Do Burms make good pets...just curious!!!

[RoyalRazer]

I know quite a lot of you on this site have burms, and you all say they make great pets! I know they grow big, but I was just curious about them.Could someone send me some info on them please. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Oh, and I found this pic.I thought it might be Baby the burm!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]null[/img][img]psmt0000[1][/img]
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[RoyalRazer]

Looks like the pic didn't come out the snake is over 10 metres definately!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_redface.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_redface.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_redface.gif[/img]
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Yeah I looked at what you placed for a link and umm I haven't a clue what ya were putting in there [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]

As for the burms... Sure they do..long as you have the experience and ability needed to properly handle and take care of them. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] What's your experience with snakes anyway ? That would be where to start...
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[Ravnos]

10m is like 32' ... may be a big snake, but that is an unlikely size. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]

Burms make good pets... for a very select few people in the herp community. I know experienced keepers who still aren't ready, and aren't willing to own burms - or any of the large constrictors for that matter. Getting one is not a decision to take as lightly as some people seem to. They are impressive animals, with more than enough capability to be imposing to even the most seasoned among us. Do your research, talk to everyone you can before buying - no one opinion is going to be enough to prepare anyone for keeping these animals, those of us who learned the hard way are probably the best to ask. =)

Rav

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[Reticu-Lady]

See if you can find a person locally that will allow you to handle their burm. Try to help clean an adult burm's cage (trust me, the burm owner would love you to volunteer to help with that somewhat unpleasant chore!) Ask that person to give you a run down on the expenses invloved with owning a creature as massive as a burm, remember, these guys live into their 20's so this is a long term 'investment.' Pictures of adult burms are impressive, but until you handle one, you will not be able to appreciate just how difficult a burm can be.
Another consideration for you, just because 'everybody' says burms are friendly, it does not mean they all really are. I have 3 burms, two are grumpy. Due to their extreme size and power, a little grumpy can be deadly. May I suggest a really nice bci? They are nice, grow to an impressive size (not to the burms ridiculous size), are relatively easy to care for and no where near as expensive. Although an adult bci can be somewhat dangerous, you are looking at a much more manageable animal. THe initial higher cost of a boa is very easily offset by the many advantages to owning a boa instead of a burm. If you are fully convinced that you must own a burmese, why not adopt one? There are probably thousands in rescue all waiting for a loving 'forever' home.
Best wishes for you whatever you decide!
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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[Dr.Oviparous]

also make sure you are going to have someone around when it gets big that will help you, or atleast be there when you are handling her. -Juggalo
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[impermanentrage]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE> THe initial higher cost of a boa is very easily offset by the many advantages to owning a boa instead of a burm. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

The amount saved monetarily w/ a BCI vs. a burm is astronomical. Especially when one considers financial burdens due to the amount of food items an adult burm will consume to meet it's dietary needs. This alone will offset the initial cost. Not to mention, cost of housing and my personal observation that it doesn't take much to get an adult burm on the road to URI's.


<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE>Although an adult bci can be somewhat dangerous, you are looking at a much more manageable animal. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

There has never been a reported case of a human death directly associated with BCI. Not to say it couldn't happen, but I lost count with burm associated deaths a long time ago. It's actuallt safer to keep some hots IMO.



Peace, love, and entropy,
Alex
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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

	In My Opinon IMO = In My Opinion and IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

[Burmiester]

Hi, I've got 3 burms that all have different personalaties. my 11foot male is super mellow, but can be really aggressive at feeding time. My 11foot female is much the same, but my 13foot female is not a people person. She is crabby most of the time and doesn't like to be handled. A 100 plus pound snake definately has the size and strength to take you out of this world! If you keep this in mind, They can be awsome pets. Common snake sense: Don't use rodents for deoderant! Safety in numbers with the bigguns, even the mellow ones [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
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[RoyalRazer]

Well my snake expeirence isn't much but here goes:I own a leo, a baby royal and I have handled boas before. I looked after a tree frog for a friend once and i've read loads about snakes and other reptiles. I am thinking about getting some Yemen chamleons in a few years time but my royal is my priority at the mo!

Do burms have good tempermants though? Like do they get tame fast and are they good eaters?

THANX
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<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE>
Do burms have good tempermants though? Like do they get tame fast and are they good eaters?</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

On average, they are pretty docile, as far as big snakes go.

Are they good eaters? Dude, they'll eat you out of house and home if you let them!

Most of the time, accidents resulting in death to the owner occur 2 ways. Dumb asses carry 10' burms around their necks, they lose their balance, jiggle funny, the snake thinks it's gonna fall, tightens up around your neck and the lights get dim and go out forever. The other popular way to be killed by a burm are Stupid Feeding Errors. If you make one of these with a 6' ratsnake, you might get a good bite. If you make one of these with a 12' burm, you'll probably end up dead. Like all snakes, they do smell, heat and motion, mostly in that order. If they smell food, sense your heat and motion, you compute as very possibly edible to them.

Not to sound high and mighty, but if a baby ball is your only experience, I'd hold off on that burm for quite a while. Don't become a statistic [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img]
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[morti]

Some do and some don't royal. To me the disadvantages of burms FAR outweigh the pleasure of the snake itself. I am one of those guys Rav was talking about. I have something like 30 Boas in my house at the moment. I fed them all last night and got them all to eat, so I feel like I am a pretty experienced herper... but I am not ready for a Burm. I am not ready financially to feed large rabbits and pigs to this animal. I am not ready to have an animal that it will take 3 or more adult people to handle. I am not ready for an animal with cage requirements the size of my current apartment. Perhaps in a lot of years when i have a house of my own with all the room I need to make a secure reptile room without any chance of any trouble from any source, then maybe.

