i think im going to get a burm

[dreamache]

so as some of you know already i am a newbie. i was at a local pet shop today and was looking around for snakes. they only had 3 there. a pretty big ball python, but i've read those are very picky eaters... a corn snake which was very tiny, and a burmese python for $300.

the lady said the burmese python eats pretty well, and is pretty active, but it gets to 20 feet. the process however obviously takes years.

from what the lady told me, it seems as though caring for the burmese wouldn't be hard (as in requiring a ton of moderating skills), but being able to accomidate it might be harder as it will grow to be very large.

but i think i'm up for it, i'm a patient guy, and the snake would be in my room with me (im a programmer/designer so im in here a lot), so i wouldn't be neglectful..

what do you guys think? thanks.

[CDN-Cresties]

dreamache,
I dont own a burm but i have read some threads and here is what im conerned about.

1) Is this your first snake? Is so, why a burm? Why not a more suitable snake for a start.

2)Burms grow 200% in their first year

3)Pet Shop clerks arent always knowledgble, nor pet shops are not always clean (parasites)

4)Burms eat like monsters, which means they defecade like monsters. Buyng food can cost you a lot of $$$

5)You may wish to do more research into it.

Chances are that you are a patient guy but im not sure if you fully understand the work involved. Im sure more people on the forum will help you out here, this is just what i can gather from previous threads such as this.
Good Luck! :)

-Steve-

[Matt_K]

don't buy it from the petstore either. Chances are you're not hearing the full story on the snake in question. Anything to make a sale right?? Look around the classifieds, there are a few people selling young burms right now. This snake will not take long to reach 6-9+ feet, as Crestie has stated. Will you have someone around when you need to take your burm out for whatever reason??? A snake of this size will require more then one person for handling and cage cleaning. Do your research, and when you think you know everything you can possibly know, read some more!! Good Luck with whatever decision you make!

[Bryce Masuk]

300 is insane for a burm you can get one for 50 bucks or so it will probley end up being 8 ft in the first year do not get a burm get a corn/king and leave it at that

[Tim and Julie B]

Burms are NOT beginner snakes. Second, buy from a breeder not a pet store. Third, start with a corn snake, ball python or kingsnakes. Balls can be hard to feed, but as adults they have no potential to hurt you. Burms grow fast, big and without the proper experience you'll just end up giving it away down the road. Just something to think about.
Julie

[Colonel SB]

I am in agreeance with everyone else here burms get huge fast! Plus thier care isn't as easy as most ppl think...Plus are you willing to feed goats to it when it gets bigger?

[lilyskip]

If you thought the ball python was pretty big, wait til you see a 1-year old burm! Don't get a snake just cuz it was 33% of the snake population at a store. Check out breeders of other kinds of snakes, and like Bryce said, $300 sounds astronomical, unless it's a special morph and you plan on breeding, which I doubt.

[V.hb]

Our burmese went from a hatchling to 6 feet in a year.. they grow quite rapidly... this was a male as well, the female is 6+.

[Yve]

yep....grow fast......real fast.....real real fast:)......i have a 10 month old burm and she's 7 ft long.

[fanmaninacan]

YA man LISTEN

The do grow fast in less then 2 yers ull have a 10 feet bur,..
N 300 is crazy.....U can find 1 for 50$ man!

Get a CB ball man......Those r great starter snakes!....Corns/milks/rats/kings are good to but im not into em..

If its ur first DUN get a burm!!!
T.P

[matrix1829]

were do you live, that they would sell a burm for 300$. there nuts man.cb burms do not get to be big enough to eat goats, that is if you don't power feed your snake. my buddy has an adult female burm and she is 17 feet and 160lbs and she still eat huge rabbits and he will never need more than that.
think about it and get more info. pat

[tHeGiNo]

Actually I am should that burm could take a larger prey item.

[Lisa]

An adult burm is a 2 person snake. heck at 2 years it's a 2 person snake, and you will need to dedicate a fair amount of space to it (like a cage 6X3X2). Then there's the cost to feed issue. katey and I got our burm we did alot of soul searching as to whether we were up to the commitment before getting our burms, and when we bought them we got them from people that didn't want them any more.

[burmer]

First off $300 is crazy for a burm. Second don't do it, atleast not for your first snake. Start off with something that doesn't attain such huge size so fast. My first snake was a corn and the first python I owned was a ball. But if you do decide to purchase a burm don't get it at the pet store. And lastly again if you decide to get one just do lots of research before hand.

