Pandora's Thread

The first python finally joined the family today! This girl was 100% worth the loooong wait for shipping.

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Meet Pandora, a 2020 female West Papuan carpet produced by Nick Mutton at Inland Reptile. Her reduced headstamp always drew my eye back when I was looking for a Papuan carpet in the Fall, before Life Ensued and I had to cancel my plans for a new snake. Things improved, and when I saw her updated picture in January, I was sold! She was actually the last of her clutch left, so it feels like it was meant to be.

She's been a solid citizen so far -- very active and curious, but not nervous or nippy. I've also been told she's also a solid feeder. She seems to be enjoying her new box and settling in well thus far. As of tonight, she'll have a week to herself to properly settle in ahead of her first meal here.

Here's to a few good decades, Pandora! I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I will.

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Congrats! Excellent snake, excellent breeder :)

Beautiful addition WP! I LOVE her head stamp!!

Excellent choice on all fronts.

What a beauty and what a display animal the will make.

Congrats!

Simply precious! :love: As fine a "decoration" as I've ever seen on a snake hook.

Pandora is beautiful! WOW! Stunner.

Keep us posted, as I am sure you will do. Cannot wait to see her grow.

I just posted a long response in your thread asking about feeding CP's, so I'll just comment on what a great looking carpet she is here.

I do recommend, as with the boas, to hook train. Yafe can be a little hissy when I go to pick him up, but he's all talk. Some CP's are all talk and some aren't. Either way, nice to warm them up with the hook. Additionally, that can be a good way to interact with them while they get used to being handled. They love to wrap around the stem of the hook.

Pandora continues to settle in well here. She sticks to her hide during the day and seems to enjoy coming out after sundown to poke around a bit. She passed a few urates on her first night home and stank up her tub, so I decided to switch her to coco chip a bit early to deal with the smell. (Is it just me, or are python urates smellier/muskier than boa urates?). Her new favorite hide is the tiny little cardboard box that previously held my new vanilla extract -- after seeing how much she likes it, I've decided to hold on to a bunch of other tiny little cardboard boxes for when that first one finally kicks the bucket. Pandora shall not be left wanting for boxes!


...there's a non-zero chance she may get a roommate in the quarantine room soon. My "no new snakes until everyone's in adult enclosures" policy included an "unless a friend needs to rehome something" clause, and I actually had someone ask if I could invoke it today. I'm seriously considering doing so since it's for an easy-to-manage species that's both sentimental and one I've seriously considering taking a dive on. The room would be totally shut to new additions for the foreseeable future if I do so, though. As one family member astutely pointed out, a fourth snake could potentially make it hard to find new rentals in the future. All the places I've ever talked to were okay with two reptiles, most sounded like they'd be okay with three, but four? Four could potentially be the limit, even if said reptiles aren't particularly large.

Good luck making your decision. I know what you mean...a couple doesn't set off alarms, but 4 could turn into 20 in the minds of some people.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Good luck making your decision. I know what you mean...a couple doesn't set off alarms, but 4 could turn into 20 in the minds of some people.

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Thanks -- I feel like I'll be needing it. Leaning towards yes, but could still say no. I'll drop a hint for those who are interested: we're dealing with a Lampropeltis species here. And not one of the toy-sized ones.

It definitely doesn't help that four often turns into twenty for a non-insignificant number of snake people. :rofl:I've heard it said that people have either one, two, or twenty snakes, from people both within and (curiously) outside the hobby. While I'm definitely past two, I won't be going anywhere near twenty. I've cared and herp-sat for collections that size and larger and I know I don't want that many animals. Just a few decently-sized pets to enjoy over the decades, please and thank you.:)

Lampropeltis? Pssst! Do it! Say :yes: (yeah, I'm bad...)

You have a very nice snake there. I love a carpet python their patterns are magnificent.

Snakes are like tattoos from what I understand. You can have one and be done maybe even a couple that are different but if you were not careful you'll become addicted and before you know it half of your body is covered. I am fastly approaching that point myself lol

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Pandora continues to make herself comfy here. She's looking great, so we should be good for a short handling-and-photo session on Thursday. After that, it's time to eat! She last ate on the third, so she should be definitely be ready for her first meal home on Friday or Saturday.

I spoke with my friend about the Lampropeltis today, and there's good news on this front! They're taking a number of the snakes in question themselves -- thankfully this is actually just a case of downsizing/friends gifting snakes -- including the one I'm interested in. They know that Pandora just arrived and that I'm not ready for another new snake quite yet, so they're more or less holding on the potential rehomie for me while I make my final decision. This is quite possibly the best case scenario -- the snake in question is being well cared for, I can take my time seeing Pandora through her quarantine, and I'll have plenty of time to make my decision and do any prep work for the rehomie. Three cheers for great snake friends!