-Morti.
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[Ravnos]

I keep 11 burms. Every one of them has a different personality and activity level. They range from a 5' baby to a 15' girl. None of them are in what I would consider the 'monster' size range, but they are still more than impressive. And with each of them behaving just slightly different, I have to be constantly aware. I could very easily, one day, accidentally mistake one burm for another and approach her wrong and end up a statistic myself. Its very hard to just make a generalization like 'Sure they make good pets' because every animal has its own unique traits and personality.

You might want to find a local rescue or someone locally who keeps large constrictors and ask if you can help out with them for a while. Get a feel for the level of care, and sheer task of doing something as simple as moving them out of the cage for cleaning. =)



Rav

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[RoyalRazer]

I said I was just curious and I know curiousty (spelling?) killed the cat! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] Okay, maybe burms are a bit to far feteched, but I am still interested in two other types.

What are carpet pythons or boas like (common boas). I just wanted to say im a big kid for my age so snake s from 6 to 10 foot should be no probs, as long as they eat good! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]
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[impermanentrage]

Get a BCI(common boa). IMHO, i believe them to be overall better captives than BP's(ball python's). Albeit, they do get a lil' bigger so you must always take into consideration housing vs ease of care. Try to get a male first, they will remain a manageable size for a longer period of time.


Alex

_________________
&quot;We are destined to become the most well informed society to ever die from our own ignorance.&quot;
Edward Abbey

	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[RoyalRazer]

So would a BCI be the next step after a royal? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif[/img]
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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[Ravnos]

I personally don't really think 'stepping up' prepares you for anything, because every animal has its own unique personality - so handling and care differs. While I also don't advocate jumping right in... its all a matter of how comfortable you persoanlly feel. =)

Btw.. same snake, same tub. =)



Rav
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[slaponte]

I went BCI before Royal. Maybe I am lucky, but the BCIs I have are great babies, very healthy (if you do your homework before you buy) and eat great! (until now. I am having a little problem, but maybe it is nothing). My daugther went BP to start and she had more dificulties (mites, feeding, sheds, retained eyecaps, etc)

Also, BCIs grow fast so you get to experience a medium size snake in a hurry. At 1 Y/O, my Chica is just starting to be &quot;interesting&quot; in size.

After a year on BCIs, I went to BPs, and I am finding them much more &quot;delicate&quot;, or picky, specially about eating. I would say (based on my experience) that if you can handle a baby royal, a BCI should be no problem at all.

As everybody has said, diff snakes have diff temperaments. Mine are a delight, very tame, never strike. It is surprising to me when they &quot;hiss&quot;, which, again, the BPs seem to do much more often than the BCIs.

My first BCI was $75 at a show. Not much money when BPs were selling for $49 anyway. Now I see BPs down to $29 in some places. They are my pets and I love them all no matter how much each cost, just mentioned it if considering initial investment.

Now, the 3 Boas and 3 BPs are eating about $14/week in mice/rats/pups etc. Add cages, lamps, substrate, etc...

Oh, and before in this thread about the Burmese, consider the feeding thing. My BCI female is now eating Jumbo Rats, and I swear I might have to buy an elephant gun to kill some of them!! I would go with frozen/thawed, but I am not sure how many would fit in my freezer!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] It is not funny when, instead of you whacking the rat, the rat tries to whack you!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img]

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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[Dragon]

Burms have had a lot of bad press, which is unfair. The bad press is mainly due to the fault of the minority of idiots who think that owning a &quot;big snake&quot; is cool and don't give the animal the respect it deserves.

Deciding if you are ready for a Burmese is really a matter of deciding if you are willing to commit the next 20+ years of your life caring for an animal that is a definite potential threat to your life.

The cost issue isn't really one of immense concern. Consider that an average Bearded Dragon will munch it's way through about £20 a month's worth of Crickets (and that doesn't include veggies), an adult Burm will eat it's way through about £30-£45 per months worth of Rabbits (depending on it's size), so the cost is hardly astronomical by comparison.

Are you ready? Do you FEEL ready? Are you confident enough to deal with such a colossal animal and yet respectful enough of it's capabilities to be sensible? Nobody but you can tell you if you are ready or not, but it would pay to go and see an adult specimen so you know what you will be dealing with.

Good luck and I hope you make the right decision for you and the animal.
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[Snake18]

I dont know that much about burms but i just wanted to add that i got a bci last year at a the International Reptile Show in Tampa fl. It was only 35 dollars. He has been feisty but is starting to settle down now.
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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.

[Drax]

hey,
someone previously mentioned JCPs (jungle carpet pythons) as a good next pet. if you don't mind their potential to be nippy i would suggest getting one. they are beautiful snakes. they stay fairly small about 6' and stay a lot more slender than say a BCI of the same age. as far as price goes they run a bit more than a BCI if you get pretty one from a reputable breeder. and by pretty i mean on that will eventually turn out to have nice crisp yellow on black stripes. before i said they have a potential to be nippy. just with all snakes some have different temperments. for example my male was always trying to tag me when he was young. on the other hand my female has never tried to strike at me. it's gotten to a point now about a year later that my male won't strike at me but still will track my finger and lunge, expecially on feeding day.

ps&gt; i don't have any burms and will never have a burm. its just too much snake and too much expense both for food and enclosure space.
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	Boa Constrictor Imperator Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor imperator). Most common is the Colombian Boa.