Carpet Python vs Boa

I recently passed on a carpet python rehoming, but it has me doing the research in case something like that comes up again. Browsing around in the Morelia forums I can see where several of you have both boas and carpet pythons. There's some commentary, but I didn't see a specific thread related to the key differences (or I may have missed it). What would you say are the main differences? I have boa experience, but none with pythons, not even a BP.

Which sub-types could be kept in enclosures similar to boas? Something like 4x2x2 or 6x2x2 - not wanting to go as high as 8+.

Are all sub-types equally good for handling?

Max size and handling are most important for me over looks, but I do love the high yellow to black contrast on some of them I've seen here. Would love all 3 considerations in a display snake.

Most any carpet shouldn’t ~need anything bigger than a 4x2 or 6x2. They’ll use as much space as you’ll give them though.
Difference between carpets and boas? That’s honestly comparing apples to oranges. My boas are overall a bit more sedentary, but the carpets can be too. Some are more shy and secretive while others are out and about regularly.
Bredli and Inland carpets are said to be among the most docile of all the subspecies. Though all animals are individuals and have their own personalities. All 4 of mine are very different and interesting to Interact with. I have three coastals and a jungle between the ages of 2-4yrs and love them all to pieces. They’re pretty sassy as babies, but all of mine calmed down well with regular gentle handling.
Flashiness of display? Probably a jungle would be a good choice. 6’ is a good size adult and would do well in a 4x2x2. There’s a color and pattern option for just about everyone with Morelia species though. Coastals are probably the most variable and all three of mine are distinctly different even with two of them being the same locality.
All but one of mine are tentatively in their forever homes of 4x30x18 unless they get absolutely massive. They’re very lean and slender snakes and don’t take up nearly the space that a 6-7’ boa will.
To summarize, get yourself a carpet python. You won’t regret it.
[emoji91][emoji869]Morelia Mafia 4 Life[emoji869][emoji91]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Morelia are wonderful snakes and I'd recommend them to any keeper who enjoys snakes in general. jmcrook provided a great summary which I won't repeat. I'll just say that in my personal experience I find my Jungle Carpet Python to be more active and definitely more arboreal than my Boas. He's also more interactive and responsive to target training and behavioral enrichment. I swear I can almost see this snake thinking - it's hard to find the right words to describe them, but I find them a little 'intense'. Not in an 'omg this snake is bitey' way but they just notice everything, respond to everything, are curious about everything.

As babies/hatchlings they hate everything and choose violence, lol. But they respond really well to gentle, consistent training and handling. Once they hit maybe a year old and develop a little more confidence, it's like a switch flips in their brain and they stop being so defensive. Husbandry-wise, they are tanks - easy to keep, great appetites. Temperament-wise, I love these snakes. If you ever have another chance to keep one, you won't regret it.

A 4x2x2 would be great for a Jungle Carpet or an Irian Jaya/Papuan (which tends to be even smaller than the Jungle). The snake in my thumbnail is my Jungle Carpet Ziggy - he's almost always out and about or visibly basking.

It’s hard to put a finger on the difference between the two because as JMC said, they each have their own personalities. Rather than try for a generalization I just say for me that both Carpets and Boas are more challenging and fulfilling than BPs.

I have 3 Coastals, 2 Jungles, 2 Boas, an Olive, and a BP. The Boas and Carpets are all mature at 9- 15 years old, thus they are big.
One of my Boas is “big boned” :D and 8 feet. He can be very head strong and difficult to control with all of his muscle mass. Even though my Carpets are 7-8 feet they are still manageable even when they don’t want to cooperate.

It seems to me that most everyone on this forum that made the leap to Carpets have felt very positive about their decision. I can only think of one person where he took the Carpet back. I really don’t think that you will regret it. The toughest thing about Carpets is choosing WHICH one.

Best of luck

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Reinz

It’s hard to put a finger on the difference between the two because as JMC said, they each have their own personalities. Rather than try for a generalization I just say for me that both Carpets and Boas are more challenging and fulfilling than BPs.

I have 3 Coastals, 2 Jungles, 2 Boas, an Olive, and a BP. The Boas and Carpets are all mature at 9- 15 years old, thus they are big.
One of my Boas is “big boned” :D and 8 feet. He can be very head strong and difficult to control with all of his muscle mass. Even though my Carpets are 7-8 feet they are still manageable even when they don’t want to cooperate.

