Large Python

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what would be a good first boa and or larger python ? i own many colubrids but i want bigger.?

i own a ball python, corn snake, publan milk snake, and california king snake so as u can see i dont have experience with the larger species. i have done tons of research on columbians, dumerils ect. but i thought i may ask the more experienced with larger type snakes. which one is better to gain experience with. i want to thank you for your time in this matter.

This will depend somewhat on how big an animal you want and how much space you have to dedicate to housing the animal. It will also depend on whether or not you are willing and able to have a second competent person around to help you handle the animal. There are many species of boa and python that can reach an impressive size but still remain manageable as adults by a single individual.

Dumerills boas (Acrantophis dumeriili) are a good choice. They are docile and rarely exceed 6-7'. Hog island boas (B.c.constrictor) and St.lucia boas (B.c.sigma) are insular boas that remain slightly smaller than their mainland relatives. Rainbow boas (Epicrates) are reasonably sized animals rarely exceeding 6' and much more slender and manageable than the larger "Columbians".

Other insular forms of Epicrates that you may want to consider are the Jamaican boa (E. subflavus) or the Haitian boa (E. striatus). Both are relatively mid-sized reaching lengths of 6-8' and usually have docile temperaments. Of course there is also the rosy boa (Lichanura trivirgata) that are both docile and small rarely exceeding 3'.

In the python family you also have several choices. There are of course the carpet pythons (Morelia spilota ssp.) that include the nominate form the Diamond python (M.s.spilota), Jungle carpet python (M.s.cheynei), Coastal carpet python (M.s. mcdowelli), Bredells python (M. bredili), or the Boelen's python (M.boeleni). All of these animals stay within the 6-8' length range and are relatively thin bodied animals. All of these also have very placid dispositions and make very good pets.

If you would prefer a more heavily bodied snake than consider the blood python (Python curtus brongersmai). While the nominate form has the potential to reach 10' most are around 7-8'. The Borneo and Sumatran blood pythons rarely exceed 5'. All are heavy bodied impressive looking animals. Most have so-so dispositions at best and will require great patience and understanding on your behalf as well as the willingness to receive the occasional bite.

Other potential pythons are the ringed python (Bothrochilus boa) at 3-6', Woma (Aspidites ramsayi) 5-6", Black headed python (A. melanocephalus) 5-7', Childrens python complex (Antareia ssp.) of which there are four species that average 3-5' depending on species, Savu python (Liasis mackloti savuensis) 3-4'. All of the above aforementioned are moderately sized snakes with generally good dispositions.

Then there are the truly large snakes (which I do not recommend as pets) which should not be considered true pets as most view you as a potential meal when adult. These include the following:

Ameththystine python (M.amethystine) Average 15' some may exceed 20'

Olive python (Liasis olivaceous) Average 12-13' some may approach 15' and all will bite

Indian python (Pm.molurus) 8-12' some may reach 15' most are aggressive

Burmese python (P.m.bivittatus) Average 15' can obtain lengths of 20-25' typically laid back though responsible for more injuries in captivity then any of the other giants.

African rock python (P.sebae) Average 15' can obtain lengths of 20-25' very aggressive and will bite.

Reticulated Python (P.reticulatus) Average 16-18' can obtain lengths of 25'+ There are dwarf forms available. This animal can be highly variable in temperament. Many are grumpy or nasty, however I have worked with others that were very laid back and pleasant to interact with.

Boa Constrictor (B.c.constrictor/ imperator/ortanii/mexicana/melanogaster) Average 8-9' usually very docile and pleasant to handle.

Argentine Boa (B.c. occidentalis) Average 8-9' usually aggressive often bluffs but will follow through if agitated.

Yellow anaconda (Eunectus notaeus) Average 10-12' some can get slightly larger. Most are so/so temperament wise but I have handled a few that where pleasant.

Green anaconda (E.murinus) Average 13-15' can obtain lengths up to 20'. Very large heavy bodied snake. Green anacondas are usually very aggressive and beyond most peoples means to adequately house and care for.

All of the large snakes I have listed should be treated with caution and respect. All are capable of inflicting serious bites and a few are capable of consuming pets, children, and small adults. If you opt to keep one of these animals always remember that they are capable of doing you serious bodily harm and take the appropriate safety precautions. Failure to do so will only result in more negative stories being published and more laws and regulations restricting what you can and can not keep.

Please also keep in mind that there are many other species of python and boa that I have not touched on. Some of these are good candidates for pets and others are not. Research on your part will uncover a wide variety choices and interesting animals.

Good luck,
CVR