Picked up a couple today...at a local show

[BurmeseGuy]

100% het Albino Retic and 100% het Albino Granite Burm

I know the pictures are a little dark I'll get some better ones in the next few days...

[Caylan]

Burm looks good, retic sure needs some food lol. Should make a decent breeding pair, normal burms are always a great thing to have! Double het to boot. Caylan.S.

[asnakelovinbabe]

The retic does not look healthy. The burm is beautiful. If I were you'd I'd get the retic far away from your other animals and give it a drink or a soak or some food but preferably all of that... although it looks like its too late for keeping it quarantined eh?... Good luck

[Kayla90]

Steph : The retic looks fine, its totally normal for retics to be that narrow at that age, all of their growing goes into length till about 9 feet, by then they are about the width of a pepsi can and the girth starts to go up more rapidly then before. To give you an example, my female is 10feet, and shes smaller then my wrist even though she is pounding more food then all the other animals in this house combine.

[BurmeseGuy]

I don't know he acts fine...runaway like most do...he took a healthy crap when I got him home...and he looked just like his albino sister in the enclosure next to him...thanks for the wishes of luck...I think he'll be fine...the breeder already had them both in the box display together bought them as a pair...

2 Burms and a Retic...told my oldest son to pinch me...lol

[BurmeseGuy]

Quick question...showed this pic of my female Burm and was told by like 3 breeders that they thought she was a Labrynth and 1 breeder said High White...anyone have opinions on this? Please discuss thank you

She did stay home since she is under the weather as of now...

[BurmeseGuy]

Steph : The retic looks fine, its totally normal for retics to be that narrow at that age, all of their growing goes into length till about 9 feet, by then they are about the width of a pepsi can and the girth starts to go up more rapidly then before. To give you an example, my female is 10feet, and shes smaller then my wrist even though she is pounding more food then all the other animals in this house combine.

Thanks for the info Kayla good to know...love learning something new everyday...they have been in an enclosure together since the Burm was born he is a few months younger than the Retic according to breeder...how stressful will it be to separate them? They curl up together and pretty much go exploring the enclosure together...just don't wanna separate if they are "that close" you know

Oh btw named the Retic Lurch for the long lankiness...need to come up with a name for the Burm...

[SSSSnakes]

I'll have to agree with most of the others, the Retic looks skinny, at least from your pictures. I've raised many Retics from babies and the body should be in proportion to the head.

The Burm looks great. Nice pick up.

[Kayla90]

Separate them asap, there really is no reason to house them together as they dont have the ability to bond.
Keep in mind that as retics and burms will not use hides when they are older, you wont need high enclosures for them. Something thats 18 inches high is perfect.
I'm not sure about burms but neo retics NEED humidity, spray till 75-85% in the morning and let it drop, shouldn't go under 60%.
My female is at the point now where she has outgrown her bin, she was in a 2221 bin till about 9 feet. But she gets let out daily to stretch and climb.


If you are new to retics and burms, I'd advise you to learn how to hook train, as its almost suicidal to try working with them without it. My female is a doll, never strikes but today is feeding day and she flung herself about 5feet at my face (10 foot snake)

[Kayla90]

This is stephanbakir talking btw, too lazy to log in from my computer :P

[Trent]

Congrats on the new additions.The retic looks skinny to me too.The burm looks awesome!

[BurmeseGuy]

Ok Stephan, I'm new to Retic's but have had my fair share of Burms in the past...sold most but had one pass on me...I was devestated to say the least...never hook trained her...she was big too...ok I will separate them then...they just seem so good together is all...I have my female and even sick she doesn't strike nor has she ever...and the only hissing she seems to do is at my wife...little fact about me for you...I am a disabled veteran of Desert Storm and I seriously just alternate snakes daily giving each about and hour or two out of enclosures...will do the same for the two new ones

[Jenn_06]

im Sorry but that retic needs to eat yes they are skinny with they are small but that one looks really skinny need to get it on a once a week feeding asap. and hook training a retic to me is a most, if i did not do it with my isis and cleo i would have no face right now lol.

[Norm66]

Congratulations! And thanks for your service.

[Jenn_06]

and your albino burm looks like a really nice high white.

[jarich]

That Burm is beautiful. How much did you pay for them?