It seems to me that most everyone on this forum that made the leap to Carpets have felt very positive about their decision. I can only think of one person where he took the Carpet back. I really don’t think that you will regret it. The toughest thing about Carpets is choosing WHICH one.

Best of luck

---

Great to see you post here, Reinz! Hope you and your awesome gang of critters are doing well!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jmcrook

Great to see you post here, Reinz! Hope you and your awesome gang of critters are doing well!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

---

Thank you. I was just looking at some of y'alls gorgeous snakes! My have they grown since I was last here.

Yep! A growing snake is, for the most part a thriving snake. Thanks to everyone for the information.

I have three boas and one carpet python (as well as 5 other reptiles - a BP, two corns, a Blue Tongue Skink, and a Leopard Gecko).

I would say the differences are activity level when handling, display animal vs. not as much, and behavior as a younger snake.

Activity wise, my CP, Yafe, is generally much more active when handling. He likes to roam and move. Not wiggly like some colubrids can be, and he can definitely support himself better than a colubrid, but likes to move. My boas explore a little, but are more deliberate and slower moving - generally. Both are "easy" to handle in the sense they do not fight me much and "go with the flow." Yafe is about 6FT +/- and although strong, only ways about 3 pounds (he's an IJ/Darwin hybrid - so the two smallest CP species). He's manageable. He's also a little head shy, and can spook himself a little at times, like a BP, but not to the point of being bitey or anything.

My boas are all docile, but they are very strong and thick bodied. My males less so (2 males), but still much stronger and bigger per foot than Yafe. Behira, my female BI, weighs 2X Yafe's weight, or even a little more, and is about his length, maybe even a little shorter at this point.

My boas are more sedentary and hide more. Additionally, they like to strike the doors of their enclosures when they expect/hope for food. I have the front of my boa's tanks covered with cloth so they don't hurt themselves striking. Again, docile, and tap training works wonders (I recommend for both CP's and Boas because of food drive and propensity for damage at size). Yafe is a total display animal. He spends a lot of time hanging in his perches and even if on the ground doesn't use his hides too much. He's often visible and moving around. He loves to "hunt" and night and can be seen roaming his tank.

Yafe has always been a love, but many carpets are defensive when young. Much less true of boas in my experience, and from what I've heard, tend to grow out of it quicker if they are.

Both are wonderful snakes and a CP is a great progression.

Thanks for the info everyone!

This is one of my favorite subjects!

I'll start by saying, most folks always end up with at least 2 snakes, so keep that in mind. I won't pretend I'm an expert when it comes to boas and pythons but I have had the opportunity to have kept both carpets and boas.

The answer I like to give when asked; "which one?" is BOTH. Space it out by 6 months or a year, then add the next one.

Boas are dense, most, even the island boas have dense muscle for their length. As described above, carpets tend to be lighter and more "graceful" even when they are a foot or 2 longer.

That said, my Bredli and other Bredli I've handled tend to have a similar, boa like density. Bredli are generally heavier than the other carpets, and according to Nick Mutton are only exceeded in size by the largest coastal localities. JM and I both have the Brisbane locale, which is said to be the area of the largest coastals. Neither of us have a giant at this point in time.

My late and beloved coastal mix was 8 feet long and not as heavy as my 6+ maybe 7' boa.
https://i.imgur.com/zxK5W1O.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pE9yxJ0.jpg

She was starting to get heavier but didn't have the concrete heaviness of the boa.

This is a male, Barranquilla, Colombian boa. He'll hit 10 years old this June.
https://i.imgur.com/5T19pUg.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jw6DTJI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ag1EUc0.jpg

This is a male Bredli at around the 4 year mark.
https://i.imgur.com/w4fXGXb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kasr1L4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cphcHYF.jpg
These guys may be one of the easiest of the carpets to keep IMO. They handle cooler night temps and only require a water bowl for humidity. They are a desert species so there really isn't a humidity requirement. I'd say these are the hardiest of the carpets and are forgiving of keeper mistakes within reason.

