What do you do with a Burmese python (or similiar snake) when it gets too big?

Answer 1

Unless you know you can provide care for a snake that is going to grow from 12-20 feet you should steer clear of any of the large pythons or boas, since these folks are ruining it for responsible large snake owners. Zoos will not accept them and niether will local animal shelters. Well, some shelters will take them and kill them, but that is about the extent of it. If you have one you need to get rid of or know someone who does, look for a reptile rescue in your area. Many folks would suggest to sell it, but I think there are too many people out there who just want a big snake and have no clue what is required to handle a snake of that size. It isn't experienced large reptile handlers that get killed or seriously injured, its always the "I thought it would be cool..." types.

Answer 2

i've raised dozens of boas and pythons over the years. i've had snakes as pets all my life, i'm 28 now. people often find themselves in this situation when they buy a baby snake thats so small and adorable, not realizing that the little 10 inch python will become 10-15 feet one day. and depending on how often you feed them they can grow really fast. several feet a year! anyone thinking of buying a species should think about the responsibilty of owning one. because they do become very large and most people are fine with a juvenile snake, but when it gets big enough to cause serious injury or death, all of a sudden they get scared and try to figure out what to do with it then. a suggestion would be to call your local zoo and see if you could possibly make a donation of a particular species. they may not have one on exhibit and may take yours to add to their species list. but considering its a burmese, these are one of the most popular breeds of pythons. chances are they already have one or more in their collection. another option is to contact the local pet store, maybe even the one that you purchased the snake from and ask if they would be interested in buying it back from you, usually they wont because large snakes are harder to sell. if they arent interested, they can set you up with either their breeder/distributor or pehaps a local breeder. breeders will almost always accept a large constrictor. in order for a constrictor to be breedable it has to be at least 7 years old and a certain body size. so they usually are the place to contact about getting rid of a large snake that you no longer can or want to take care of. good luck and i hope i was a help.

Answer 3

The best answer is to avoid getting ANY pet that you cannot care for over its entire life.

Most zoos and shelters will no longer take certain animals that are abandoned because they don't have the resources either- big animals need big cages, big diets, and big care overhead. I doubt any pet shop will buy it back or even take it back as a gift for the same reason.

I'd recommend the following:
- Flyers offering it for free to a good home posted at the local pet shops, etc.
- Contacting the local zoos and animal welfoare groups, rescue agencies, etc. If they balk at the animal because of the size, offer to pay a fair price to help cover the costs involved.
- If you cannot find a good source, have the animal euthanized. This is a less cruel option than abandoning it, releasing it, or shoving it off on someone or some group ill prepared ot care for it.

It really bothers me that we KNOW there are certain animals that get too big for the average person to care for, but they are sold to the poor schmucks all the time! Big monitors, Sulcata tortoises, big snakes, etc. It is such a terrible thing to do to both the animal and the would-be animal lover.

Answer 4

Um, What is your idea of too big? I will gladly take the snake if you need to get rid of it. I rescue animals (especially reptiles) that need a good home. Right now I have a 12 ft Albino Burmese python, a 5 ft Green Patternless Albino Burmese and a 3ft Ball Python. Please email me if you would like me to take the snake. [e-mail] or you can message me at the same. I really hope you contact me. Even if I'm not located near you, I have contacts with other rescue people all over....
Patricia

Answer 5

You give it away to an experienced keeper. Unfortunately most zoos will not take a snake from just anyone especially one as common as this and most pet stores are not equipped to house a large snake.

The owner would probably end up paying to get rid of their
own snake. Either in the form of a surrender fee, or shipping costs to ship the snake(unless you get lucky enough to find someone in your area)
Always, Always research an animal BEFORE you get it. We own dozens of large snakes and we were aware beforehand how large they can get. We have several right now(including some rescues)that are 16 + feet and I would never think about getting rid of them because they were too large. It is irresponsible.
If you have one you need to find a new home for you can check out these websites to place an ad...
http://www.kingsnake.com or
http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/pp_classifieds/index.php

Hope that helps.

Answer 6

If you knew the Burmese was going to get big , then why get it? That would be like adopting a Great Dane then when he gets full grown giving him away because he got big. You know what you are getting yourself into when you get something like that. I have two Ball Pythons, one is 4 ft long and eats medium sized rats. His cage is 4ft long and 2ft wide, yes he takes up a good bit of room, but he is my responsibility. If you feel you HAVE to find him a home , contact zoo's if they can't take him place ad's for him.

Answer 7

There are several options. You can ask a local pet store that sells snakes if they know of anyone interested in a large snake. Sometimes colleges and local enthusiasts will take them. You could also hang posters in the pet store and try to either sell it really cheap or just give it away. Also take to local vets if they know of anyone interested. You should also contact your local humane society and see if they will take it or if they can recommend people/places that might want it.

Answer 8

What do you do when a puppy grows up you keep it. It's your fault if you didn't know they get that big. You should have researched it before you got it. And if you did know they get that big and you still got it then that's just irresponsible. If you really can keep it then go on the internet and look for a rescue group. But you should be responsible for your pet no matter how big it gets.

Answer 9

This may sound cruel, but the best thing for you to do is to take it to a vet and have them euthanize the snake. There are plenty of large snakes that have "outgrown" their owners, and zoos, rescues, and breeders can only keep so many. You may try giving it to a pet shop, but a large Burmese is probably bigger than they have room for. You could try your classifieds as well, if you live near a metropolitan area, someone in a reptile club may be interested. Releasing it would be irresponsible. See link for further info: http://www.anapsid.org/burm.html

Answer 10

This is exactly why I always advise against owning these type of snakes.
Contact a rescue group, or your local aspca.
DO NOT set them free..it is cruel to the animal, and if you live in a place where they can survive (warm enough) they can start killing peoples pets, and even small children.
Big snakes are never meant to be in cages, or cared for by anything but specially trained people.. it is unhealthy for them and unhealthy for us.