Please talk me out of getting a burm

[Kettennatter]

Started looking more and more into burms over the last few months, and just handled a gorgeous 7ft albino female over lunch. Can somebody please talk me out of it? Thank you!

[Kingsnakechris]

All I can say is good luck LOL im sure you know how addictive snakes are and if you really want a burm talking you out of it will only prolong your decision to get one.....

[alessia55]

Size: as adults they need a large enclosure. Big snake = bigger food. Bigger food is typically more expensive. Buying the large enclosure and food is $$$

Because of ther large size, it is typically recommended you handle them alone. It is recommended you have someone else around so they can help you in case of an accident of any kind.

It is now illegal to move these snakes across state lines. If (for whatever reason) you want to or have to move to a different state, you'll have to find someone to take your burm- which might not be easy.

[MoreliAddict]

Alessia has a good point about the ban, Retic is a better option imo.

[rmfsnakes32]

I think retic may not be a good idea many states have bans on retics as well

[MoreliAddict]

I think retic may not be a good idea many states have bans on retics as well
Never said either was a good idea, I only said Retic is a better option. Reason being is that you can't bring Burms across state lines, period.

If OP's state laws allows Retics than the laws over there are already more lenient for Retics than for Burms...

[infernalis]

If you buy one I will slap you upside the head.

Did that work?

[Gungirl]

:) Easy Gibbs.

[Kettennatter]

If you buy one I will slap you upside the head.

Did that work?

Nice try. I had hoped my wife would do that. For some reason she likes burms but dislikes retics. Not saying that I understand.

[Kettennatter]

Both burms and retics are permitted in Ohio, but I would have to get a $150 license in 2014 IF the snake gets over 12 ft long.

Yes, the enclosure size is an issue. I also heard that their feeding repsonse can be somewhat fierce. The ones I have handled so far were relatively easy to get out of their enclosures.

I really don't need another snake. Maybe there is a self-help group somewhere.

[millertime89]

The snake will probably at come cloae to doubling in length by the start of 2014 and will need larger rabbits that aren't cheap on a weekly.or biweekly basis. Burms have a nasty habit of getting RIs when compared to other species and albinos have an increased chance of developing scale issues. You'll need a 4x3 enclosure at minimum when its full grown But I would recommend a 6x2 because its easier to clean. But if it gets much bigger than 12 feet you'll need to increase the cage size.

[Kaetlinv]

Nice try. I had hoped my wife would do that. For some reason she likes burms but dislikes retics. Not saying that I understand.

Maybe it's because Burms may look more 'friendly'? The markings and shape of the face are 'softer' (in my opinion). With the bright contrast of Retics' eyes, I can understand someone thing they're more menacing or intimidating (I for one just think they're beautiful) vs the darker eyes of a burm (with the iris being of similar color to the pupil they 'blend' together and make the eyes more appealing.). Also maybe the pattern / color combos of a burm appeal to her more than that of a retic.


Not going to attempt to talk you out of it - if it's not the right time you won't get it. If you feel like you can manage a big snake then you'll make it happen. The best thing to do is wait, and plan it out. Figure out all the expenses / processes you would have to go through with a new snake. if you get overwhelmed planning every nook and cranny idea then now isn't the right time. If you're only getting more excited planning all the picky details and you can afford it, start the process of building / setting up / purchasing the snakes new enclosure, if at any point you get any niggling 'is it worth it?' or similar negative thought, stop, because you don't want to feel pressured because you've already started. Put the process / items away in a secure storage location until you feel ready again, and repeat until you have a beautiful new companion. :)

[dave himself]

Look I know this is gonna be hard for you to listen to as you have obviously made up your mind about the getting a burm thing so let's see if I can put you off this silly idea GET A BURM THEY ARE AMAZING sorry I just can't lie ;)

[dave himself]

Ok all joking aside our biggest girl is around 10 foot and this is the size of her viv
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j342/davy64/IMAG0175.jpg
Not trying to put you off mate just opening your eyes

[MoreliAddict]

That snake is very human-like.