[asnakelovinbabe]

Steph : The retic looks fine, its totally normal for retics to be that narrow at that age, all of their growing goes into length till about 9 feet, by then they are about the width of a pepsi can and the girth starts to go up more rapidly then before. To give you an example, my female is 10feet, and shes smaller then my wrist even though she is pounding more food then all the other animals in this house combine.

Sorry love but there is a difference between a snake that goes through a narrow stage and a snake that is malnourished... I could tell just by glancing at the fleshy portion on the back of the head, where the neck connects to the body, that area should look plump, not depressed in like it is. His body is also noticeably thin, you can see the skin sinking in. Like I said, the BURM looks great, it's beautiful and in wonderful shape. I think OP said that they were being housed together and that is probably the cause for this. The retic is probably stressing out about being housed with another snake. As long as you separate them ASAP he should turn around for you. Give him his own cage and some tight, secure hides and leave him be for a few days before you try and feed him. If you don't act fast though, you could lose him!

[BurmeseGuy]

It was near closing up time he had 95.00 for the Retic and 85.00 on the Burm I offered 130.00 he countered with 140.00...i took it...

[Will0W783]

That's definitely a good price on them, and the Burm looks great. I would get a fecal sample from both snakes to a herp vet ASAP to make sure the retic doesn't have worms. It concerns me how thin he is, although it could just be from the seller underfeeding him to save money.
I've been going to reptile shows for many years now, and I've learned to be extremely picky about which animals I buy. I used to look for great deals, but there are so many shady people selling animals these days that I now look at the condition of every animal on the table. If a seller has anything...ANYTHING...that doesn't look to be in great shape, I won't buy a single thing from him/her. I've had too many bad experiences from buying up tons of animals quickly and looking for the cheapest deals....some really heartbreaking things even.

I would say you want to separate the Burm and retic ASAP, if you haven't already. It will make both snakes a lot less stressed out and make it much easier for you to manage quarantine. I don't recall- are the new snakes in a different room from your others? If not, I'd move them right away. You can't be too careful with quarantine- the recommended period is 3-6 months (towards the longer end for boas because they can carry BOID without showing signs for a long time). I usually set up quarantined snakes on white butcher paper or paper towels, as it makes it easier to see any mites or ticks that come off and to collect their waste. You can also easily see the condition of poop and urates on white paper.

I think you'll be able to get that retic into great shape soon, just feed him a prey item that leaves a sizable lump in him once every 7 days until he's about 5-6 feet long, then you can slow it down to once every 10-14 days. Retics eat a LOT more than Burms, and they grow like weeds their first year. My female supertiger was 3 feet long when I got her in July- she is now over 6 feet long and has more than doubled in width. It's true that retics stay slender until they are almost their adult length, and then thicken up....but even a slender baby retic should be round and have good body tone. You should not be able to see the spine or the ribs jutting out, but should be able to feel the ribs slightly if you run your finger along the body with a tiny bit of pressure. It's really hard to make a baby retic fat- they will just grow faster.

Best of luck, Dale! And congrats on the new additions.

[BurmeseGuy]

Thanks Kim, I wasn't looking for a deal sort of speak...we walked around and I seen many other snakes that were appealing as well...I just got lucky on the deal...it was the end of the day kinda thing...I was hoping I could wheel and deal and I did...yeah I have the newbie's in our bedroom...the others are in the living room and our bedroom door is always shut...I have to wait until wed. to get a new enclosure...my vet has some freebies that people brought her...I get most of my stuff from her...I will do the fecal thing too...thanks again for the advice

[Will0W783]

Ok awesome, sounds like you have things set up well. Best of luck with the fecal test- hopefully it's clean and then you'll just have the task of feeding and feeding your new little retic. They're very rewarding snakes to own- I'm addicted to them. They have a ton of personality and are generally more curious and active than Burms. :)

[BurmeseGuy]

yes when I've had him out here taking pictures I can't seem to get him to sit still long enough to get a good one...he's a runner

[Will0W783]

Lol, that's a retic for you. They rarely sit still. Here's a picture of me holding my male purple albino, George. He had his head down on the floor about 30 seconds before this picture- then just lifted himself up and started going for the shelves.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh115/Will0W783/5789660d.jpg

One of my dearest pets was a super dwarf female named Baby- she would follow me around like a dog when she was out of her cage, and converted several of my friends and family over to snake-lovers with her sweet personality. I will never forget her, and she gave me a life-long love of retics.