This is a Brisbane, locality coastal, note the gloves. She's been a bit tough to deal with, but she has calmed with size. I had some issues with the Bredli at the start as well, however he grew out of it as most carpets tend to do.
https://i.imgur.com/6fKH44x.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4nf2r4r.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1yHTbak.jpg

I find both the boas and carpets fantastic to keep. For myself and some of my friends here, the two species cover all of the bases.

Boas fill the "thick and impressive" bill. You will have a satisfying experience handling a nice, heavy boa. I always have to say, "in general", so, in general, boas are one of the most docile handling snakes you'll find.
My boa is very busy at certain times of the year. I allow all the snakes here, Royal, Bredli, Coastal and Boa to have climbing opportunities.

The Royal is the least active and the least arboreal by far.

The Bredli is the most arboreal snake I've ever owned, the 2nd most was a male retic here that needed to be re-homed as he and I were not a good match.

My first coastal which was a mix was less arboreal than I expected for a carpet.

The boa climbs and perches and he's far from boring. You can't go wrong with a boa!

The carpets both climb and are very visible.

The carpets, especially when older are fun to handle. I've always felt the Aussie snakes tend to have personalities. I can't explain it, but once they are acclimated and confident they almost seem to enjoy interaction.

Boas seem more indifferent, this could be an individual thing or more general, I don't know.

In the cage and out, my boa is more calculating and deliberate. His movements seem thought out and planned. I find the carpets I've had and had here are a little more free spirited.

The carpets tend to glide when being handled and the boa is more grippy.

Honestly I find a lot of similarities between the two species, a lot more than differences.

As far as looks, you be the judge!

JM has a Pink Line Argie that looks like a toy because the coloring is so mind blowing.

I love my locality boa and pretty much every locality boa when it comes to coloring and patterns.

That said the carpets here are not morphs and they look spectacular.

Is there a bottom line? Not really.

Both species are pretty hardy, both are more arboreal than people think, both boas and carpets handle well, keeping requirements are similar and so are caging requirements.
I would expect a 6 plus foot boa like mine to be OK in a 4' cage but 30" of depth is the minimum. I like cages that are at least 2' tall. I have one that is only 20" and wish I had another 4" for it.

Unless you wind up with a recored sized boa, coastal or Bredli you won't need more than a 6 foot cage.

Here's what things look like here.
https://i.imgur.com/J4pdgbw.jpg

I hope this helps. I really want to go on, but I have some things to do here.

If you have specific questions please ask here again.

Cheers.

Thanks Gio, that's a lot of useful info! Seems like many of the folks here that have both, love them for their many similarities and a few key differences. Think I'm sold on a high contrast, black/yellow carpet should the opportunity arise again.

Your Barranquilla pics and posts were a big reason I got a couple of them last year. Hopefully some spring pics for a progression thread on those guys coming soon. Still undecided on keeping both.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nick_MD

Thanks Gio, that's a lot of useful info! Seems like many of the folks here that have both, love them for their many similarities and a few key differences. Think I'm sold on a high contrast, black/yellow carpet should the opportunity arise again.

Your Barranquilla pics and posts were a big reason I got a couple of them last year. Hopefully some spring pics for a progression thread on those guys coming soon. Still undecided on keeping both.

---

Thanks,

I guess I forgot or didn't know about your Barranquilla boas.

Excellent choice for a boa and maybe only rivaled by a fine Suri or Perruvian IMO.

You can't go wrong with a flashy Jungle. The selectively bred types hold those colors without much change even at older ages.

I was actually impressed that my old girl, Jewel, who was a coastal mix had such neon coloring on her upper neck and head. I'm sure she had some jungle in her and possibly some other stuff.

This is a no brainer discussion now that I know you already have boas.

A carpet of any type is a must!

Congrats on your wise decision.

If you’ve already got boas, get a carpet. If you’ve already got carpets, get a boa. If you don’t have either then get both. If you can only keep one, get a carpet. The husbandry is pretty similar, boas handle a little better, but carpets are a nicer display snake and typically hide less. That’s the small advantage I’d give to carpets. Otherwise they’re equally awesome.

Didn't add a carpet in last year, but back to researching for 2023...

Question for the group - Do you have care info you trust on Diamond Carpets (Morelia spilota spilota) ? I love the look of those, but some of you had said they are more difficult. How so? I see they are further south at higher elevations, but what does that mean for care besides slightly lower temps. Anything else?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nick_MD

Didn't add a carpet in last year, but back to researching for 2023...

