ahhh...which one?

[joshthaxton]

So i've always wanted to have a "big" snake, not one to breed, just to have. I've been researching and looking around and I think I have settled on a carpet python. However, due to space I don't want a huge one. I'm looking for something that will be ~7-8ft TOPS as an adult. Which is a good subspecies to start out with? Also, can anyone tell me a little bit more about the different subspecies'? (temperment (i know it depends on the snake, but generally speaking), any feeding issues or preferences, etc..)

[Chuck]

A Jungle Carpet Python would be what you are looking for they top out at 8 ft. You could also look into a Irian Jaya Carpet Python. So some homework on these two sub species and if you have more questions feel free to hit me up.

[MPenn]

Jungle carpets and Irian Jaya carpets fit the bill for what you are looking for size wise. Both species would enjoy a vertically designed cage as they are semi-arboreal.

[DutchHerp]

I say JCP too, but as far as feeding goes, get one that HAS ONLY HAD RATS. I made the mistake of feeding two mice to my JCP and he hasn't taken a rat voluntarily since...

[shea]

They're all great, and I would say the majority of carpets max out under 7-8 feet. You'll hear of coastals getting larger, but then again there are 8ft Irians and Jungles out there as well. They get big enough, but not too big.

Irians can be a bit picky when it comes to getting them going on rats. I think jungles might be the same way, although I don't keep jungles. Regardless, once they're started they're all good feeders.

In my experience coastals can be skittish. Jungles the same. I think it's fairly accepted that Irian Jaya's are the calmest....those of us who have decent size carpet collections will tell you that the vast majority of the carpets we have are relatively calm captives regardless if they're jungles, irians, coastals, etc.

Shea Peterson
www.petersonreptiles.com

[DavidG]

Jungles love mice! They are very difficult to switch once on them.

[Chuck]

Jungles love mice! They are very difficult to switch once on them.

I would say that is a generilization and a great deal of jungle mice feeders will switch to rats give some time.