[Jenn_06]

Isis is like that too, in one place then 1 sec later at the other side of the room. She does not know the meaning of sit still.

[BurmeseGuy]

Wow simply Beautiful my wife and I love him..do you have pictures of your Super Dwarf...

I took a few more pictures he was a little more cooperative today but still the lighting in my house sucks...and I took the pictures in the bathroom that has 3 100w bulbs in it...it's like sunlight in there...still dark pictures...he is very very silver/gray on the side and dark gray almost black on the top so I think unless I put a spot light on him he's takin dark pictures lol...got some of the Burm too

[alessia55]

They're real sweet, Dale... especially the burm :)

But since they're getting used to their new environment, I'd recommend not taking them out for photos or handling again until they've had a few meals.

[BurmeseGuy]

Yeah I know it's just so dang hard not too...

[alessia55]

Yeah I know it's just so dang hard not too...

I know, it's really really exciting- I totally understand that! But taking them out for photos and handling will only stress them out. They're already stressed because they're in a new environment with new sights and smells, and they're more stressed because you're still housing them together... They really don't need the added stress of handling right now. Let them settle in and eat first- that's what's most important.

[BurmeseGuy]

I know, I know...I'm getting another small 10 gal for one of them and feeding them both on Wednesday...no more pics for a while...lol

[KORBIN5895]

They're real sweet, Dale... especially the burm :)

But since they're getting used to their new environment, I'd recommend not taking them out for photos or handling again until they've had a few meals.

Kill joy! You are right though........

Nice snakes Dale. Thanks for doing your tour.

[youngster]

So you're planning on breeding these?

[exwizard]

Yes, nice pickups, congrats and thank you for your service as well.

[BurmeseGuy]

not sure if i'll breed or not...i may but if i do it wouldn't be for at least 2 or 3 seasons

[Gungirl]

Won't a 10 gallon be way to small for either of them?

[alessia55]

Won't a 10 gallon be way to small for either of them?

that's what I was thinking :confused:

[BurmeseGuy]

that's what I was thinking :confused:

no it won't not at the moment, I can get one for 10 bucks...I got heat cable and lights and all...he...the burm would only be in it for a few weeks at most...have a custom whole wall enclosure that we'll be puttin up...trust me they'll both have plenty of room to grow...the enclosure will be 10ft long 2ft tall and 3ft wide...building 3, 1 for reg Burm, 1 for my Albino, 1 for the Retic...1 8ft for for the RTB, and a couple vertical ones we plan on picking up some Amazon Tree's and/or Green Tree's and maybe an Emerald then we'll be done

[KORBIN5895]

Done? Yeah right!

[millertime89]

how long are they now? A 10 gal is too small for all but hatchling superdwarf retics. And they outgrow an enclosure that size quickly.

[BurmeseGuy]

how long are they now? A 10 gal is too small for all but hatchling superdwarf retics. And they outgrow an enclosure that size quickly.

yeah miller, the retic is gonna stay in the 20 long that they are both in now...but the burm isn't but 2.5 feet I think he'll be ok for a few weeks in it...plenty of room in it for him

[BurmeseGuy]

Done? Yeah right!

wife was watchin Korbin, lol, had to make it look good ya know

[millertime89]

I dunno man, that 20 long will work for a bit, what are the dimensions of the 10?

What are the sexes of them?

[BurmeseGuy]

idk what the dimensions of the 10 are but it's like 2 or 3 weeks tops...and they're both males staying in the 20 long together now...they've been together since birth of burmese

[millertime89]

my honest opinion? go to walmart and get some 34 or 36 qt tubs for em, perfect for them till they hit about 4 feet in lenght, which admittedly shouldn't take too long if they're eating right. They're like 6 bucks a piece, you can step it up to 44s which will last them till they hit 6ish feet for like 15 a piece.

[BurmeseGuy]

my honest opinion? go to walmart and get some 34 or 36 qt tubs for em, perfect for them till they hit about 4 feet in lenght, which admittedly shouldn't take too long if they're eating right. They're like 6 bucks a piece, you can step it up to 44s which will last them till they hit 6ish feet for like 15 a piece.