[RaVeNo888o]

i agree with the others.. a burm should be like a 'goal' snake for serious herpers to get down the road as a triumph of their knowledge ect...

i also agree not to buy it at the pet store..prices are way to much...I paid $150 for an 8 month old cali king, which you could get for $50-80 from a good breeder who sells alot. As mentioned, there are a few up for sale in the classifieds and the people selling will be extremely helpful with the whole process. If you find a breeder close enough to you they would probably be willing to let you come see the snakes and make a dicision

[Mike177]

if this isent your first snake, i would go for it! if you are so determend to be a good resposable owner then i would buy one, but... there are some things you should do first! 1. buy a book on burms you can get some pretty cheap books at a place like half-price books, you can read it cover to cover in less than an hour. 2. if you have experance with boids in gereral than you would probly be ok. 3. do the whole hobby a favor and try to contact a local rescue, people are alwas trying to give up burms and if you want one try to think about these poor burms who are already 6,7,8+ feet but are in despret need of a good home.4. if this is your first snake then defenitly hold off! a burm can be aggressive at times and they **** like no other, my burm is about 6-7 feet and took a **** bigger than i do! also you need to have about 500 bux set aside and ready for the snake when it has to get a nice big cage. well i am not going to rant on any longer but when u get a burm dont plan on it being cute and cuddely, well i should say that cuz i think ALL snakes are cute and cuddley. dont plan on it being small for long, a burm can grow 9 feet in one year. but usaly grow about 7-8 in there first. do some reacerch and here are some links for you.

http://www.anapsid.org/burm.html
http://www.geocities.com/pythoncare (click care sheets then burmese python. its my site)

if after you read these care sheets and u still want to get one and you will care for it properly then get one. just dont be a jackass like those other people who get there burms uthinized when they get to big,

Mike,

[Linds]

Burms are not at all beginner snakes. They reach massive size (up to 10' in the first year) and require several parties to handle once they exceed 8'. These are the type of snake that if you have to ask basic questions such as size, maintenance requirements, etc. you are not ready to get one. There is a reason these snakes are constantly being given away, released into the wild, abandoned. I agree in that balls are not the best starter snakes since they are notorious for fasting, which can prove frustrating for beginners. If you don't like small snakes, thats fine. There are a variety of medium and larger sized snakes that are suitable for novice keepers however as I believe you already know of these snakes... http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20590 ...

Here's another thread on burms that may be useful...

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20350

[SD-SNAKE]

If you want a burmese and you can spend $300. I would get an albino patternless burmese there amazing looking. good luck do the research. take care Nick

[Samba]

I DO own a Burm, so let me give you my thoughts. I haven't read any of the other posts, as I just don't have time, so if I'm repeating someone bare with me.

Burms make GREAT pets, BUT, you have to be experienced with them, (and other snakes in general), be able to have someone on hand when you handle it, be able to accomodate its size. I realize the snake is young now, but they can actually grow quite fast. When mine went through a 'growth spurt' earlier this year he went from 9 feet, (his length at 2 years) to almost 15 feet in about a 10 month period. Of course, mine was a rescue that had been neglected, but don't you think for a second that you will have plenty of time to accomodate the snake. I would suggest you be at least moderately prepared to keep a large snake right now, even if right now it seems little.

Secondly, even though you are buying from a pet shop, it is YOUR responsiblity and no one else's to make sure that snake is legal. Many places have bans or require special permits. If you own a snake like this and get 'busted' that snake could lose its life if you don't have it registered.

Remember, Burms can live quite a few years, (The most I've heard is somewhere around 14-20 years... just an estimate, don't quote me on that). You must be able to provide for it, get it regular veterinary exams, just like you would a cat or dog. You have to be pretty stable financially to care for it. Who will take care of the snake if something should happen to you, or what if you want to take a vacation? Plan ahead for these things and don't jump into your decision. Don't get me wrong, I love Burms like no other, but honestly, if I hadn't rescued mine and seen what he went through I probably would not own a burm at all. Think long and hard, and if you decided your dedicated enough to take it on, then go for it. Just remember what a big, literally, responsibility you are taking on! Good luck!

[Invictus]

Something else to keep in mind... 10 pound rabbits do NOT come cheap. You'll be looking at 3-4 of these per week when the burm is fully grown (which could be inside of 4 years). Something else to think about....

[Samba]

You Feed adult Burms 3 to 4 rabbits a WEEK? Wow, I feed mine about once a week... (A bunny, and one or two rats)... that is a good point though... Food is expensive for them!

