Thinking of getting a Carpet Python...

I've read over the caresheet, numerous times, and looked around at some of the threads here :) I have a couple questions after reading the sheet, and seeing your tank setups. Is it really hard to get them to feed on rats? If the snake doesn't take to rats, what do you feed it instead? Also, is it okay for an adult to be in a bigger enclosure? I would probably start with a tub system as it's growing, then when it's old enough I would like to make some sort of display enclosure.

Sorry if these are overasked questions...I've had my first ball python for a couple of months now (with success, even though humidity in my area SUCKS), and the snake bug has bitten me! I'm not planning on getting another one yet, but I am researching what type is right for my next step. I wanted to try out something a little larger, with interesting colors or patterns. I was also considering some sort of Red Tail Boa, but the Carpet Pythons have the most awesome patterns :gj: Heehee, I dream to one day own some sort of Tree Boa, they are freaking beautiful!

Thanks in advance for reading my long post :banana:

yes i agree. i myself do not own any ball python i have 06 male and female coastal carpet pythons, 1 08 male coastal carpet (2 months old) and a HCQ orange tiger carpet python. so need less to say i like carpets lol. i have had a ball python and there wasnt much difference in housing and keeping carpets. also if your humidity sucks there u could add a larger water bowl to bring it up or perhaps put cyprus mulch in your cage and dampen it some and it will make the humidity in your cage rise.

sorry forgot to add one more thing lol. if you have the snake on mice and you cant get it to switch over to rats then try to dip the rats head into chicken broth and that usually works for me but if it isnt eating at all u could still do that and maybe it will entice him more to eat if not and you dont have your heat and humidity elevated right he could be having issues or stressed out from alot of different reasons.

Let me see if I can help you with your questions. depending on what kind of carpet python you were interested in. typically Jungle carpets tend to be a little more picky about what they eat. That said there are a number of really great breeders I can turn you on to and they can sell you a rat feeder if that is a concern of yours. Mice chicks, quail, hamsters are all options but really you should be fine if you consult a breeder. Adult carpets again depending on size need any were between a 36x24x24 up to 48x24x24 or even larger if you desire I don't think anything over a 4 foot cage is needed unless you have a big coastal. I think you would be looking a Jungle or Irian Jaya Carpet Python, so you should have no problem with a 36x24x24. I hope this helps and feel free to ask away with any more questions. Baby carpets are a bit nippy but if you can get past that they are IMO one of the most rewarding fun snakes to keep.

Chuck

everything chuck said!

plus, humidity is much less an issue with carpets than with balls... carpets in general are much easier to keep.

Do male and females have differenent tempraments? I read that the females are usually larger. What are their personalities like compared to Ball Pythons and Red Tail Boas? As for the nippy-ness, do you think it's better to buy a baby, or something that's older?


I was searching for breeders - I saw your FS post on another forum, Colin (don't remember which one). I could have sworn I read about someone named Will Bird here, but I can't find the post now or a website. Does that person have a website/exist?

http://www.ectotherms.net/ecto-cms/ is Will Bird's website.

:O WOW!! Those are stunning!! I want one...

about all of will birds snakes are stunning lol i just recently got 2 from him and posted them in the in transit post. he has great quality snakes.

That's where I saw his name!! Your transit post!! I may have to call him when the time comes, and I'm hoping it's sooner then later :P All this looking at these beauties is really getting me impatient.

What sucks is that he sells Brazilian Rainbows as well, which is one of the Boa's I really wanted. But, it seems like they're husbandry is a little advanced, so I haven't looked into them yet.