I might...would have to be clear ones though...lol wife likes them on display...who am I kidding I do too

[millertime89]

they're not glass clear, but you can still see in them.
I wanna say I got these
Sterilite - 1886: 35 Quart Latch Box (http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=77&view=0&picture=1&tab=Specifications&ProductCategory=180&section=1)
but it might have been these
Sterilite - 1755: 32 Quart ClearView Latch™ Box (http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=604&view=0&picture=1&tab=Specifications&ProductCategory=252&section=1)

and I guess they're 41 qts, thought it was a bit bigger...
Sterilite - 1960: 41 Quart Underbed Box (http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=365&view=0&picture=1&tab=Specifications&ProductCategory=179&section=1)

and for when they're even bigger I bought these
Sterilite - 1996: 74 Quart Ultra™ Underbed Box (http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=360&view=0&picture=1&tab=Specifications&ProductCategory=253&section=1)
or
Sterilite - 1895: 67 Quart Wheeled Underbed Latch Box (http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=447&view=0&picture=1&tab=Specifications&ProductCategory=180&section=1)

you probably can't see him, but Nero is in the bottom bin in the right hand corner under the substrate.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album337/IMG_1120.sized.jpg

[BurmeseGuy]

the wife said no she'd buy a 40 gal she wants to see...i think they'll be ok for a few more feet then i'll put 'em in their permanent big enclosure

[asnakelovinbabe]

I was just going to suggest going to walmart and getting those tubs. I have tons of those things, they are FAR more spacious than either a 10 gallon OR a 20 long. And they cost a lot less, they are MUCH easier to clean and move around and they hold humidity (which is vital) 10 times more effectively than a tank ever will. Tanks suck, plain and simple, they are heavy, their shape is all wrong for most snakes, they don't hold humidity and they are hell on your back at cleaning time. Remember you can buy a tank for $10 but then you gotta buy the screen top, another $10 and don't forget the clamps! and you have to buy two sets so you are already at $45 after tax and clamps before heating or anything to hold humidity. Buy the tubs for $10 or $15 each and you have saved money and bought a more efficient housing system that already comes with a LOCKING lid! AND they are bigger than a tank. For ventilation holes, I use a soudering iron. I go outside and use it to melt holes into the plastic. Is all of the benefits that you are going to be sacrificing by sticking them in tanks/a tank really worth it just so that you can see through some glass? I mean, like you said, this is only temporary and once they are in their permanent caging you will be able to see them forever. The number one most important aspect to proper husbandry is to always put the snakes first before our own wants.

[Caylan]

Bins all the way!!! Asnakelovinbabe siad it all right there! Look at this blood, loves the humidity, heat retention, and size!!! Don't be afraid to go 12 inches high with these guys, they'll use the lip to climb perfch all the time! Bins rock, tanks suck. This bin is easily a 30 gallon tank but way cheaper, easier, decent display, better for temperature and humidity requirements, and if only temporary, then they are your best bet. 10 gallon tanks are for beta's....
http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww355/Inugohan/Iiim%20Baaack/IMG_0214.jpg

[millertime89]

I'm sorry, but you need to put your foot down on this one, tubs are far superior to tanks, especially for short term solutions. I made the switch a few months back and I couldn't be happier and all of my snakes have become more active in them. Make the switch especially if you're going to dump them in a tiny 10 gallon. If you want something more display-like you can always get something taller.

[BurmeseGuy]

Well I can go get some extras from the vet for free, she is trying to get rid of a garage full of them...then all we have to do is buy the lid, locks, lights, and heat cable...no biggie...I will check out the tubs though

[asnakelovinbabe]

::sigh:: :no:

That doesn't change the fact that tanks are crap for housing humidity-needing snakes. I beg you to give the tubs a try. Just try it. I didn't like tubs at FIRST because I couldn't see into them as well. I was reluctant. But once I tried it I have not looked back and quickly eliminated practically ALL of the glass caging in the snakeroom (aside from a really nice cage with sliding glass doors on the front). I prefer custom built caging the most and that's mostly what I use, but for growing snakes and babies and humidity lovers, tubs are pretty awesome!

