Meet Silas, the pop-eyed albino Burmese

Will0W783 · 12-22-10, 08:55 AM

I have always loved albino Burmese pythons- I think they have adorable faces and they are generally gentle giants. This species and morph has always been on my wish list, but I was never in the position to own one. After my SD retic Baby passed, my fiance started looking for a large snake for me. We found this Burm for adoption on Craigslist. After talking to the owners, it became apparent to me that they didn't really know what they were doing. They felt that since they kept the snakes on bare floor Vision cages with no bedding, they didn't have to worry about mites, for example. I went to look at the snake last night and brought him home. He came with his 4'x3' Vision cage. He'll be in quarantine for several months, but I'm glad I have him and can give him proper care. He's got a few scars and very mild nose rub, and is about 8 feet long but underweight. He also has mites (not a surprise). The only thing odd about him is that he has really buggy eyes- kind of like a Leucistic Texas ratsnake. I have seen albino Burms with buggish eyes before, but Silas's really bug out. I hope it's not a cause for concern- I figure it's probably just a birth defect, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had Burms with poppy eyes and if they sunk back in as the snake grew? I have attached some pictures of Silas (named after the albino guy from The DaVinci Code) for you guys to see. He's a sweet snake and really handsome other than the eyes, which I think make him endearing, as long as there isn't an underlying medical problem I need to worry about. I'm just glad I have him and can give him a larger cage as he grows, along with bedding, mite treatment and other care he might need. I texted the seller when I got home after soaking Silas, that he did have mites and that the guy should probably treat his others. He texted back that his other snakes did not have mites and that he didn't use bedding and I was full of it! Jerk! People who do not know what they are doing and don't give proper care to their animals pi$$ me off big time! Here's to years of love and enjoyment with Silas the pop-eyed Burm!

Lankyrob · 12-22-10, 08:59 AM

Sweet snake you got there!!! I would probably have called him Pop-Eye! Glad he has a nice loving home where he will be looked after properly now.

Will0W783 · 12-22-10, 09:01 AM

I am debating changing his name to Popeye, but that might hurt his ego, lol. He won't replace Baby, but it's nice to have a big snake again. He's about 8 feet long and 15 pounds (he's underweight from breeding, so he'll have to get lots of yummy rats and rabbits to get him back to healthy weight). I am just so happy to finally have a Burm after all these years of awwwing at them at shows and pet stores. I just think their fat faces and big old eyes are so adorable, even when they're 15 feet long.

Jenn_06 · 12-22-10, 10:44 AM

never seen that before, i would ask your vet if its ok. but he is beautiful.

Will0W783 · 12-22-10, 10:46 AM

Thanks Jenn. Yeah, I intend to get him a vet checkup. I was really ticked at how poorly the previous owners understood care, so I'm glad I have him now, regardless of any issues.

Jenn_06 · 12-22-10, 10:58 AM

yes its great that his is now in a great home with a owner that knows what to do and will give him the care that he needs.

Ch^4 · 12-22-10, 11:07 AM

Congrats on the new addition, he is very handsome! They are near the top of my wishlist as well! I'm glad to hear that the cutie is in good hands now.

If the person you got him from was taking really bad care of his other animals, can you call animal protection or the like?

Enjoy your new big boy! (I like Silas over popeye!)

Will0W783 · 12-22-10, 11:20 AM

I don't know - I suppose I can. I have no idea where they live though- they met me at a pet store to give me Silas.

Ch^4 · 12-22-10, 11:33 AM

Oh. I've never done it, so I'm not really sure how it all works. If you haven't actually seen the other snakes' living situation, it may not be wise to turn them in. (Just in case the burmy was the only one being neglected.....which would be such a shame, I mean, look at the cute little guy!)

Will0W783 · 12-22-10, 12:11 PM

I know, right? He's so adorable and sweet. It makes me so angry and sick when I see people not caring for their animals. Especially caged animals, because they are entirely at our mercy- for water, heat, light, food, exercise, everything.

nanna · 12-22-10, 12:24 PM

What a wonderful looking baby. I am glad he now has a person who will care for and love him the way he deserves. Congratulations!

Will0W783 · 12-22-10, 12:43 PM

Thanks Nanna. When he gets his next bath, I'll try to get some better pictures.

marvelfreak · 12-22-10, 02:52 PM

Congrats he's a handsome boy.

presspirate · 12-22-10, 03:58 PM

Nice Kim, I've been wanting a Burm for sometime. His eyes kind of remind me of an anaconda. I think a person could spend a lot of time rescuing snakes from CL. Vern, My coastal was living in horrible conditions when I picked him up. The owner was petrified of him. Now he is probably the most curious and active of my crew. I commend you on your rescue!

Reptile_Reptile · 12-22-10, 04:51 PM

< jealous
i wish i could have a giant, but i'm in no position to get one mainly cause i dont know how to take care of a 15ft snake