[Kettennatter]

Ok all joking aside our biggest girl is around 10 foot and this is the size of her viv
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j342/davy64/IMAG0175.jpg
Not trying to put you off mate just opening your eyes

Nice enclosure, but the burm looks kind of "different". :D Oh, I know. I would probably commission the enclosure. As long as it's stackable.

[Kettennatter]

The snake will probably at come cloae to doubling in length by the start of 2014 and will need larger rabbits that aren't cheap on a weekly.or biweekly basis. Burms have a nasty habit of getting RIs when compared to other species and albinos have an increased chance of developing scale issues. You'll need a 4x3 enclosure at minimum when its full grown But I would recommend a 6x2 because its easier to clean. But if it gets much bigger than 12 feet you'll need to increase the cage size.

Yes, there is definitely the cost factor, and possible regulatory aspects. Talking about the size, I know where to find a 10ft burm that can be handled. Maybe it will scare the wife.

What will stop me is probably the fact that I have 11 snakes to take care of, already.

[dave himself]

That snake is very human-like.

Lol but he's het idiot

[millertime89]

the number argument is entirely personal. I'm at 9 and know I can easily take on a few more (planning on it).

[millertime89]

Lol but he's het idiot

hahahahahahahahaha, that's awesome, I'm stealing that.

[Kettennatter]

Maybe it's because Burms may look more 'friendly'? The markings and shape of the face are 'softer' (in my opinion). With the bright contrast of Retics' eyes, I can understand someone thing they're more menacing or intimidating (I for one just think they're beautiful) vs the darker eyes of a burm (with the iris being of similar color to the pupil they 'blend' together and make the eyes more appealing.). Also maybe the pattern / color combos of a burm appeal to her more than that of a retic.[...]

I'm not sure. I got her to hold a lavender retic that was really docile and that she liked. But it was young, and I guess she has the notion that it grows into some for of a prehistorical monster whereas the burmese does not. It might have something to do that she also saw a very large female retic at the breeder.


Not going to attempt to talk you out of it - if it's not the right time you won't get it. If you feel like you can manage a big snake then you'll make it happen. The best thing to do is wait, and plan it out. Figure out all the expenses / processes you would have to go through with a new snake. if you get overwhelmed planning every nook and cranny idea then now isn't the right time. If you're only getting more excited planning all the picky details and you can afford it, start the process of building / setting up / purchasing the snakes new enclosure, if at any point you get any niggling 'is it worth it?' or similar negative thought, stop, because you don't want to feel pressured because you've already started. Put the process / items away in a secure storage location until you feel ready again, and repeat until you have a beautiful new companion. :)

It's not so much a question of money, it really isn't. But you are right about the enclosure. Even though, the decision of which size/age of snake to start with would still be up for debate. I guess I should have her handle a larger one. That would be a litmus test whether she is open to that size of a snake at all.

[Kettennatter]

the number argument is entirely personal. I'm at 9 and know I can easily take on a few more (planning on it).

I just spent about an hour of getting all the snakes fed. But you are right, they will feed less when fully grown. And what is one more?

[Ivanator]

Don't get one!!! Get a retic instead!!

[DavethePython]

As much as I loved the burm we had for a short time , he was a rescue . His needs were more than I could handle alone . He was almost 9 ft and he was good to handle but if he decided to squeeze me , it was all over . He was really gentle but he got excited easily and then he would forget what he was doing and either get aggitated or aggressive. Seen a lot of good advice offered above . You should look to the future with the idea of what if in mind and how you will deal with it . Burms are awesome and amazing animals but the responsibility is a heavy one just like any giant . Good luck , only you can make that call.

[rmfsnakes32]

Ahhhh I would say get the burm ( sorry lol) I got a baby a few weeks ago and am elated by the time he/she gets that big you will be so used to handling it that size wont matter anymore! I knew going into this I would have to buy/build a permanent enclosure by the time he is a year old! I think you will have a wonderful experiance raising it from baby on up! But only you can make that heart of hearts decision if your ready to add another member to your family! Good luck keep us posted!

