What's the deal?

metalcopper · 09-19-13, 08:34 PM

What's the deal with Burms? Why are these wonderful snakes not as prevalent anymore? Forgive me, I haven't followed the pet trade on these for a while, but I have had them in the past, even successfully bred them on my first try with natural incubation about 20 years ago.
I know there are some laws now with transporting them across state lines, is this just because of what is happening in Florida? Are these same laws applying to all giant snakes like Retics as well?
In my opinion, Burms are the ultimate snake to keep, if you like the size. They have wonderful dispositions, and are very hardy. Why don't more people keep them anymore? I look at everyone's signatures on their posts, and I barely see any Burms. Or, are they just not that interesting to people anymore?

Mikoh4792 · 09-19-13, 08:42 PM

For me, it's because they are illegal in NY and I couldn't take care of something that big. Especially by myself.

metalcopper · 09-19-13, 08:53 PM

Are Retics illegal as well?

Mikoh4792 · 09-19-13, 09:10 PM

Yup.

I think most snake species that get larger than 12 feet are illegal, including condas and scrub pythons

And because retics are illegal, all forms including dwarf and super dwarf retics are illegal.

But then again, it's new york. Everything here is strict.

**Aaron_S** · 09-19-13, 09:17 PM

It's because they get so big. It's a niche within a niche and over the years legislation has made it harder to keep them.

Cool animals though.

smy_749 · 09-19-13, 10:08 PM

neither are illegal in CT. Burms arent prevalent because you cant transport them across statelines. Your market is limited to your state=destroyed the burm world. Retic market still going strong from what Ive seen.

drumcrush · 09-20-13, 04:33 AM

I want to get one, but not until I get my own house and settle down. I hope I will still be able to get them then.

Terranaut · 09-20-13, 05:22 AM

Yup. Not legal here either.

KORBIN5895 · 09-20-13, 07:31 AM

Most people aren't capable of properly caring for these types of snakes. That is one of the main reasons they are restricted. What happened to yours?

Terranaut · 09-20-13, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

Most people aren't capable of properly caring for these types of snakes. That is one of the main reasons they are restricted. What happened to yours?

Yup. Words I hate to read are "I used to keep"
The first reason people seem to have for getting rid of a burm is "it got to big" . How do people ever spend their money without a little research first. Of course it got big...it's a burm.
I love burms to but even if they were legal the only way I would have one is if was my only snake and I had space for a 10'x4'x4' enclosure.

metalcopper · 09-20-13, 09:30 AM

I had to give mine to a friend 11 years ago. My daughter was born, we lived in a 2 bedroom duplex, and my snake room became the baby's room. He was a 12 foot male named Mark. He was the best snake, never bit me, never flinched while walking around him on the floor.
One time, he got out of his cage, back when I still lived with my mom, and he was gone for about 2 weeks. I went into the basement looking around for him again and couldn't find him. 10 minutes later my mom goes downstairs to do some laundry and there he was, hanging half way out of the ceiling. She calmly says, "I found Mark".
It's too bad they have gotten a bad rep, awesome snakes!

**Aaron_S** · 09-20-13, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalcopper

I had to give mine to a friend 11 years ago. My daughter was born, we lived in a 2 bedroom duplex, and my snake room became the baby's room. He was a 12 foot male named Mark. He was the best snake, never bit me, never flinched while walking around him on the floor.
One time, he got out of his cage, back when I still lived with my mom, and he was gone for about 2 weeks. I went into the basement looking around for him again and couldn't find him. 10 minutes later my mom goes downstairs to do some laundry and there he was, hanging half way out of the ceiling. She calmly says, "I found Mark".
It's too bad they have gotten a bad rep, awesome snakes!

I wouldn't say they have a "bad reputation" when it seems that most would agree they are inappropriate pets for 99.9% of people.

metalcopper · 09-20-13, 12:12 PM

What I meant by "bad rep" is to the general public and law makers. Us, as reptile fans, know that they can be wonderful, if you want a giant python. Retics have always had a more aggressive disposition, for the most part, than Burms, but Retics, IMO, are the most beautiful of the giant snakes. I was just curious what you all thought about them and why they are not so prevalent in people's collections anymore.

KORBIN5895 · 09-20-13, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalcopper

What I meant by "bad rep" is to the general public and law makers. Us, as reptile fans, know that they can be wonderful, if you want a giant python. Retics have always had a more aggressive disposition, for the most part, than Burms, but Retics, IMO, are the most beautiful of the giant snakes. I was just curious what you all thought about them and why they are not so prevalent in people's collections anymore.

You must not have read my first post....

**Aaron_S** · 09-20-13, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalcopper

What I meant by "bad rep" is to the general public and law makers....

yeah I'm sure they got that for no reason after killing some people...