reticulated python care!!! need help

i am strongly thinking of getting a retic as my first big snake, i have a few questions, what size do they average out at,i have been told average for female is 17 feet, male 12-14 feet,this was NERD's caresheet.is this accurate enough?

is it also the case that locality dictates there size?

and are these a good choice as a first monster snake? or would you reccommend a burm.

my experience is limited to royal,blood and carpet pythons, aswell as common boas

let me know what you think.

Not my cup of tea at all but we have a few people on site who can help you out with this. Good Luck if you do decide to go down this road

Firstly, no. In short - I would not recommend a mainland sized retic as a first big snake. And esp. going on the level of knowledge you appear to be currently at. They are not to be taken lightly!

Those average sizes are for mainlands sizes. and remember, averages are only averages. Retics often grow much bigger than this and you need to be prepared for it
Locality does indeed influence size. There are various island localities - some quite large, and some dwarfs, such as the Jampea (adult females 11-13 ft usually) and Honey Island or Madu - which is much smaller. Superdwarf retics are also available, which would not be your first big snake, but is certainly a better choice for a first retic! I'm working on an article at mo about localities and morphs and will post up some info when i'm done

I would not choose a retic simply because you want a big snake. You need to research retics and really want one, and be prepared for one, before you decide to get one. They are very different to other snakes. They are intelligent, very active, remember everything, watch everything you do, are unbelievably fast - and even the tamest retic can be unpredictable. They are dangerous animals, and don't leave any room for error when dealing with them. No snake should ever be trusted, IMO, but this applies even more strongly where retics are concerned.
This retic temperment applies, whether you have a mainland or dwarf. The larger specimans are serious snakes and must be taken seriously.
Saying all of the above, you might very well come upon a lovely retic that never gives you any hassle - and just as easily find a nutjob of a burmese python.
But burms are not as fast, not as intelligent in my opinion and are far better and safer pets and handling snakes, if that is what you want.
We have a number of both species in the house. The burms are my pets (although i would never take them for granted). The retics are not pets.
But they are my favourite snake to keep because of all of the above - and because of their sheer beauty.
If you just want a big snake for the sake of having a big snake, go for a burm. If you want a retic because you've researched them for a while and are intrigued by their unique ways, then go for a retic
ps - i'm assuming you've already thought out the implications of owning a large snake, and have extra hands on board etc for when needed. I adore large snakes, but would never have them if it wasn't for my OH!

I don't mean to sound disheartening. Believe me, I want everyone in the country to buy baby retics from me in the near future But they're not for everyone, and it's important not to jump in. I don't want you to have a bad experience.
Mull it over sure. I'm far from an expert, but do have some personal experience and if i can help in anyway drop me a pm;)
Wish you the very best of luck with whatever you decide to do. Have to rush off now, but will forward you on some links when i get a chance

Lisa

Excellent advice Lisa

the reasons listed above is why why opted for a burm instead of a retic, the retic are so beautiful but so fast and intelligent, you take your eye off them for even a second and they could tag you.
there is a example of a retic bite on herp island, the guy that was bitten has years of experience with them and he still got tagged, i think that shows just how unpredictable they can be.
a burm IMO is such a safer bet, still wouldnt trust it but its going to be more laid back (unless you get a nutjob)

CANT WAIT TO GET MY ALBINO BURM ( we decided on a name for her now)

Lisa, a great advisory...

id recommend a Burmese, as in my view are a more suitable big snake for someone just goin into big snakes

im hopefully gettin my first burmese (het green het granite) soon
hes 7ft at the min and i see him every wednesday as the guys mate has a pet shop so the burm is in there so i pop in to see him

thats why few of my boas have to go
to pay for him and get glass for my costum 4ft by 2ft stack
(originally a 4ftby4ft )

im starting to see a theme here, so every one is suggesting a burm then,

i would like to thank eveyone for their advice, i think its something that is really important in this hobby

no probs,
best to get a baby one as they grow 4tf in like 6months and are 7-8ft nearly yr
unless you can spend time with it befor purchase so you cab get to know it

or ask if anybody here on the forum close to you, see if they have a burm and see if you can check out what you will be dealing with

hudsy, you putting a burm in a 4'x2'?!

Great read Lisa, do let us know when you get that article finished :)

4 by 2 by 2
yea temporally untill i can get a big show tank for my living and not with the collection
currently on show:

my nice 4ft female boa (one with the orange head and belly)
and iggy my 4ft male green iguana (as he loves the attention)

the collection lies in my room:
6ft female boa
4ft male dwarf boa
3ft female pastle boa
4ft male corn
4ft male rat snake
male beardie

Fair enough. We're just about to start building a viv for the burm we're getting, it'll be 9' x 4' x 4'.

Can't wait to get her!!

yea but yours is a girl"her" so she will need bit extra than my male
il be building a 6ft long 6ft high 3ft depth for him

yea but yours is a girl"her"

Hudsy, your a complicated guy when it comes to language....

oh i quoting that she said her so i assumed there was a girl by quoting"her"

makes sense

i took everyones advice, which i thank you all for again, i have put money down today on a 1 year old male albino burm,

im so excited!!!

woohoo! Can't wait to see him!

Excellent choice IMO...when are you getting him?

City reptiles, called in on saturday to get food but as soon as I seen the burm...... and you know the rest

Dude, you've posted a line and no photo.....
Good luck with the Burm, I'm sure you'll not be disappointed...

..... and you know the rest

No pictures.........come on, you can't tell us this and not share.....I'm dying with anticipation

Haven't got him yet, plus how do you post pics on here?

This will tell you all you need to know about posting on the forum

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and looking forward to those images when you do get him!!