[SCReptiles]

As you will come to know I am not nearly as pessimistic as most people on here. I had a burm when I was young. He survived and so did I. If its $300 for a normal burm, then that is too much. If it’s a color morph then perhaps. Linds is right, I have seen several go 10 feet in their first year, but after that they grow slow. Don’t expect him to get bigger then 15 feet. All these reports about him going 20 are simply hog wash. People are actively looking for 20’ snakes and can not find them. If it’s a male expect it to top at about 13 to 14 and a female about 15 and maybe 16 if you are lucky. Don’t spend much money on his early cages, he will outgrow them quick. I would just use rubber maid containers for the first year, then have a nice long term enclosure built. They will eat a lot when growing, but as adult every 14 will be fine. Pumping them up is bad for their health. Good luck and let me know how it turns out. Thanks

[Teana]

I have an adult female Burm, 15ft. She is a great pet, but she was not my first!!!! It takes my Fiance' and me to carry her to the bathtub when her cage needs cleaned TWICE a week ( at least). She eats 3 5lb. rabbits a week (don't have access to larger rabbits or it would be 1 Flemish Giant every week). She is a lot of work!!!! I'm sorry, I've had her for 2 years and even though she is a HUGE puppy dog, I WOULD NEVER HOUSE HER IN MY BEDROOM!!!!!!!!! She's in a cage with locking doors and I would never do that. I agree with a lot of the other members, start off with a corn snake, king snake, or a captive-bred Ball Python. Get some hands on (in house) experience with snakes before you jump on buying a Burm. Not to mention $300.00 is totally outragous. I have aquired all 4 of my snakes free of charge from owners that could no longer keep them.

[SCReptiles]

cleaned TWICE a week ( at least). She eats 3 5lb. rabbits a week
You are over feeding that thing. They do not need that much as adults. Its no wonder you have to clean the cage twice a week. =)

[Ed_r]

First off DON'T BUY A BURM, There are hundreds in rescues right now that may have a small adoption fee, on them. If you don't like the size they are when you adopt them Don't get the burm. Help the rescues move the burms they already have, don't help them aquire more.

[jncoclub]

My burm was my 4th snake, however, I got 4 snakes within 1 one year’s time with my fiance. Was I as educated on burms as I should have been? No. Am I trying to learn all that I can now before it’s too late to make sure she has the best life possible? Yes. Is it difficult? Yes. Does she eat a lot? Yes. Do I ever regret getting her? Never.

In my opinion, if your heart, your will, your knowledge, your apartment, your wallet, your love and devotion to your snake are all large enough to give the burm a wonderful life, then I think you should go for it. But that’s me.

[liltattyprinces]

think this through very carefully, as everyone else has said. I had one yrs back (rescue) but as i'm a small lady and was having my first child had to find a home for him and it can be quite difficulte to find a sutible home with someone able to care for it properly. it's a huge responsibility. The kids and i have snakes again but sutiable ones we keep corns and a snoroan, wich are great starters once we have all mastered this kids included we will acquire a ball or something along those lines.

[snakemann87]

Burms are a very large responsibility. I currently own a burmese python which is at 4 1/2ft in 7 months........so by no means does it take awhile to get large. You are more likely to get a burm within the range of 12-15ft range but it depends on the parents. I HIGHLY recommend a breeder to buy from also. IF this is your first snake......I wouldnt get it. They have AMAZING feeding responses which a beginner might not expect and when your dealing with an 10ft snake..you gotta be up to speed. The corn or ball python is definately the way to go I waited at least a year till my first burm which i shouldve waited alittle bit longer.....but I work and can maintain a burmese python but im not sure of your age.

Also 300 is definately "outrageous". My burm cost me 250 and he is a Labyrinth het Albino Labyrinth

http://www.petshowntell.com/yabbse/gallery/albums/userpics/newpics10.jpg

[Samba]

LOL SCReptiles, I was thinking the same thing as I read Teana's post!

Ed_r - good point, once again... I think that's a point many burm, retic and iguana fanciers need to consider when getting a pet!

Snakemann87 - Read Ed_r's post please! LOL


Whatever you decide to do Dreamache, think out your reasons for wanting a burm. Make the right decision, get lots of info and keep us updated! Good luck!

[remsin76]

get a BCI if u want a big snake. theyre big but not too big and theyre rarely fussy eaters

[ReptiZone]

I too would have said that to snakeman87 at some point but as you see he has a Labyrinth het Albino Labyrinth you see you won't get that at a rescue for 50$ so if it is a genetic burm you want (Labyrinth het Albino, Albino Labyrinth, granite, Albino Granit) and so on get it from a breeder if you want a regular burm go see the rescues.

[snakemann87]

yes but Ed said if u dont want a bigger snake to rescue cuz its to big u shouldnt get it idk sumting like that......well when you have one as a baby you grow with it....and get use to it. Its alot easier that way than dumping an 8ft snake in your lap

[sapphire_moon]

I don't own burms. I agree with lillyskip to, if you thought a ball python was big, wait till the burm gets older. Try and find a different snake for a starter snake. I've only been into herps for about 2 years now, and I to would love a burm, and a rosy, and a blood. But before you own any new snake you should always research, research, research, and did I mention more research? Get something more suitable for a first snake. A burm is NOT a beginner snake.

[snakemann87]

I dont understand why people who dont own burms reply? I feel that owning one is the only way you can voice your opinions on them truthfully. You have no "hands on" experience so how can you give your opinion?

