First carpet!!

[AerialArtist]

Just bought my first carpet Python the other day! She was hatched early June 2014. Sorry I don't have better pictures of her yet, I've not really had her out. She tried to nip me when I took her out of her deli cup, so I'm letting her get settled and calm down. Any advice in general from the more experienced carpet keepers? I'm thinking she needs a taller home with a perch.......

[Marissa@MKmorphs]

Congrats, I only have 3 carpets, all are 2014s. All of mine are nippy. One to the point of being a complete spaz who's only purpose in life is to draw as much blood as possible....

I have mine in slightly taller tubs, with some bird perches and bird ladders that they LOVE. I will share some pictures from my phone in a few minutes here. Biggest advice would be to get them used to handling from as early on as possible, and get them on rats as soon as possible. Carpets are known for sometimes being tricky to switch to rats, so the sooner that is done the better!

I find carpets to be one of the most fascinating snakes. They are beautiful, intelligent, strong animals that command your respect and keep you on your toes. While I do still squeal and jump when they bite/strike, it doesn't really hurt at all, I'm just a wimp.

[Marissa@MKmorphs]

[anicatgirl]

Heh. Such a cute little one. I think it's adorable when the tiny ones think they're such hot stuff I got bit a few times last week handling a 2014 I was considering. Didn't even feel the bites, just saw blood. I know that they have to get over their defensive fear that you're trying to eat them (you big monster, you ) and should settle down some.

[Reinz]

Congratulations, she is really beautiful!

I'm planning on a Jungle for next. But a local Coastal has caught my attention. I am really trying hard to hold out for a Jungle though.

[DennisM]

Welcome to carpets! I've been keeping them for 20 years and currently have 20 in the collection. They'll use perches, but it is not a necessity, I don't use them. They will go to the highest point they can, a perch or just sit on top of the hide, and look down. This is the carpet python version of hunting.

Babies of pretty much any subspecies tend to be quite bitey for the first year or so. All that I have kept have calmed down eventually, but rarely to levels of ball python calmness. I approach most of mine as if today is the day they are going to whack you just for fun! Most of them take an occasional shot, it may only be 2% of the time, but you just don't know if today is the day.

They are aggressive feeders, and as a previous poster suggested get them on rats ASAP. If you've got a yearling refusing rats, you've got a snake that will never eat rats. The good news is that they'll eat anything else. They love chicken and quail. Also rabbit and guinea pig.

i've found keeping carpets to be very rewarding and I'm sure you will too.

[DennisM]

While I do still squeal and jump when they bite/strike, it doesn't really hurt at all, I'm just a wimp.

it hurts when they get big!

[BumbleB]

Nice pickup!! I can't wait to get a carpet

[Marissa@MKmorphs]

Which is why I am working with them! Lol

[DennisM]

Congratulations, she is really beautiful!

I'm planning on a Jungle for next. But a local Coastal has caught my attention. I am really trying hard to hold out for a Jungle though.

It's OK, you can have both. Or maybe I should say you WILL have both! Coastals are awesome!