[millertime89]

::sigh:: :no:

That doesn't change the fact that tanks are crap for housing humidity-needing snakes. I beg you to give the tubs a try. Just try it. I didn't like tubs at FIRST because I couldn't see into them as well. I was reluctant. But once I tried it I have not looked back and quickly eliminated practically ALL of the glass caging in the snakeroom (aside from a really nice cage with sliding glass doors on the front). I prefer custom built caging the most and that's mostly what I use, but for growing snakes and babies and humidity lovers, tubs are pretty awesome!

exactly. However I've said it before and I'll say it again, with a little work tanks CAN work, but the key phrase there is "with work". Tubs are just plain easy, so easy in fact they should almost be a crime.

[asnakelovinbabe]

exactly. However I've said it before and I'll say it again, with a little work tanks CAN work, but the key phrase there is "with work". Tubs are just plain easy, so easy in fact they should almost be a crime.

All that I am trying to get across is that if he tries tubs I promise he won't regret it! You get what I'm saying... Besides I don't see the point in spending all that time and money trying to make tanks work when these snakes will be grown out of even a 100 gallon tank at a year of age... Maybe if these snakes could actually be kept in a tank for any reasonable length of time like a carpet would, then I could see it, but we are dealing with baby giants here! they will barely fit into an 8 foot cage in a very short period of time. Hopefully those custom cages he builds will be enormous!

[millertime89]

I do, I agree.
IMO a 6x3x18" is perfect for all but the largest giants. And these shouldn't be an exception as they're both males (I think)

[BurmeseGuy]

I do, I agree.
IMO a 6x3x18" is perfect for all but the largest giants. And these shouldn't be an exception as they're both males (I think)

yes they're both girls and yes, I'll go shop tubs tomorrow and we'll try it out...ok...I have a soldering iron and everything...will heat cable be ok? cuz that's what I got it doesn't get super hot...and they have smaller tubs we use as water for them so that we can double up cable near the water (helps with humidity) plus we have pump spray bottles for misting all of them...I think it will work out nice that way

[BurmeseGuy]

Hopefully those custom cages he builds will be enormous!

10 or 12 feet long x 3 feet deep x 18'' tall...should be ok right for an enclosure once they hit the big mark? I know they slow down on growing once they hit the 10/12ft mark...haven't decided on length yet...

[BurmeseGuy]

just checked on them, and the Retic is up and at it...he's shedding...oh I gotta take pictures once I turn their daylight on I know he's gonna look gorgeous

oh and he flipped his hide over and is now sleeping in it...weird little guy

[Norm66]

oh and he flipped his hide over and is now sleeping in it...weird little guy

LOL, snakes are funny people. My carpet has taken up residence in a shallow bowl we put in there three weeks ago for feeding time. He won't give it up. When I took it out to clean it he got a little PO'd at me.

[millertime89]

yes they're both girls and yes, I'll go shop tubs tomorrow and we'll try it out...ok...I have a soldering iron and everything...will heat cable be ok? cuz that's what I got it doesn't get super hot...and they have smaller tubs we use as water for them so that we can double up cable near the water (helps with humidity) plus we have pump spray bottles for misting all of them...I think it will work out nice that way

yup, it'll work. Speaking of misting I need a bigger bottle...

10 or 12 feet long x 3 feet deep x 18'' tall...should be ok right for an enclosure once they hit the big mark? I know they slow down on growing once they hit the 10/12ft mark...haven't decided on length yet...

split that in half so you've got 2 6x3x18"s and you'll be golden, they don't need that much space as when they're fully grown they'll mostly sit curled in a corner daring anyone who comes close to piss em off. They're apex predators and they know it. The above size will be adequate as long as you let them out for some exercise every day and they're not pushing/rubbing.

just checked on them, and the Retic is up and at it...he's shedding...oh I gotta take pictures once I turn their daylight on I know he's gonna look gorgeous

oh and he flipped his hide over and is now sleeping in it...weird little guy

I can't wait to see new pics of them.
What a dork, as they continue to grow they'll use their hides less and less. Once full grown they'll probably never use it. What are you using for a hide right now?

[BurmeseGuy]

I'd call it an old card box kinda thing it's to some kind of monopoly game my daughter had...just took top for one and bottom for the other and cut a door in them with scissors

[millertime89]

I gotcha, was just wondering.

[BurmeseGuy]

Got the enclosure built will post pictures in a few here and in enclosure thread