I feel if your telling the truth about being able to accomodate a burm and everything.....and if you do your research you would have no problem. A rescue would be wonderful but its good to get them as babies so you can grow with them. So attempt a rescue first

[BurmBaroness]

Actually, I did post a reply, I thought, and I do own a burm. I didn't curse, slam anyone, or have an attitude, so I'm not sure where the post went. HOwever, here is my advice. Get a small snake, a corn, a gopher, a rat snake, etc, as a first snake. If you just HAVE to have a larger snake, get a BCI. Burms are a big responsibility, and are very expensive. When it gets too big and you don't want it anymore, or have to move, or go to college, or marry someone who hates snakes, the zoos will NOT take it. You will prolly be able to find a rescue that will take it, but then you have simply passed the responsibility for finding it a good home on to someone else. (I do rescues, and would never turn a snake away, that's not what I mean.) It's the point of the whole situation. Person sees burm, thinks burm is cute, doesn't cost much $$ ($300 is a ripoff), and takes it home. When it's 8ft in the first yr and is eating them out of house and home, guess what? It ends up with someone like me. THe point is..............Burms are NOT beginner snakes. So please choose something else, and wait until you have alot more experience before owning a burmese python. I love my burm, she's my favorite snake, but she is alot of work, can't handle alone, eats A LOT........lol. I know there are some people who come on here and say, "I had a burm, retic, etc for my first snake and it was fine". It may have been, but that is not the ideal situation. I'm glad it worked out, but you should be the first ones telling these new people that they need to start off smaller. I'm sure it wasn't easy, and not everyone may be able to adapt and learn as you guys did.
Good Luck Dreamache, do some research, there are 1,000's of snakes out there, and I'm sure you'll find one that's suitable for a first snake.

[ChunkyMunky]

Before Buying a Burm you must realize that it WILL get big enough to kill an adult human. Then from there you got to worry about buying food for it when its huge, it can get pricey.

[Zoe]

Snakemann - just because you dont have experience keeping one, it doesn't mean that you don't have a valid opinion. I chose NOT to keep a burm for the exact reasons voiced here. I considered both sides and made the choice accordingly. I don't see how that choice was wrong.
But that's like saying that because you haven't been to say, Antarctica, you can't say if you'd want to live there or not. I know I wouldn't - it's too cold there. If someone said "I love the heat, should I move to antarctia?" and I advised them not to, would I be wrong?

But dreamache, if you KNOW you can accomodate a 12ft+ snake for the next twenty years, then by all means after doing the research go ahead and get one! However, I suggest you look at adult burms owned by others first, and make sure that you aren't getting a burmese as opposed to a different species, just because the guy at the petstore told you it was easier. There are tons of other species out there, not just ball pythons, burms and corns. Get one you like and wait if you need to - don't just get a burm because your petstore only has 3 snakes and the burm is the easiest to feed.

Good luck with your decision!

Zoe

[sapphire_moon]

Because I was just voicing my opionions just like everyone else here.

:)

[NewLineReptile]

I agree with most of the reply's. I own 4 burm's and none of them are over 2 1/2 years old and 2 of them are over 11 feet. and very hard to handle for one person. And the cost of feeding them is unreal unless you are ready to breed rabbit's to feed a burm then you might want to think this idea over a bit longer. You also got to think about the size of enclosures you will go through untill your Burm stops growing

Here is a pic of 3 of my Burm's and this was a old pic the pattern is now 14' the Green is now 11'+ and the Albino is like 8'+

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/507/1639cbj.jpg

Brandon

[Mike177]

BurmBaroness brings up a very good poin. altho a snake is not a 24/7 hour anamal you have to be 100% comited to your snake. if you havent moved out of your parents house think about that your going to have to move a cage that (in my case) is 32 square feet. if your new gf says I HATE SNAKES AND WILL NEVER EVEN TRY TO CHANGE MY MIND then your going to have to be able to say "sorry u feel that way. bye now!" and if you want to go to collage some collages make you live at home or in a dorm for your first year. even though your snake may not need care 24/7 he will need life long cometment for up to 25+ years. in my case i am 15 and have a burm. but i also have a large cage. i make my own money to pay for her food, i have LOTS of money i have saved in the bank in case i dont work for a month or so, i am prapard to give up all my resorses for my burm and give it life long cometment. if you are fully prapared to do everything that comes along with a burm than think about getting one, otherwise you may just want to wait off for a wile untill you are ready.

[Mr.Lizard]

Well at the risk of being redundant,I gotta agree with the previous respondants. $300 is way too much for a normal Burm,I got an albie for about $150. As stated above,the growth rate is huge...I went from pinkies to large rabbits in 6 mos.
That's about 24"-6 1/2' in that time!