Pandora will be continuing her reign as Queen of Quarantine unopposed, haha! If I do take on the rehomie, it probably won't be until Pandora's ready to hand over her crown and graduate out of quarantine.

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Pandora's looking good after one week home. Her breathing sounds clear, her scales look good, the works. She did not want to come out of her favorite hide box that's under the faux bamboo, though! "Why must you disturb me? I'm comfy in here!"

I'll offer her a small hopper tomorrow or Saturday and see if she wants to eat.

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Love that little tub! Critter isn’t too shabby either[emoji6] I bet she eats no problem for you. Carpets are so fun


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First meal home down the hatch! Now to make herself comfy -- I don't think she'll fit as nicely in her favorite little box with all that food in her, haha.

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First meals "at home" are a nice thing to check off the list. :sweeet: Nothing better than a "happy camper".

Rock on Pandora.

Way to take your first meal at your new home!

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Pandora's looking good a couple of days after her meal. She actually decided to sit still for a brief time for some progression photos -- it seems as though she's calmer and stiller when she's perched, so it's harder to get photos of her just sitting down. I set up an old easel for her to climb on and she seemed to appreciate the alternate perching option.

Bonus picture of her smooshed in her favorite hide, haha.

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Magnificent! Love the shot on the French easel. Haven’t put mine too use in far too long.

Glad that critter is settling in so well! Prost! [emoji482]


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Looking great.
Definitely not the "Wrong Python"!

Great score!

Awesome. She digested that meal quick and is looking great.

You are doing a great job with her and understanding the difference between CP's and Boas.

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Thanks y'all!

Pandora has settled in comfortably at this point. She had a bit of a scare this week when some family came over this week -- they inflated an air mattress and the sound of the air pump spooked her, which led to her hiding in her water bowl and burrowing under her coco chips for a spell. Everything was fine in the end, though, and she was back to normal the next day.

I picked up some of my old 10 gallon tanks from family and I'm thinking of setting one up for Pandora to give her more room. She already looks a bit cramped when she's roaming around at night. Once the weather warms up a bit more and things get a little less dry, she may get upgraded to roomier quarters!

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Pandora has discovered the Papuan carpet custom of soaking in one's water bowl and decided that hers makes a decent hide! She doesn't soak constantly, but does seem to enjoy the occasional bath. I may have to get another spray of faux bamboo for her - she definitely seems to prefer her hides underneath the one she has now.

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Bonus picture of some cool dark patterning on her belly. The first half of her belly is clean and yellow, while the back half is almost patterned like a corn snake's with stretches of dark scales. Very cool!

Another thing I've noticed: she's fairly vocal. If she's feeling frustrated or working to get a good grip on my arm, she'll let out the occasional huff or chuff. I feel like I've heard of others having carpets that are similarly vocal. Anyone here's carpets like that?

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So glad you’re enjoying the Morelia experience! All of mine can be a little huffy here and there. Never gotten a legitimate hiss out of anyone, but little huffs and puffs on occasion.


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Funny. Yafe loves to hiss in his tank. When I tap him with the hook and when I got pick him up, I often get a long and pronounced hisssssssssssss or two or three. However, once out and about, not at all.

Additionally, though he is fond of drama, he's never struck at me, even when little. He's really a sweet guy, but just likes to be vocal about getting bothered I guess.

Behira, my female BI, likes to huff a little every once in a while, but not nearly as dramatic as Yafe. Of course, she's a lot bigger, so I respect her, but don't fear her. She also very rarely does it and it's usually short lived.

If I had to choose between bites or hisses, I'll take hisses every time :).

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Originally Posted by dakski

...If I had to choose between bites or hisses, I'll take hisses every time :).

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Hugs & hisses, for sure! :D

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Originally Posted by dakski

If I had to choose between bites or hisses, I'll take hisses every time :).

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Oh, one hundred percent! I'm very glad that "the kids" are only vocal-sassy versus nippy-sassy. :P

While Pandora chuffs a fair bit, Kuzco's probably the biggest sass bucket in the house. Little guy still hasn't grown out of his baby boa insecurity quite yet and will occasionally throw a little tantrum if I go to pick him up or service his cage. For such a tiny boa, he's got a robust set of pipes and can hiss quite loud when he wants to! Adelita's rarely vocal, but she'll occasionally give a mild hiss of displeasure when she's in shed.

