reticulated python size

[JHherpetofauna]

I have been reading latley on a bunch of caresheets and websites about how the size of captives reticulated pythons are around 10 feet for males and around 14 for females. Since i have been wanting a reticulated python for some time for there beauty, the size has made me hesitate about getting one. But if that is true about the size i would go out tomarrow. I dont know much on there size exept for the fact they are huge. Any help would be great, thanks JH

[guapote's gape]

Sorry Jh but they can actually get MUCH larger than that as well they can be one of the more aggresive species. Huge size and aggresive! now there's a combo.
Some of the newer geopgraphical variants are reputed at capping out at a smaller size and I apologize but have no experience with them.
I haven't kept any of this species in a number of years as my life was almost taken away by a large male.

[VooDooMafia]

The Dwarf retics stay on the "smaller" side of the scale but are still large snakes.

If you are not looking for a animal that will reash 20+ feet then look into the dwarf retics.

[JHherpetofauna]

Would you all know of a very beautiful species fo dwarf retic, that is not to to expensive.

[VooDooMafia]

Well all retics are great looking for as for price I think you will need to spend the extra cash if you are interested in a dwarf.

[Tim_Cranwill]

Not sure where you're located but if you're in the states you can try: Bob Clark (http://www.bobclark.com/)

[JHherpetofauna]

Decided just to go normal and not dwarf, either a tiger or yellow headed. Dont know how fast of growing snakes they are but it will be worth it. Are they slow growers or fast? thats probably my only other question, thanks for the help Jh

[VooDooMafia]

They grow at a very rapid rate. From hatchling to about 12 feet in no time at all :)

Its been awhile since I have had a small retic so I cant remember howbig they got in the first year but expect the snake to go through a few cages in the first year and go from mice to rabbits before you know it.

[kevyn]

They are extremely fast growers, with a very fast metabolism. Expect a snake that will either approach or exceed 20ft. . I'm not exagerating here. These are giants. They are the biggest snakes in the world. I can only suggest that you do more reading.

Getting a Retic is a big (pardon the pun) decision, and shouldn't be made lightly. I really suggest you talk with other Retic owners first. They can be quite challenging at times, and are not at all like Burms. They are highly intelligent and very aware. IMHO more dangerous at times than any hot you will ever encounter.

If I can ask you a question, what kind of experience do you have with giants?

[Jayson]

If you can not accomodate(?) a possible 20+ ft snake then dont get a retic. Even though the chances are slim it will reach that size, If it does you must be prepared and ready to accept the responsibilty that will come with it.

[kevyn]

Here's a good example of what I mean...

http://www.zoonen.com/res/user/30153/arkiv/33925/19fotbite_orig.jpg

http://www.zoonen.com/res/user/30153/arkiv/33928/19fotbite2_orig.jpg

That's Dave Barker (VPI) after being tagged by a moderately large imported Retic.

[guapote's gape]

Hey my shoulder used to look like that! Nice eye opener for all those thinking of getting into these big snakes. Don't get me wrong I love them but them really do command alot of respect.

[NewLineReptile]

Originally posted by guapote's gape
Hey my shoulder used to look like that! Nice eye opener for all those thinking of getting into these big snakes. Don't get me wrong I love them but them really do command alot of respect.

Good point For a eye opener on WHAT a big snke can do. But not all Big snakes will do that. I keep many large retics anacondas rock's and Burms and i only have a few that would like to do that.

But on the other hand that is somthing you want to keep in the back of you mind on what MAY or COULD happen if you get a large snake like a retic. But like i said they are not all like that i have a few that are just as nice as a Corn snake.

Brandon

[guapote's gape]

I agree Brandon,
Just can't stress enough as IMO too many individuals get into these snakes without the prerequisite knowledge about them.
None of these animals are trully domesticated and are still instinctual by nature. If a corn snake for whatever reason decided one day to take a chunk out of you, you'll be ok. Not neccesarily the same outcome with one of the big boys.
I kept several of these for many years of my life and it still pains me to see periodic articles about 'Fluffy' (hypothetical) the house pet Burmese Python that's always been so docile until one day she constricted the family dog or child and no knows why! Sure we do!
Granted there are lots of very knowledgeable and experienced keepers of these snakes but for the budding Retic owner I just hope they give the animal the respect it trully deserves.

[NewLineReptile]

Very well said

Brandon

[kevyn]

I'll second that. There's alot to know, when it comes to staying safe with giants. I

[VooDooMafia]

Another thing you also want to consider is the availability of large food items. The last thing your wallet would want is a very large snake feeding on rats lol

[weinerboy12]

I hope you have had experience with HUGE snakes before.. A friend of mine has a 17' retic.. It scares the **** out of me! So much more agressive and aware then any burms i've seen. mehh.. dont get eaten!! :p

[KarlSnake]

Although I am the keeper / owner of "Little Snooky", a truly GIGANTIC male retic - there is some question as to just who owns/keeps who - I would NEVER recommend one of these to anyone who is even a little bit uncommitted to what is by no means a small undertaking or apropos for the inexperienced casual herper. Way beyond the book-learning & discussions with others who are WAY into keeping the truly giant snakes, experience acquired with species that cannot kill you has obvious advantages. During our "traveling salvation show" presentations, we get a lot of inquiries about the keeping of a retic, many of them because of some misconception that it would be "kewl" to have one on these giants. "Little Snooky" is very docile, tractable, & easily handled. Fortunately for us here at Snake's Pit, he is the complete diametrical opposite of the other end of the retic spectrum. But, I was the unintentional target in a SFA - Stupid Feeding Accident - over 18 years ago & still to this day have the broken-off remains of teeth embedded in both hands. I learned the HARD WAY that taking your eyes off of the snake (I was distracted by one of our daughters & one of our cats) for even a µsecond is 990 nanoseconds too long at feeding time when you are holding the food / prey (a 10# rabbit) in your hands.

Start off with corns or kings - maybe ratsnakes (these are typically nippy) , bullsnakes, or gophersnakes, even an indigo if legal where you live.

If you've just GOTTA have a "python", start out with a ball.

Plan ahead - "Little Snooky" is >28¾ years old now & will in all likelihood outlive ME.

Giant snakes need huge cages / enclosures, big water tanks, & the ability to deal with 200-pound turds. Just the logistics of buying "feeder pigs" (this term has a different meaning in the swine-farming business) at livestock auctions, deworming them, ad nauseam, etc., are just the tip of the iceberg regarding the commitment one makes with the decision to keep a giant snake.

I knew "Colossus" - a WC - quite well & "he" (she at necropsy) was very nasty-tempered & a completely intractable / unhandlable WILD animal. At least "Little Snooky", a CH, has been handled & messed with ever since he was an 18" hatchling. Nevertheless, we ALWAYS use the (both are adults) "Buddy System" & keep the 1-oz bottle of whiskey or vodka available at all times.

Keeping (or being kept by) a giant snake that will outlive you & could easily kill you is no small undertaking & cannot be rationally approached like something as trivial as having & raising children to adulthood.

Unless you are fully ready to commit rather significant money & a significant chunk of the next 50 years of your life, pass on a retic.