[Kettennatter]

As much as I loved the burm we had for a short time , he was a rescue . His needs were more than I could handle alone . He was almost 9 ft and he was good to handle but if he decided to squeeze me , it was all over . He was really gentle but he got excited easily and then he would forget what he was doing and either get aggitated or aggressive. Seen a lot of good advice offered above . You should look to the future with the idea of what if in mind and how you will deal with it . Burms are awesome and amazing animals but the responsibility is a heavy one just like any giant . Good luck , only you can make that call.

Yes, that was one of my concerns. Something of that size getting aggressive is a whole different caliber than my 6ft boa. I talked to a breeder yesterday, and he said that it depends on the individual. For his exhibits at schools and private events he used BPs and burms. I've handled a few of his burms and retics, and they are quite predictable. How that works out IRL and at feeding time may be another question.

[Kettennatter]

Ahhhh I would say get the burm ( sorry lol) I got a baby a few weeks ago and am elated by the time he/she gets that big you will be so used to handling it that size wont matter anymore! I knew going into this I would have to buy/build a permanent enclosure by the time he is a year old! I think you will have a wonderful experiance raising it from baby on up! But only you can make that heart of hearts decision if your ready to add another member to your family! Good luck keep us posted!

I'm oddly enough tending in the opposite direction, mostly because I've had great luck adopting adult or subadult snakes. Looking at an adult snake also let's me know what I'm getting into right away.

[Kettennatter]

Not much of an update yet. Looking at another snake tonight, possibly. Also just realized that the $150 fee in Ohio to keep anything over 12 ft. would be an annual fee.

[Kettennatter]

So far, you're not very successful. Below is one I looked at over the weekend, I was building a wooden frame yesterday, and I may purchase some melamine today.

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/kettennatter/buttercup.jpg

[Kaetlinv]

yep. You're hooked. :wacky: No stopping it now, lol

[Kettennatter]

yep. You're hooked. :wacky: No stopping it now, lol

I'm afraid so. I was apprehensive about the size (13 ft.), but it wasn't any harder to handle than my BCI, simply because it was just incredibly calm. Cage building has slowed down, but I found a rabbit supplier.

[Kaetlinv]

Good for you, Ketten! :D Make sure to post tons of pictures once you get your new little(huge!) bundle of snake :D Plenty of enclosure pics too!

One day I hope to have at least one or two snakes bigger than BPs, but I won't get one unless I've got the space and money to dedicate to them. No matter how cute those tiny little baby burms are at the pet store! Gah such huge brown eyes wanted to suck me in <3

[moshirimon]

yea large pythons are extremely attractive and addictive. if their permitted in your area and you have the time, space, knowledge and $$$$ for one, i'd say what the hell are you waiting for.

[Kettennatter]

Good for you, Ketten! :D Make sure to post tons of pictures once you get your new little(huge!) bundle of snake :D Plenty of enclosure pics too![...]

I hope the seller holds onto the snake until I'm ready, but I'm rather confident. I will have to complete the basic enclosure by next weekend. It will be fairly basic, but big enough that I will have to assemble it in place. (6x3x3)


One day I hope to have at least one or two snakes bigger than BPs, but I won't get one unless I've got the space and money to dedicate to them. No matter how cute those tiny little baby burms are at the pet store! Gah such huge brown eyes wanted to suck me in <3

The tiny burms are wonderful. They already have that rather calm "big snake" behavior. I looked at the bigger ones, simply because I wanted to know what I'm getting into.

[Kettennatter]

yea large pythons are extremely attractive and addictive. if their permitted in your area and you have the time, space, knowledge and $$$$ for one, i'd say what the hell are you waiting for.

They are permitted for now. As of 2014 they will become "restricted" in Ohio if they are over 12ft. This means that I will have to undergo a criminal background check, have to prove that I'm knowledgeable with snakes, have a vet confirm that he/she would care for the snake, and pay a $150 annual fee to pay for the privilege to keep "restricted snakes".

In summary, it would be cheaper and less restrictive to buy firearms.