Interested in getting a Carpet Python

I am interested in getting a more advanced snake to keep, I have had my eye on getting a Jag carpet python for sometime but when I spoke with a local keeper he basically said they are aggressive and I probably could not handle them. I don't know If he was stating on my stature (im 5"5 and 118 pounds) or if my abilities are not there. I currently have 6 ball pythons that vary in size and all are healthy. I also get called to come and assist a local pet shop in starting the babies on feeding when they cant and own land that houses a conservatory for timber rattlesnake. I also am currently in the process of getting to GTP. A little incite on the carpet pythons temperament or issues would be greatly appreciated ... thanks :D

While carpets can be nippy as hatchlings, most calm down as they put some size on. Saying that you can't handle a carpet is ridiculous. Sure there are always going to a few that don't calm down, but that is true of all snakes.

They aren't ball pythons, but they really aren't that bad either. In my experience carpets tend to be very defensive when you reach into their cage, but once you get them out of the cage they settle down almost immediately.

Snakes are just as individual as people. And to say ALL Carpets are aggressive is a flat out lie and lack of understanding. I have seen Carpet babies as calm as a BP and I have seen Carpet babies as nervous and scared as they come. My JCP female tagged me 3-4 times right when I opened the FedEx box and I endured countless tags after she settled in during her handling sessions. After 4 months now of regular, confident, handling sessions, she's one of my best snakes. Her favorite place to relax is on top of my head!

You have to remember, no matter what species...they all think we're there to eat them when they're babies. If you get one that is known to be nippy, expect to take a few tags but continue with handling. If you're concerned with the tags, put on some gloves and a long sleeved shirt. Most will calm in the span of a few months. Patience, confidence, and more patience is all that is needed.

If you want to enter the world of Morelia but want to start with a Carpet that is a little more calm by nature, start with a Bredli Carpet Python. But if you're willing to give a Jungle or Jag the patience to earn their trust, by all means it's well worth the effort.

What others have said just in a different way - Carpets get confidence with size. When they are young, in a big brand new world, everything is a threat so they are generally nippy, this can be true for the first few months, to the first couple of years. It just depends on the individual snake. Most (not all) carpets will calm down when they start getting some size, but most (not all) will show some signs of cage aggression where you need to enter the cage with your hand with caution. Simply reaching in and grabbing it is never a good idea. Worst bite I've gotten from my adult Jaguar Coastal is putting my hand in to change her water while she was in her hide. . . woke her up she darted out and latched onto my hand before I could move. But again, its not that you can't handle them. And its not they are the devil himself in a snake . . . you just need to work with them when they are young, take a few baby bites, then when they are older, use a hook or paper towel roll to initiate handling when they are in the cage.

Like previously stated they can be "high strung" as juvies but they do tend to calm down. If he has multiple to choose from try and find one that isn't so nippy.
Personally I love carpets and think they are a great next-step snake after a BP.
another thing to keep in mind is that they are a more active and curious snake than a BP and will react quicker as well. if startled they will flinch and rise up vs coiling into a ball. I have also noticed they "lunge" kinda a half-ass strike without opening their mouth if you startle them sometimes.
Just being confident with them will do wonders though. and they do have a strong feed response so make sure they know your not food before you stick your arm in their lol.
Good luck and I hope you can pick one up!

Not to add for the tempermant issue, just wanting to say I love mine. He is growing like a wild fire Burns counties and townships but is also staying very calm (nervous albiet). I say get one! You'll love it to death!

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Thank you all for easing my fears....I am going to pick one up at the September reptile expo! I really am not nervous about the baby bites lol my male genetic black back is a beast and hisses and tries to eat me all the time ( he is a little wacky). Thanks again for all the incite :gj:

Do iiiittt! Carpets are amazing! My little jcp is one of my top favorite snakes in our collection! She tagged me right out of the shipping box, barely left a pin prick, and hasn't tagged me since. I love her to pieces!

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...psaf1b1b50.jpg

That's a nice looking jungle you've got there Rosie!

Op: do it! I love mine nippyness and all they are awesome snakes. I can't add much to what has already been said but we can assure you 99% of the babies calm down with regular handling. Just be prepared for a skiddish baby that likes to poop on you. My 2 girls aren't bad already but the 2 boys from the same clutch are still a little psycho. Lol

I think you should go for it. I just obtained a yearling Coastal female and very young Jag male, that being said yes as babies they will be nippy. the jag never stops trying to prove himself to me :P, but in time he will calm down like the female, who is a little nippy at times but has lacked handling for a long time. Carpet pythons are great snakes and don't let anyone talk you out of it!