Semi-Beginner to the Python World Questions

I am a semi-beginner as I had a ball python a number of years ago that I to find a fitting home for as I was moving states and could not take her with. Saddest day ever!!! Onto present time, I once again have a ball python, Freddi(when i figure out how to upload pictures I'll show him off). Now being able to have what I want as I have my own abode I am curious as to other Pythons. I have been asking around where I live and have received negative feed back about certain Pythons. My question is are some Pythons really more aggressive than others? I have heard Carpet Pythons and Green Tree Pythons have the most horrible personality and am wanting to get more opinions on this situation. I am not one to shy away from a nervous snake as my previous python was a rescue that was in a bad home and had never really been handled and we were able to over come that with time and patiences. I love my ball Freddi but I am also wanting to branch out to other Pythons. I am purly in the "snake game" as a pet owner and no breeding. So long story short....can i get some opinions of the aggression of other pythons? Thank you in advance!!!

My Carpet isn't that bad, she is rather vocal being huffy and rather hissy but she's only bitten me once lol. They go through a nippy phase but they'll probably be too small to really hurt you. I think they're great snakes if you want to branch out from bps they make awesome display snakes. And some pythons are more defensive than others, anyhow if you want a Carpet I know some good breeders....

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Originally Posted by PandaBurrr

I am a semi-beginner as I had a ball python a number of years ago that I to find a fitting home for as I was moving states and could not take her with. Saddest day ever!!! Onto present time, I once again have a ball python, Freddi(when i figure out how to upload pictures I'll show him off). Now being able to have what I want as I have my own abode I am curious as to other Pythons. I have been asking around where I live and have received negative feed back about certain Pythons. My question is are some Pythons really more aggressive than others? I have heard Carpet Pythons and Green Tree Pythons have the most horrible personality and am wanting to get more opinions on this situation. I am not one to shy away from a nervous snake as my previous python was a rescue that was in a bad home and had never really been handled and we were able to over come that with time and patiences. I love my ball Freddi but I am also wanting to branch out to other Pythons. I am purly in the "snake game" as a pet owner and no breeding. So long story short....can i get some opinions of the aggression of other pythons? Thank you in advance!!!

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Certain species will definitely have temperments what differ. "Agressive" behavior can be many different things such as strong feeding response, cage aggression, defensive behavior etc. If you want to understand the behavioral tendencies of a specific species, look at what they eat in the wild, what time they eat, how they hunt and what eats them and you will get tons of insight into what drives the behavior of your snake. With that said there are always exceptions to every rule.

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I just branched out to other pythons, myself. My first addition was a Borneo Short Tail Python.

I've only had him about two and a half weeks and since I'm letting him get settled in I've kept handling to a minimum. So far, he's hissed and huffed a few times, but just enough to let me know he's aware I'm there.
He handles really well so far, I can't wait to be able to spend some more time with him.

The two species you listed are more long and slender, but if you're considering something with more body mass you can look into Borneos, Sumatrans Short Tails and Blood pythons. They kinda had a bad rep for a while, but being several generations into being captive need really calmed them down. Lots of beautiful options for pretty decent money.

With a lot of species the attitude and ability to be handled will be linked to the work you put in, unlike BP who could not care less other species will have to be work with to remain easily handelable.

GTP however are more of a display snake not something you want to handle, other species will more or less have a defensive phase when young just like BP, and grow out of it as they get bigger and with work.

Completely depends on species. Carpets in general are usually known to be nippy buggers as babies but they really settle down well with age...Jungle carpets are known to be slightly more nippy than coastal carpets overall. Coastal carpets are known for having fantastic temperament as adults but do get larger. I do not own a GTP but I know they're rather nippy overall, then again I have watched several videos where adult specimens are handled without issue. Still, a GTP is not a beginner snake at all.

When I think of "aggressive python" the only species that really comes to mind are white lipped pythons, I'm sure someone can shed more light on this though.

