Can you have a burmesse python as a pet?

Question

Can you have a burmesse python as a pet?

Answer 1

burmese pythons are great pets if you can care for a giant snake. i dont know why "boa constrictor" is trying to scare you. you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than killed by a snake. and derrick has no idea what hes talking about if he thinks they can eat a person...they can't

Answer 2

A Fatal Attack on a Teenage Boy by a Captive Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) in Colorado “The recent Colorado case of a human death caused by a Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus; 20 July 1993) resulted in considerable sensational media coverage as well as widely varying estimates of the snake’s length and weight. In the interest of scientific accuracy, we sought and received the cooperation of the Commerce City Police Department in acquiring detailed information regarding both the victim and the snake so that correct data could be placed on record.

“The victim was a 15-year-old male, 152 cm [5'] tall, weighing 43 kg [95lb]. While in bed, naked except for briefs, he was bitten on the right instep, with maxillary and palatine-pterygoid tooth marks clearly visible on the dorsal surface of the foot and dentary tooth marks clearly visible on the plantar surface. Numerous tooth impressions were present on the fingers of both hands, but only on their palmar surfaces, indicating that the hands had tried to pry open the snake’s jaws from around the instep. The fingers and the foot bled profusely. Autopsy photographs revealed scleral ecchymotic hemorrhage, and venous congestion in the cerebrum (petechial and ecchymotic hemorrhage both present), all being signs of agonal breathing consistent with a diagnosis of suffocation as a cause of death. No attempt was made during autopsy to distinguish between suffocation and circulatory arrest (Hardy, 1993) as causes of death; however, in subsequent correspondence the pathologist hypothesized that circulatory arrest would more likely be the cause of death of smaller prey, whereas suffocation would be more likely with larger victims. Although blood was present on the victim’s face, hands arms and legs, there was no blood present on the neck or on the middle of the torso, suggesting that the snake’s coils had been wrapped around this area. Bruising of the victim’s skin, consistent with this hypothesis, was visible in the photographs. There was no evidence that the snake had attempted to swallow any part of the victim.

“The snake was 336 cm [11'2"] total length, and weighed 24 kg [53lb]. Incidentally, almost all estimates of the snake’s weight presented by the media were above 27 kg and ranged as high as 54 kg. The only accurate weight had been recorded by Officer Steven Paxton soon after the fatality, but few news writers quoted him, preferring to use the larger, exaggerated numbers. Circumference at the thickest part of the body was 38cm [15"]. The snake had not been fed for 10 days prior to taking the measurements reported here (19 September 1993) and the most recent meal had already been digested and passed. Thus, the digestive system was probably empty. We did not probe the snake’s cloaca, but the short tail and diminutive pelvic spurs strongly suggest that it is a female. This animal had been raised since hatching by a close relative of the victim, and at the time of the attack the snake was not confined to a cage, but had freedom to move about the house. The victim was long familiar with the snake.

you really want one of these???

Answer 3

Burms are best left to the seasoned snake keeper. if your looking for a "pet"  a corn snake or ball python would be a much much much much better choice..

Answer 4

You'd have to check your local regulations, but most likely yes you could.

But they're not the type of snake that very many people should get. They just get too big.

Answer 5

Yes you can keep them as pets, I have an albino one he is 8ft. It is best that you have experience with other smaller snakes before trying to keep one that can get up to 25ft, I would suggest starting out with a ball python they usually only get to be around 4-6ft but 7ft is the record but it is rare. It will give you an idea of what you would have to deal with in a burm.

I can give you some links with information on both but you really should start out small because they can be expensive and a handful.

A few things to think about are, how would you house it? Do you have someone to help you with it after it gets up 8ft? the rule to go by is: 2 people to handle a snake over 8ft and another 1 for every 2 feet after that. They need a cage the size of a room, can you provide this? I had to turn my closet into a snake cage because he outgrew traditional cages and I will still have to upgrade his housing in a few years. have you ever been bitten by a snake? It is bound to happen no matter what kind of snake you keep but getting bit by a big burm hurts. Do you think you can deal with it?

Now I'm not trying to turn you away from them, I think they are wonderful snakes but I wouldn't suggest one to someone who hasn't owned snakes before. They are very gentle when handled and cared for correctly. but if it gets too big what are you going to do with it? It's really hard to find a home for such a big snake, some people think they can give them to a zoo but thats not true, zoo's usually won't take in peoples pets.

-EDIT- Just to keep this clear on what I meant.... you should plan on keeping whatever animal you own it's entire life and these snakes can live up to up to 25+ years. I have known people that said they only want it until it gets so big then they would sell it or give it away but thats a horrible thing to do and nearly impossible to find a home such a big snake.

Well here are the links. Make sure to read them carefully and take everything into consideration. If you do decide to get one or even if you decide on the ball python you can email me with questions.

Ball pythons:

http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html

http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide...

http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/snake...

Burmese pythons:

http://www.anapsid.org/burm.html

http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/snake...

Could I suggest a Dwarf burmese python?

They are smaller and they are just as pretty.

http://ecoterrariumsupply.com/dwarf-burm...

Answer 6

they get 20 ft and can easily eat you

Answer 7

a burmese is for more experienced snake owners. ball pythons, corn snakes, milk and king snakes are good "beginner" snakes.