Burmese Python

[P. Novak]

How long does it usually take for a male and female burmese python to reach 15 plus feet? Also, is it less common then I thought to find much bigger specimens then 15-17ft in captivity?

 

[Meaningless End]

well burms all well known to be able to hit between 6-8 feet in a year. about 11-12 in two and roughly about 12-18 inches a year after that till they get to about the 15 foot mark. then they seem to slow way down in growth.

you can figure that a 15 foot burm is about 4-5 years old at the youngest all the way on up... theyre not all going to get 16 feet plus.

 

[P. Novak]

I was really debating on whether to get a young albino burmese python and am still not sure, although your response has settled me down quite a bit. I know I'm definately not gonna run into getting such a huge snake, but I would really like to own one.

Now exactly what does a 16ft burmese python eat? Would large rabbits suffice, cause I really don't know where I'd get pigs or goats.

Another question, is there a downside to owning either gender besides the fact that females usually get bigger(which can go either way depending on the way you want it)?

 

[Tleilaxu]

The main thing you need to worry about is safety. It takes at least two people to safely move and or preform cage maintance on a large snake like that, despite the fact burms are gentle and highly intelligent snakes. This is not something to rush into. I suggest you lay off the new additions for awhile, you are getting a JCP and have monitors that grow excedingly large yes? Why not get experience dealing with these larger reptiles first? (excuding the JCP)

Obviously I dont know your capabilities and what not and you could be well capable of caring for another large snake but I have seen to many people burnout not to be worried.

 

[Jmugleston]

If size is a major consideration (which it should be) get a male. They are typically smaller then females as adults. Unlike retics, burms don't get "pissy" during the breeding season so temperament wise you'll have no advantage to either. Large snakes eat large prey. Our large snakes are eating a few chickens each feeding or a few rabbits. You can also feed them pigs. If you are at all worried about the size, then don't get a burm. The last thing you, the snake, or other keepers of giant reptiles needs is another person to get the burm then decide later it was a bad idea. Not saying you would, but be sure you won't before getting the burm. There are a number of other pythons that get large, but not as large that will make great pets. Also, there are dwarf burms and superdwarf retics so you can get smaller versions of the snake. Just be sure to buy dwarfs from a reputable breeder so that you are sure it is truly the dwarf variety. (Though they look different once you know what you are looking for).

 

[xchondrox]

The growth rate really depends on the size of the prey items and the frequency of feedings. If you feed heavy you will have no problem getting a female burm to breeding size 10-12ft in 18 months, or a male 8-9 in alittle less. I waited until my granite het albinos were F)14+ M)10+ to attempt breeding, she produced a clutch of big healthy eggs at around 24months of age.

If you just want a pet and feed on a maintance type regiem (1 smaller item every 10-14 days) the growth rate of the snake is going to be considerably less than it would if your power feeding the animals.

I fed mine Adult Breeder rabbits, Its always nice to know a 4H Breeder of bunnies that has a surplus of flawed animals. I'd just go over afew times a year and he'd fill up a feed bag for me!