i want one but...

[snkmn]

i want a big python like a dwarf retic or a male burm ( i dont want a 20 ft. snake) but i have a few questions, are male burms nice, are dwarf retics nice, how much douse it cost to take care of them as babies, how much douse it cost to take care of them as adults , and how long douse it take for them grow to thier full size? sorry , there is a few more than a few , well, please awnser most, if not all of those questions.
thanks
kyle ;) :)

[snkmn]

also include african rock pythons into those questions as are the burm and retic.

[BurmBaroness]

It would help to know what snakes you have already, and what your experience is. Personally, I don't think there are dwarf retics, even tho they have been selling them for quite awhile. It's still gonna be a big snake. Male burms can reach 14-15 ft, and Afrocks? Afrocks are 15 ft(and could also get quite a bit larger) of pure aggression. So if you want a nice calm snake, don't get an afrock. like I said, it would help to know what kind of snakes you have/have had, and what your experience is.

[The_Omen]

And quite possibly waiting till you are on your own and done with all schooing..

(snkmns Profile birthdate - January 29th, 1990)

[Invictus]

A burm CAN eat you, but likely won't.

An Afrock CAN and WILL. :)

Added to which, like most boids, they will probably hit 80% of their adult size within the first 2 years - so you're looking at having a 12 ft burm by the time it's 2 years old. Even after 1 year, 10 feet is not uncommon.

So, your choice. Personally, I think that if you have no experience with extremely large snakes, you should start with a male boa. They'll get to be 8 or 9 feet, which is still a very impressive size, and will get you used to handling large boids.

[burmer]

As far as them being nice, it all goes by the individual snake. I have seen very aggressive burms and nice rocks. If your not ready for it, the growth can be incredible. My albino grew to over 8 feet long in her first year. It can become expensive to take care of them. Between feeding, supplies and vet care it can add up. Not to mention housing such a large snake can be an expensive thing. If you don't have expierience with large boids I would take Invictus suggestion and go with the boa.

[Samba]

Kyle - You are doing the first correct thing in reptile ownership by gathering information and researching the creatures that fascinate you most. If you don't want a large snake don't research animals that are particularly known for their size.

Large constrictors also grow like weeds! As you see in the above posts, many obtain almost half their adult size within a year or so. I have a 4 year ol male Burmese python who is nearly 16 feet! (I'm hoping he'll stop growing any day now! J/K) This snake, while not very impressive to fellow herpers, weighs nearly as much as I do; (A woman's not supposed to say how much she weighs, but I'll make an exception in this case; my weight, 130lbs. is a mere 20 lbs. heavier than my snake).

You will need people willing and able to help you when your adult constrictor needs his, (or her), enclosures cleaned. You will need someone there when you want to handle your snake. You will need someone there when you feed it. Take all of these things into consideration and remember that handling large pythons should NOT be done alone under ANY circumstance. The tamest of snakes have been known to turn on a dime, therefore they should be treated with caution and respect.

As for your questions... the answers depend on where you live, whether or not you can buy in bulk, etc. Here are my expenses for one snake during a year.

In one year I will spend approximately $240.00 on food, $180.00 for veterinary exams (NOT including emergency care); $??? On heating equipment, substrates, enclosures, etc. This stuff can really add up, so you need to have a stable job so you can support an animal like this. Continue doing your research and gain some firsthand experience dealing with large snakes. If you decide you still want one make sure you know everything you're getting into before buying it. Good Luck!

[Mike177]

If you want a nice small retic get a MALE jampea! the males dont get too big. i beleve bobs male and mike willbanks male are about 5-7 baby 8. so they stay very small and are more docile then other retics. the females will easly pass 12 feet and probly be around 12-14 so there realy not to small. the draw back is CB jameas go for around 600-750 a eatch and 500 if your lucky.

[snkmn]

burmese baroness, i have a ball python.

from what you guys say i am not gonna get a giant python. i will get a colubrid or boa or caret python, something along the lines of that. thank you guys. i definatly dont want to get a giant snake maybe once i get a job or move out. thanks again!

[BurmBaroness]

Good Idea, Dude! Also, I love my BP's, they are the sweetest little pythons!