Things to Consider Before Buying a Burmese Python

Burmese pythons are so small and cute as hatchlings, that many people buy them get in over their heads. This ends up with neglected animals being turned loose to die or mistreated for life.

It is hard for a prospective buyer to understand how large a commitment owning one of these animals can be. A two foot hatchling, when fed properly, will grow to a fourteen foot adult in less than 4 years. Burmese pythons like this require multiple people to handle safely and cleaning up after a snake like this can become taxing. Anyone buying a Burmese python should realize these snakes get gigantic, that they will need to feed them rabbits, house them in almost room-sized enclosures, and be comitted to a big animal for a period of up to 25 years.

If you're not comfortable being responsible for a 150 pound snake, there are other snakes available that are much easier to handle and keep as adults (Look into Ball Pythons or Boa Constrictors). However dangerous and time consuming, burmese pythons have many pros that make them nice pets. They grow quickly to large crowd pleasing sizes, they come in various color morphs that are among the most beautiful snakes in the world, and burmese are arguably the most gentle personality.

Before purchasing a top-breed dog, smart pet owners analyze their lifestyle to make sure the new member of the family will be a good fit. How much free time do you have, how willing are you to spend $1000+ on the proper enclosure, and are you able to provide top quality food for it - often! These are a few questions a responsible snake owner will ask.

Being a Responsible Snake Owner

All too often, news reports talk of pet snakes in the U.S. escaping from their inadequate cages and injuring/killing people (YES, these snakes DO kill people!). Others are used for their shock value to the general snake-fearing public. This creates negative views towards herpetoculturists and in general defamates honorable snake owners who follow common sense and respect animal welfare.

The American Federation of Herpetoculturists, a non-profit organization which represents the interests of herpetoculturists while taking into consideration both the welfare of the general public and the welfare of amphibians and reptiles, has a list of guidelines for the housing and transport of these large reptiles. They are as follows:

A. In consideration of the right of the general public not to be exposed unexpectedly to snakes such as large constrictors and in consideration of the irresponsible behavior of certain snake owners, the AFH recommends that snakes not be openly displayed in a public setting outside of proper and established forums for such practices such as herpetological shows, educational displays, pet stores and presentations, and other special displays whereby members of the public are forewarned that a snake(s) may be displayed in the open.

B. The AFH recommends that all snakes be transported in a manner that precludes escape In a sturdy cloth bag free of holes or tears which is then placed inside a box or similar container with holes for aeration. The box or container should then be sealed or locked shut. Another alternative is to double bag snakes. Care must be taken to use sturdy cloth bags with a weave that allows for adequate air flow. Airlines should be consulted as to their requirements when shipping snakes by air.

C. For the keeping of large constrictors eight feet or more, the AFH recommends general caging regulations whose effects are similar to those which require dog owners to keep their pets within the confines of their property. Caging regulations for large snakes should require owners of such snakes to house them in secure cages with hinged top or doors or a sliding glass front which include a locking mechanism. Such enclosures should preferably be contained in a large room modified to prevent snake escapes and with a door which shall be kept shut or locked when not occupied by the owners. This recommendation is made to require responsible herpetocultural practices by individuals in consideration for the animals, for family members and for members of the general public. As herpetoculturists we will all benefit by adopting these responsible practices.

D. When handling any of the giant snakes (Green anaconda, Indian and Burmese python, African rock python, reticulated python and amethystine python) over 8 feet, the AFH recommends that another individual be present or at the very least within calling reach. The probability of any serious problem occurring when handling such snakes is very remote but the AFH position is that herpetoculturists, out of responsibility to themselves, to family members and to other herpetoculturists, should handle and maintain large snakes in a manner that significantly prevents the likelihood of any accident or incident.

E. The AFH does not recommend the ownership of the above mentioned giant constrictors as well as other large (adult size over seven feet) boid snakes by minors without parental consent to assume responsibility for proper housing, maintenance and supervision when handling.

F. As with any other animals such as dogs, owners of large constrictors should remember that they can be liable for the medical costs of treating injuries as well as additional financial damages for traumas or damage caused by their animals.

The AFH is currently drafting an official statement on the keeping of large constricting snakes by the private sector as well as a legislative package to help herpetocultural organizations contend with legislative issues relating to this matter.

For information write to: The American Federation of Herpetoculturists, P.O. Box 1131, Lakeside, CA, 92040.

Regulations

There are for some cities and states, regulations controlling or restricting ownership of large snakes. Numerous organizations support these regulations in regard to large constrictors. They fee the public is threatened by large snakes, and protection should be outlined even if the danger of these animals is remote. The regulations are bias against snakes which permeates our society, and any help you could be by purchasing a snake and showing how docile a creature he can be will be appreciated by the reptile community.

It amazes me that in a society filled with dangers, the public seeks to eliminate one of the most defenseless creatures. A snake has only got its mouth and body for defense... primarily, it only uses its mouth. Horses are responsible for thousands more deaths and accidents than snakes. Cats have claws and much larger teeth, and I know a veterinary technician who had to be hospitalized a week for a cat bite. Dogs kept by irresponsible owners tear into thousands of people a year, sometimes killing them. If the people creating the regulations against pythons are trying to look out for us, they're sure not doing it very uniformly. Living near other human beings can be very dangerous as well. In fact, it's been found in statistics that a human being has a far greater chance of being seriously injured from a bite by a fellow human than by a large constrictor. The fact is that people are prejudice against reptiles. We need more selective sellers to increase the porportion of responsible snake owners - this will increase our animal's acceptance level by the general public. Look over my mission, what can you do to help?

Before purchasing a Burmese python or any other large constrictor, check your state, county and local regulations for any provisions applying to the ownership of reptiles by individuals. A good place to start is here: XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Also take a look at this article: http://www.uga.edu/srel/ecoview10-21-01.htm