6 to 10 foot python?

Fimpster · 02-24-03, 10:44 PM

Hi all. I am interested in getting a python to add to my collection. I have had 2 burms and a reticulated in the past. I would love another burm or retic, however I think it would be irresponsible of me at this time to purchase such a large species. I would however be very interested in a 6 to 10 foot species. I have had a Royal (Ball) but I want something a little bigger this time (and not so hard to feed!). What about Bloods? How big do they get? Can you recommend other species that max out under 10 feet? I will have a 7’x2’x3’ viv for him/her. And what about temperaments? I prefer an easy to handle species, like many juvenile burms are, but it is not an absolute requirement.

Thanks everyone!

~Fimpster

BurmBaroness · 02-24-03, 10:51 PM

Irian Jaya or Carpet python, maybe?

**Aaron_S** · 02-24-03, 11:15 PM

From what I have heard and read blood pythons i believe grow to about 5 or 6 feet and do get very robust for their size. They can have a nice temperment if you get one as a baby and tame it down. I have heard they tend to be picky feeders sometimes.

Since you have had experience before with large species maybe a scrub python would be a goo done to add to your collection but I don't know anything really about them.

LdyDrgn · 02-25-03, 12:23 AM

I would agree with the Baroness. An Irian Jaya (morelia spilota variegata) wouldn't get too big (maybe not as big as you'd like), but a JCP (m.s. cheynei) would be ideal. They eat like pigs and when handled regularly, they calm down quite nicely. Other Carpets are notoriously nippy and expensive (Bredl's, m. bredli) and some just get too big (Queensland's, m.s. ssp). Scrub pythons (m. amethystina) get quite large and don't have the best temperaments.

Another option would be Macklot's (liasis mackloti mackloti). They get 6-8 feet and also with plenty of handling tame down beautifully. If money is no option, maybe go for a White lipped (Leiopython albertisii), those are on MY dream list, LOL. Timor pythons (python timoriensis) are quite beautiful, get to a good size, but are quite expensive.

Now heading back to the species molurus.... a Pimburan (p.m. molurus formerly p.m. pimbura) might also be a good option. They are quite beautiful in my opinion, but they don't have the best temper. Many will musk like mad, LOL The only major problem is finding one that is pure. Many are being crossed with Indian pythons. If you wish, I could clue you in on how to tell

Feel free to e-mail me on this if this becomes your choice. I can help you hunt down a pure one since I have a friend that breeds them

The_Omen · 02-25-03, 09:29 AM

Blood pythons have some odd care requirements, high humidity yet low moisture etc...
I would go for a python that is not so tough in the husbandry area and that is a lot more forgiving in that area.
The carpets may just fit the bill.

If you consider a GTP, then please get some experience with ATBs first. ATBs can prep you for some of the aboreal care and set-ups and bites

.
Don't get me wrong on the meaning of that, GTPs stress very easily and once they stress and regurge, it is a long downhill road in some cases....

stormyva · 02-25-03, 09:41 AM

I agree with the Carpet Python recommendations. There are several "types" of carpets to choose from that will fit your wants.

Katt · 02-25-03, 01:00 PM

My suggestion, look at pics, visit some animals, go with what you like.

J_Riley · 02-25-03, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Katt
My suggestion, look at pics, visit some animals,

do your research on the individual species,

Quote:

Originally posted by Katt
go with what you like.

Linds · 02-25-03, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Aaron_S

Since you have had experience before with large species maybe a scrub python would be a goo done to add to your collection but I don't know anything really about them.

I would have to disagree with the recommendation of a scrub python (with the exception of the the tannimbar scrubs, since they are a "dwarf" species). They are definitely a larger python species, and have very large teeth, and most won't hesitate to use them

Bloods can be an alright decision as long as you can meet their husbandry requirements. Are you looking for something that is easy to care for husbandry-wise, or are you prepared to deal with more specific requirements? Though many CBB babies grow into perfectly manageable animals, due to their massive size they can be somewhat awkward to handle, they won't just hang on to you like a burm or boa, you need to support them. For more informatio on bloods and their handling, <a href="http://www.ssnakess.com/caresheets/shorttailed/blood.htm">click here</a>. If you liked the retics, have you considered the Super Dwarf retics? All you love about retics in a 6' package

Just be sure that they are true super dwarfs, regular dwarfs may still exceed 10', and there is often mislabelling when it comes tor etics, you don't want to buy a snake thinking it will only finish up 6' and find out that it is a regular retic

Ringed Pythons rarely exceed 6' in length as well, though they require higher humidity. Any of the above listed can have a range of temperaments, and whatever you decide on, if you want it to be ultimately handleable your best bet is to buy it as a hatchling to acclimate it to handling, as some may take longer than others. Good luck with your decision, Katt said it best, look around, do some research, see what turns your crank

snakemann87 · 02-25-03, 04:20 PM

i would suggest a boa(BCI), they are really good snakes, and males stay around 5'.

LdyDrgn · 02-25-03, 04:25 PM

We have a male bci here that is 6-7'. I have a friend that has one at 10'. They are breedable at around 5' but they don't stay that way....

snakemann87 · 02-25-03, 04:25 PM

sorry, i meant to say 6'

Snake Lady · 02-25-03, 04:49 PM

Its not in the python species but i would reccomend a Boa also. You say you want one from 6-10 feet well the BCI female comes to about 9-10feet

Snake Lady

peregrinefalcon · 02-25-03, 06:02 PM

I recommend blood pythons! They are very easy to take care of, in fact I have one as my first snake. They usually get 5-7 feet in length and get very fat looking. Mine is a great eater, he almost never misses a meal! And mine is very easy to handle, only he gets a little grumpy at shedding time. He has never bitten me though, or even came close to. The borneo short-tailed and black short-tailed are pretty much the same snake but smaller and different colors. Hope this helps you!
Adam

peregrinefalcon · 02-25-03, 06:10 PM

PS. Here is some pics of mine

http://groups.msn.com/theplatedlizar...oodpython.msnw