Question for the group - Do you have care info you trust on Diamond Carpets (Morelia spilota spilota) ? I love the look of those, but some of you had said they are more difficult. How so? I see they are further south at higher elevations, but what does that mean for care besides slightly lower temps. Anything else?

---

I was just discussing Diamonds the other day with JM.

They DO require the some different husbandry. While it may not be a must, I feel a large cage with substantial temperature gradient is a good move. Diamonds do need to be able to get cool enough.

I don't think I would be able to properly keep one in my setup. The ambient room temp alone would cause issues here. Stacking cages makes it difficult as well. Heat from a bottom cage always adds some floor heat to the cage above. This is far from expert advice, keep that in mind.

Here is a link that introduces you to the carpet group and some other Australian pythons.
https://southernserpents.com.au/page...aussie-pythons

Another good link.
http://ectotherms.net/kyherpsoc/carpetpythons.html

A possible option if you like the look of the Diamond python is to find an intergrade.

The husbandry issues don't seem to follow along once the species is crossed. There are natural intergrades, which I am not certain exist in the states, and there are crosses that do.


Diamond care.

https://reptilesmagazine.com/diamond-python-care/

Gio hit the nail pretty well with his post. Focused hot spot with warmer temps, for shorter periods of the day, preferably with a bulb of sorts over an RHP. Very very very high amounts of ventilation to prevent excessive heat build up, large temperature gradient, and especially in the winter much much colder ambient and evening temps than other Morelia Read: low 50s and I’ve even heard of upper 40s in cases with no ill effect, in fact much the opposite.

Excessive heat is the cause of what was called Diamond Python Syndrome. Too much warmth speeds up their metabolic rate and they, for lack of a better description, age faster physically and die prematurely as a result. Their coloration is designed to soak up heat quickly because it’s scarce in their habitat for large portions of the year. Southern most ranging python species in the world and they’ve adapted well to handle very cool/cold temps to the point of not being able to handle constant warmer conditions.

I’d love to have diamonds but don’t think I could do them right in my north MS climate and current home ambient temps. Check out the newest More Complete Carpet Python for a more articulate explanation of their captive husbandry than I’m able to put into words.

Thanks again guys! After reading through those links and the info provided, that's quite a bit more specialized care than slightly lower temps. Not a good fit for my home either. Would have to go in same room and able to stack with the boas. APs 4x2x2 can stack 3 high, right?

Probably back to targeting a nice JCP. Sweating the fading pattern though.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nick_MD

Thanks again guys! After reading through those links and the info provided, that's quite a bit more specialized care than slightly lower temps. Not a good fit for my home either. Would have to go in same room and able to stack with the boas. APs 4x2x2 can stack 3 high, right?

Probably back to targeting a nice JCP. Sweating the fading pattern though.

---

Jungles (or any carpet python) are great keeps. It will take quite some time before they fade too much. Just obtain from quality lines/breeders and you should have a screaming black and yellow snake for many many years. Mine is 3yo in June and still blinding yellow and jet black. Happy to recommend breeders if interested.
As for the specialized care, some of the info in those links is a bit dated, but some is still pretty accurate to the best of my knowledge. Again, I've never kept diamonds so I can't speak from personal experience. I do have Brisbane locality southern coastals though (not from as far south as diamonds range) and they can definitely take cool temps with no issue. Dropped them to 54 degrees for breeding trials this winter and they were still out looking for food like they didn't notice the temperature drop.
Those AP cages can definitely stack 3-4 high +. Both of my stacks are 3 high and not missing a beat.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nick_MD

Thanks again guys! After reading through those links and the info provided, that's quite a bit more specialized care than slightly lower temps. Not a good fit for my home either. Would have to go in same room and able to stack with the boas. APs 4x2x2 can stack 3 high, right?

Probably back to targeting a nice JCP. Sweating the fading pattern though.

---

Another option,

The hybrid/cross.

Diamond X Coastal.

I am not into crossing, however there is a natural intergrade zone where Diamonds do mate with Coastals. JM may know if we have the true intergrades here in the states. Nick Mutton will certainly know and if you want a good LOOOOOONNG conversation, Nick is a fantastic resource.