...and I will one thousand percent take a hissy snake over one that's a musker. ;)

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Pandora has officially been home for one whole month! Glad to say that she's still doing well and seems content with her lot in life. I love this little python so much; I'm glad I took the leap and made her part of the family.

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Her coloration is very attractive but her little face is so cute! :love: I'd keep her around too, if I were you. :D

Yeah, she does have a cute little face. :) I'll miss her baby face when it's gone, but I'm looking forward to seeing her mature, too. You just have to savor those baby years while you can.

She won't be going anywhere now that she's here! When I bring a snake home, it's basically a life sentence. Just another reason why I'm fairly stingy with new additions and am trying to take things slow -- I'd like to see my snakes into their thirties (at least), and I already have a good amount of snake to haul around and see to for that amount of time.

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Originally Posted by WrongPython

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Pandora has officially been home for one whole month! Glad to say that she's still doing well and seems content with her lot in life. I love this little python so much; I'm glad I took the leap and made her part of the family.

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Its one of those times you make/made the right decision and you know it every day from there on out.

I'm thrilled you are into MORELIA!

Carpets and boas give me everything I could ask for.

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It's almost like I went out and got that Jungle anyway. But better!

Third meal home went down the hatch last week. As soon as she's large enough for them, I'll offer her a day-old quail. They're a higher volume prey item per weight compared to a mouse. Between that and their pokey bits, I'd rather see Pandora put on a little more size and get her under a stronger heat source first.

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Pandora is looking lovely.

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Went to take Pandora out for some pictures tonight when I noticed she sounded a bit wheezy. Granted, this was right after she took off at terminal velocity a couple of times, and her resting breathing doesn't sound wheezy... but still. Turned off the little night drop I initiated over a week ago, gave her fresh water, and will check again in the morning. She might have just winded herself being a squirmy darty baby, but better safe than sorry!

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Originally Posted by WrongPython

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Went to take Pandora out for some pictures tonight when I noticed she sounded a bit wheezy. Granted, this was right after she took off at terminal velocity a couple of times, and her resting breathing doesn't sound wheezy... but still. Turned off the little night drop I initiated over a week ago, gave her fresh water, and will check again in the morning. She might have just winded herself being a squirmy darty baby, but better safe than sorry!

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I did the exact same thing when Stella got all worked up and gave me a faint whistle a couple months ago. Did it a couple other times and only when she was real wound up though. I’m confident your little girl is probably doing the same. Looking super nice btw!

My old retic was a whistler now and then. He was 100% healthy but he'd get that same sound when he was younger. He outgrew it and just became nasty instead.

My coastal is a big huffy girl. She makes a lot of noise when she moves around.

I think your animal is probably just worked up like JM stated.

Thanks guys, this is nice to know! I'll admit that having a snake who can be so passively noisy (for lack of a better term) has been quite an adjustment. It's not something you really hear people talking about a lot -- even in places such as MPR -- and I wasn't expecting it.

Hopefully I'll be able to have Pandora out for a nice photoshoot someday without her working herself up! She's quite the pocket rocket when she's feeling fresh. :P

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Glad to say that Pandora's feeling good!

It looks like she was just a bit winded after her escapades last night. Her breathing was nice and clear today, and she was happily snuggled down in her substrate. This photo was actually taken after I removed a good layer of coco chips, haha.

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She really digs herself in there. Pretty cute!

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Her little "bushy eyebrows" make her look so serious!

Can confirm that Pandora's little wheezing episode was just her getting winded. I re-attemped sitting her on the Ikea chair for a photo last night, and she was perfectly fine under she had a bout of the zoomies and winded herself again. She was back to normal a few hours later and she hasn't had any issues tonight. I'll just have to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't get too excited in the future.

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Checked in on Pandora tonight and noticed that she had that slight whistle to her breathing, even though she wasn't being particularly active. She was actively crawling around her tub, but nothing particularly extreme. Not sure how I feel about that. She otherwise seems fine, but still...

Part of me wonders if a recent rise in humidity may have something to do with it. Her tub holds humidity a bit too well despite a plethora of ventilation holes; it had risen all the way to the 80% range tonight between ambient humidity and her water bowl! In case anyone's wondering, ambients are 81 F (warm side) to 78 F (cool side), with a hotspot that goes between 88-90 F on the floor of the tub and 85 F on top of the chips.

Any other concerning symptoms? I’ve noticed a slight whistle many a time from my Suriname and from a couple of my carpets, but no excessive saliva, bubbles, or wheezing or anything. She’s probably just a bit more talkative than others. Good on you for remaining attentive and keep us posted on any developments.


