Large Constrictors as Pets.

The first time I had fell in love with large snakes is when I was in the 1^st or 2^nd grade. My teacher had read a children’s book titled The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble. The huge Boa Constrictor in the book just excited me. As she read on I realized that I had to have one of these “Big” snakes as a pet. That childhood book was the first time I came into contact with these wonderful creatures called boas or pythons.

Large Constrictors are impressive to look at and some species are quite popular in the pet trade. While I think some people are capable of taking great care and caution when raising one of these magnificent creatures, they are not for everyone. It takes great devotion to an animal that could reach 20 feet or more and weigh at or over 100 lbs.

Snakes that reach an adult size of 8 feet (2.44 meters) or more are considered to be large (http://www.anapsid.org/handling.html).  Many pythons and boa species can easily obtain this size in a relatively short period of time.  For instance in a year or so a baby Burmese Python can turn into 9-12 foot snake. While some species are easier to handle some have vary nasty attitudes. Examples of more manageable snakes are the Redtail Boa and Carpet Python. Others such as the African Rock Python or the Reticulated Python may be more for the experienced individuals. Most Burmese Pythons tame down quite well if handled regularly but there are some that have bad temperaments as well.

These large constrictors can be as dangerous as a loaded gun in the hands of a child. A large python or boa can potentially kill a human being and if that human happens to be an infant then the risk is more significant. If your bitten by one of these larger snakes, one way to get them to release from the bite is to place a little vinegar in their mouth around the bite. They also can be a danger to your friends and family because all reptiles can have salmonella on their bodies without proper hygiene then this bacterium could make someone very sick. In warmer climates if allowed to escape they can pose a serious threat to the environment. So if this is your pet of choice be cautious and do your homework.

Most large constrictors can be kept at temperatures around 85-95°F with a basking spot at around 95°F. The best substrate for them is something that is easily cleaned and holds some moisture like a reptile carpet that is sold in most pet stores. Cyprus and repti-bark could work as well. Depending on the size of the snake you would either feed it every other day to weekly. Babies to juveniles will eat every other day and the large snakes will it once to twice weekly. Snakes do not need UVB lighting because the prey items have calcium (Bones) along with other nutrients. While it doesn’t hurt to have a UVB light it isn’t necessary. They heat light should be relative to the size of the enclosure. Temperature and humidity gauges are a must for most all reptiles. 

A few years back one of the most amazing pythons ever came into my life. He was an albino Burmese python named Zeus. When I got Zeus he was around 8 feet long. As I took care of him he just grew and grew. I eventually ended up having my Dad make him a cage out of a cargo crate. He was one of the gentlest snakes I’ve had for his size. Zeus would look up from the cage when I came up to it, showing me that he wanted to be let out. Before I had to adopt him out, he got to a size of about 14 feet. He was a BIG boy. I had to feed him a large rabbit once a week. Looking back I remember how beautiful he was. I was always cautious but he never attempted to strike at me. 

This is a photo of Zeus back in 2006.

I can’t condemn people who want large constrictors as pets. They are truly amazing giants. Most folks can not see the beauty and grace these animals have but just looking into their eyes seems to be inspiring in its own sense.