The intergrades are beautiful snakes without the husbandry requirements that pure Diamonds require. A hybrid created here in the US would not be a complete slap in the face to any particular locality. There are more than enough carpet pythons with unknown origins here that having a selectively bred C X D or J X D isn't going to upset the balance of things.

I get the impression you are fond of the Diamond pattern and color scheme.


Here is another link with some more Diamond info and an explanation of the natural intergrade example.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_JgxohI4Ys

The Coastal X Diamond would be a logical cross.

Everything depends on your preferences.

My first carpet, RIP., was not a locality or anything 100% pure. She was coastal and a mixed bag after that. She ranked as one of my favorites and I'd take another like her any day of the week.
https://i.imgur.com/IWmGeEm.jpg


I asked Nick Mutton about this animal, and he of course said, "There is no way to tell what she is." He did say there was some characteristics, especially in one of the parents that resembled a Diamond. Of course Jungle was also mentioned.
https://i.imgur.com/qhjBtwq.jpg

She held her coloring around her head pretty well.
https://i.imgur.com/hTk4Ipw.jpg


Not mentioned in this discussion, but by far the easiest to keep. The Bredli. He's heavy like a boa.

https://i.imgur.com/2p0qIWB.jpg

He's obviously pure Bredli, but he has some selective breeding goodies going on. 50% hypo plus genetic stripe and possible stone wash.
https://i.imgur.com/NcAMQ2Z.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/uC8XOlz.jpg


Finally there is the locality, Coastal. This is the Brisbane.
I got her from Mike Pennell. Nick Mutton remarked that she has interesting coloring with more than average yellow. She's nothing unheard of for the locale, but she's very pretty and looks morph like to me in some ways.

She's not however, just a neat variation within the locale.
https://i.imgur.com/5cfyBXY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/4sVN6Cf.jpg


This is the locale that has the potential to get the largest. That said I don't anticipate this girl to be the exception.

https://i.imgur.com/X54sT9q.jpg



I drifted a bit from the Diamond discussion because I think you can satisfy your craving with just about any type of Morelia. Weather is be Morelia Spilota " ",, " " or Morelia Bredli.

I know you have boas, so the next step is one of these beauties.

Yes, all good with the drifting. Was looking into JCPs, but then the Diamonds really caught my eye. Not completely sold on JCP specifically - generally want a display quality subtype with care and size not too dissimilar from my boas. I appreciate all the pics you're providing.

Currently entertaining a trade offer of a JCP for one of my Barranquillas this Spring.

Which locale(s) are in the bottom pics with "the potential to get the largest"? What's the upper end of the range for those?

Of what we have available in the US for carpet pythons Bredl's Pythons and Brisbane Locality Southern Coastal carpets are the two with the largest size potential. This does not mean they will certainly get huge, but stand a greater chance of attaining large sizes than a jungle. Both are heavier bodied than most other carpet subspecies as well

Brisbane locality southern coastals are said to be able to reach 8'+ easily and that's what Gio has posted in the last pictures. These or similar are generally what you see in the news when an aussie shares pics of a massive carpet. I have a pair as well and are featured in a somewhat recent thread I made here. My nearly 5yo female is ~6' and my 4yo male is about 4'. I'm certain I could have gotten them easily over 6-7' by this age, but prefer to grow my animals slower when possible. They're adults between 5.5-9' and can be kept in that range quite manageably.

Will get big and can get big are two different things with carpets and can be managed quite easily with careful monitoring of feeding and how it impacts their growth. I'm not pressing mine to reach enormous sizes. I won't be upset if that happens, but not trying to unnecessarily force it. I give them a couple months off of feeding in the winter and generally feed every 2-3 weeks give or take throughout the year.

If I remember correctly you have Tarahumaras and Amarali, yes? I do as well and both are a bit more forgiving of cool temperatures than other boas. I think a bredl's python or jungle would suit you well which care also very durable and cold tolerant, though I really enjoy both my northern and southern coastal carpets. Most carpets make excellent display critters and mine are frequently out in the open basking during the day and fairly active at night.

A bit rambly here, let me know if I need to clarify anything or if you have other questions.

That should read that Bredl's are very durable and cold tolerant, not jungles. Though most carpets are pretty forgiving of keeper error than BP for example

To add a little more,

A larger carpet will not weigh what a larger boa will weigh. Nor will a carpet that's a foot longer than a boa rival the density of the boa.