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She's never showed any other concerning symptoms like the ones you described. I checked on her today and she seemed perfectly fine -- contently coiled under her paper towel roll, very bright, and no whistling to speak of. I'm probably overreacting a little, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

A bit of late-night browsing through some of the older threads here uncovered this thread on carpet python noises. Apparently some past keepers have experienced similar whistling with their carpets. This response from Michael Pennell (!) was quite enlightening:

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Originally Posted by MPenn

In my experience, you normally get more of the whistling type noises from IJ's than any other carpet. I have heard it from small ones as well as heavier ones, but mostly from IJ's...

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... so, I think you may be right in her just being more "talkative." Didn't know that was a thing with Papuans.

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Originally Posted by WrongPython

She's never showed any other concerning symptoms like the ones you described. I checked on her today and she seemed perfectly fine -- contently coiled under her paper towel roll, very bright, and no whistling to speak of. I'm probably overreacting a little, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

A bit of late-night browsing through some of the older threads here uncovered this thread on carpet python noises. Apparently some past keepers have experienced similar whistling with their carpets. This response from Michael Pennell (!) was quite enlightening:



... so, I think you may be right in her just being more "talkative." Didn't know that was a thing with Papuans.

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Interesting. I’ve never kept Papuans, but I’d believe most things Michael has to say about the captive husbandry and breeding of Morelia. Two of my carpets are from him as a matter of fact. My Rockhampton female and my Brisbane male.


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

Interesting. I’ve never kept Papuans, but I’d believe most things Michael has to say about the captive husbandry and breeding of Morelia...

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My thoughts exactly. Part of me is tempted to message the Podfather himself and see what he thinks -- Eric's kept more than his fair share of Papuans, so if anyone else should know, he should.

Pandora was looking good tonight. She was "talkative," but otherwise looking good a few days after her meal.

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Mixed things up and let Pandora have a crawl about the floor today. She seemed to enjoy it! It was nice to see her straighten out all the way and get some exercise like that. She's just about as long as Kuzco, who is due to get an upgrade to a 4' this year. I'm thinking that she should get an upgrade at the same time. She's far more active than said boa brother, and would probably use all that space even more...

I did a bit of digging around the internet, and it sounds like many other people have carpets that are "vocal" in the same way as her. Apparently carpet morphology makes for noisier breathing (relative to boas), and some carpets are just vocal whenever they're out. Part of me is wondering if she's always been noisy like this and that I've only detected it now that she's got a little more size to her. I haven't measure her recently, but I feel as though she's put on a bit of size since she arrived home.

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That second picture cracks me up. Caption should read “WHATTHEHELLWASTHAT?!?!” [emoji23]
Glad the talkativeness seems to be only that. Mine all give me back talk to various extents as well. Part of the fun of species with interesting mannerisms.


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Originally Posted by jmcrook

That second picture cracks me up. Caption should read “WHATTHEHELLWASTHAT?!?!” [emoji23]
Glad the talkativeness seems to be only that. Mine all give me back talk to various extents as well. Part of the fun of species with interesting mannerisms.

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I mean, you're not far off. :P Her mood at the time was "what, Human? Waitwhatisthat, getyourphoneouttamyface!" Those big ol' baby bug eyes that make her look Perpetually Concerned whenever she looks at you straight on just complete the look.

Yeah, the wheezy/whistle thing seems to run the gamut among carpets. People have reported it in everything from Jungles to Murray Darlings (Inlands) to Bredli. The fact that other people have been through the same thing with their carpets makes me feel better. Supposedly carpets are more prone to making noise like this when they're in shed or approaching it, but I don't think that's the case here. It seems as though Pandora is just one of those opinionated and vocal individuals, which I'm down with. I'll take a vocal sassy baby over a nippy/bitey one any day.

Also yeah, definitely enjoying the carpet mannerisms so far! Pandora's that delightful bit of activity and something different that I was looking for. I'd be hard pressed to chose between adding another boa or carpet if I could only have one more. Let me tell 'ya, though: if that Inland female that Nick Mutton listed recently was up when I was waiting for Pandora to ship out, she'd probably be here too.

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Pandora's looking a little blue and is acting a bit cranky... could the first shed home be around the corner?

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Yup, first shed home is on its way! What a way to close out her 90 day quarantine.

I thought she was looking a little pre-shed browned out last week. Kuzco -- the other snake in the house with black/very dark pigment -- gets similarly browned out when he starts heading into shed. It's almost like building of a new layer of skin gives them a full-body blush. Interesting.

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