Thank you everyone for you wonderful answers!!!! It will be awile before I branch out to other Pythons I just wanted opinions from people that actually own these snakes. My Freddi will suffice for now. He is super handleable and great!!! Still working on getting my husband used to the fact that we have a snake in the house. Lol! Thanks again everyone! So glad i joined BP.net!!!

I have 4 carpet pythons. They're one of my favorite snake species. I've heard about their nippy tendancies but that hasn't been my experience. I've been bitten a total of 2x by my carpets over the last 3 years and they were both babies at the time. Carpets are really cool critters keep. Their looks, size, temperament, and feeding response make them great for beginners and experienced keepers imo.

Are there any Python or snakes in general that I should stay away from? I know each person like their own python/snake but I am curious.

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Originally Posted by PandaBurrr

Are there any Python or snakes in general that I should stay away from? I know each person like their own python/snake but I am curious.

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The only snake you should avoid is the snake you research and decide you either can't or don't want to meet its husbandry requirements.

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https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...psid700qvo.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...ps4znyrrna.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...psjmpaehjg.jpg

I figured out how to add picture and am so excited to share my little love Freddi with everyone!!!!!!:oops::oops::oops::oops:

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Originally Posted by enginee837

The only snake you should avoid is the snake you research and decide you either can't or don't want to meet its husbandry requirements.

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I believe this is the best advice I have received thus far. Thank you!!!

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Originally Posted by PandaBurrr

Are there any Python or snakes in general that I should stay away from? I know each person like their own python/snake but I am curious.

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Some snakes are simply determined to be left alone despite any amount of gentle, patient, persistent efforts. A good general rule of thumb is to steer clear of anything you couldn't comfortably handle maintenance on should it decide it wants nothing to do with you - besides maybe causing you mischief. Freddi is a good looking critter. Thanks for sharing.

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Originally Posted by enginee837

The only snake you should avoid is the snake you research and decide you either can't or don't want to meet its husbandry requirements.

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I will definitely give this two thumbs up!!!

Put in the due diligence and learn about the species before bringing it home. And prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Obviously some species are "easier" than others, and some are better "beginner" snakes, but only you know your limitations. When researching Borneos I read a quote that said "BPs are for reptile lovers, Borneo are for snake lovers." That kinda stuck with me, as I kinda wanted something more challenging. But, I decided that I was up for the challenge and pulled the trigger.
If size is an issue, assume yours will get big, if husbandry is demanding make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort for the lifetime of the snake, etc...
Make sure you're willing and able to properly care for an animal on your own for the life if the snake, and only YOU know what you truly can and can't handle.

I have been bit by all my snakes and with the exception of my baby rosy boa who decided I was food, the other two were simply defensive strikes.

I think one of the main issues with the stigma of some species being temperamental or aggressive is that they have a large wild caught or farm raise import population which leads to snakes that are less acclimated than multi generational captive bred counterparts. Add in that may people don't understand how to handle snakes properly to avoid stress and you get stereotypes for certain species.

Green Tree Pythons are a perfect example. They are neither fragile snakes nor aggressive but they have this stigma of being tissue paper snakes that die if you look at them wrong and are prone to sink their teeth into you if you come within 5 feet of them. The reality is that there are far too many wild caught GTPs out there or farm raised that are in poor health to begin with (GTP hide health problems far too well).

Your best bet is to start out right and find the best breeders of the species you want, save money, and get the healthiest, best bred snake you can. The rewards in the end will be worth it. I would also learn more about how to build relationships with snakes instead of simply enforcing your will onto them. The outcome makes for a far more mellow snake.

Also remember snakes are a decade plus long commitment. They are not a goldfish (heck, goldfish are long lived too) so don't get into a snake thinking you will just own it for a short time or not realizing that cute retic will turn into a 15 foot workout that you won't be able to care for in 5 years. Get what you can handle and care for it for the long haul.

Lastly, no snake needs your physical contact. A snake will be perfectly content never being touched by you. Handling is for your benefit, not theirs.