5-7 feet in length and get very fat looking. Mine is a great eater, he almost never misses a meal! And mine is very easy to handle, only he gets a little grumpy at shedding time. He has never bitten me though, or even came close to. The borneo short-tailed and black short-tailed are pretty much the same snake but smaller and different colors. Hope this helps you!
Adam

[peregrinefalcon]

PS. Here is some pics of mine :D http://groups.msn.com/theplatedlizardburrow/bloodpython.msnw

[Fimpster]

Thanks for the great ideas everyone. The recommendations of getting a BCI is kind of funny as I just got one 2 weeks ago! It's my first Boa. I still want another python though.

Has anyone had experience with a Costal Carpet Python? From the research I’ve done today it seems that they are fairly easy on the husbandry and just the size I am looking for. Not to mention beautiful!!! Any info from owners would be appreciated.

Linds - I loved my retic. I am very interested in this Super Dwarf Retic you speak of. I did look up a little info on google but I want to be sure to get a true super dwarf if that is the species that I pick. How can I be sure? I've never even heard of them before. Can you point me to a reputable breeder and maybe some good websites with info? And is there such thing as a super dwarf burm? -- I love burms!

Thanks again everyone!

[Linds]

I don't live in the states, nor do I have any Super dwarfs (yet; they are a bit of a rare find up this way but one day I will track some down ;)) so I'm probably not the best to point you in the direction but will do my best. I believe Mike Wilbanks of Contrictors Unlimited is working with super dwarfs. Bob Clark works with a variety of retics, however I am not sure if he has super dwarfs, but it would definitely be worth a shot. NERD usually has a good variety of pythons, I'm sure any of these, if they currently already don't have any, will be able to point you in the right direction ;) Good luck :thumbsup:

[Fimpster]

Thanks Linds, that is a big help to get me started.

Anyone with a Costal Carpet Python that could share their experiences? I would love to hear what you have to say.

[dvs]

I have a Queensland and he's great..... I've only had him a couple of months though so my experince isn't so great, but since I've got him I've been around quite a few other coastals and I don't have anything negative to say about them.... easy to handle, love to eat, easy cage set-up, no funny humidity requirements.... all in all it's a pretty easy (not to mention beautiful) snake to deal and take care of. Jugding from what you described your looking for, I think it's a perfect match......
I got mine when he was about 2 feet..... he was a bit nervous at first but never attemped to bite. Now he's about 3 feet and getting calmer and calmer with age.... Can't wait to see how big he turns out to be, I've heard anywhere from 7-8feet all the way up to 12-14...... Don't know who to believe, but I haven't seen any over 8 feet myself in person or in pics so who knows, maybe someone else can comment on that.

[Fimpster]

Thanks dvs. Do you have pics?

The more reasearch I do the more I think I may go with a coastal.

Can anyone point me to a good breeder of coastals in the states?

[LdyDrgn]

Are you looking for babies or adults?

[dvs]

Sorry, no pics.... Been wanting to get a digital cam for a while now but there's always something else more important. I wish I could had pics cuzz I've been wanting to show him off....... he's got great colors, very light (kinda yellow when freshly shed) khaki background with kinda burgandy/black random pattern across the length of his back with grey patterns running down his sides and a white underside... all very clear defined patterns and colors. To be honest I haven't seen any others that look like him... some very simular when it comes to the patterns down the back, but not the same combo with the grey patterns outlined in black along the sides. I picked him up at a show for 80 bucks.... guy wanted 120 and I talked him down, personally I think I got away with robbery.... I don't think he really new what he was selling, I asked allot of guestions that I already knew the answers to and he didn't seem to know jack $hit about what he was saying, anyways that's besides the point.... where are you located???

[Fimpster]

Well, I just found a baby Queensland at Hiss-N-Things in Florida and I ordered it! She'll be here on Tuesday. I am so excited! Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I hope the weather holds out. I just can't wait to get her!

[Samba]

Well, I'm probably a little late, but I'd suggest a Coloumbian Red-Tailed Boa. Just my 2 cents... they are pretty easy to please =) Just research different species and see what you think you can handle (temperment, husbandry, financially and size-wise). Good Luck!

[Fimpster]

Thanks Samba

You are a little late though. I already had a Colombian Red-Tail when I posted this so you are right on! I ended up getting a Queensland (Coastal) Carpet Python. She's great!

~Fimpster

[Zoe]

Good to hear, looking forward to seeing some pics of her!

Zoe

[snakemann87]

awesome, did you get a female?? she'll get big if you did, maybe past 10ft

[Samba]

Cool Flimster... looking forward to hearing about her!

[ReptileX]

well if your still looking into super dwarf retics heres a site with a guy that breeds and deals with them,www.stevegooch.com , nice choice with the coastal by the way!
Ryan

[Fimpster]

Hey thanks everyone, and thanks for the link Ryan. Yup, I got a female. i'm trying to borrow a camera so i can take some pics. I might even just use my 35mm and scan them in. She is so cool I just can't wait to show her off.

[rta108]

I got my coastal from Jim Kavney at HnT in october. She's now at the four foot mark and pounds weaned rats from rodent pro like a machine. never had a problem with her. Was snappy for about a week, but has been a puppy dog ever since.

Becareful with carpets, they get addictive. I've since gotten a pair if Irian Jayas and am on Will Leary's list for some high end '03 jungles.

-Ryan