Prey size rather than feeding frequency will contribute more to end size. There is a study that looked at certain populations of the same species and found the snakes that lived in areas with larger prey were ultimately larger. I wish I had the study handy. I think it was within rat snake populations.

Looking at the SD and Dwarf retics, you can also note the snakes are smaller in areas where large prey isn't available.

I would like to see a study in carpet pythons like that.

At this stage my Southern, "Brissy" is smaller than my costal mix was at a similar age. My late mix didn't eat very often at all, yet she grew to 8+ feet. Her spurt was later in life. Probably because when I did feed her, I offered fairly good sized prey.



I wouldn't get too hung up on size. The norm is NOT 9-10'. I'd say an 8 foot carpet is a good sized captive snake, and actually it is a size that is easy to handle.


Nick Mutton has some beautiful animals as does Mike Pennell. JM has some other leads you may want to look into.

I can't recommend the carpet group enough. They compliment boa ownership.

After watching a 30 min presentation by Nick Mutton, I went ahead and purchased his The More Complete Carpet Python which should arrive next week. I think it'll answer some of these questions, but I'll ask here too.

On Bredlis, are there bloodlines that accentuate the red? I've browsed through a bunch of what's for sale and see a lot of morphs, but I'm liking what I think are the red normals with the black around the lighter banding.

I like the orange on the Darwin's, but they seem less popular than the Bredlis. Is this a size or specialized care issue? I think I like the Bredlis more too, but curious what the differences are.

Is granite a morph specific to the Papuan Carpets? Are there neurological or other issues with that morph?

I've ruled out the Diamonds as too specialized care. I still like the JCP, but much like the boas, I'm finding myself drawn to the natural locality types (and maybe the granite).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nick_MD

After watching a 30 min presentation by Nick Mutton, I went ahead and purchased his The More Complete Carpet Python which should arrive next week. I think it'll answer some of these questions, but I'll ask here too.

On Bredlis, are there bloodlines that accentuate the red? I've browsed through a bunch of what's for sale and see a lot of morphs, but I'm liking what I think are the red normals with the black around the lighter banding.

I like the orange on the Darwin's, but they seem less popular than the Bredlis. Is this a size or specialized care issue? I think I like the Bredlis more too, but curious what the differences are.

Is granite a morph specific to the Papuan Carpets? Are there neurological or other issues with that morph?

I've ruled out the Diamonds as too specialized care. I still like the JCP, but much like the boas, I'm finding myself drawn to the natural locality types (and maybe the granite).

---

The Afros line is said to be one of the more colorful "Normal" types.

This is the website of the other author of the book you just ordered.
http://www.australianaddiction.com/Bredli_N.html

You can see the different lines being bred.

My male is 50% hypo with some other stuff. Nick explained the snake as "one of most perfect and beautiful normals you'll see".

The snake has the traits of a normal, but the beauty of a touch of hypo. My guy still has black on his tail and he does get darker in the winter.


He's not overly light even in the summer.
https://i.imgur.com/GNNutqI.jpg

Hi! I recently just had a call with Mr. Mutton about a DCP vs a Bredli. I am not sure my concerns are yours, but he did mention that the DCPs are a slightly more delicate species, and a bit nippier. They also dont like big enclosures apparently, because they get nervous if the enclosure is too big. He recommended totes for nearly all his hatchlings and sub yearling snakes. I will be getting my own snake from him in just a few days, and he was born 8/2021, but Mr. Mutton still thought that a 36x18x18 might be too big for him. We'll find out I suppose. I would definitely be prepared to move any young CP you get into a tote from a larger enclosure if it seems like they aren't thriving. I was told that a 4x2x2 is an absolute no go until a snake is adult size, and out of its "shy" phase. Take that as you will, however.

From my own research on DCPs, I found that perhaps a reason for their less popular status is that a lot of people find them to be much more prone to RIs. Whether or not this is factual I'm not sure, but there seems to be a large number of keepers who have problems with DCPs and RIs. Other than that, perhaps people dont like their pattern compared to the much brighter JCP? Maybe they like bigger snakes like coastals? Hard to say. Being that they require more tropical conditions and higher humidity, I would say their care is a lot closer to a boa. As far as temperament goes, most CPs are nippier as hatchlings, so I would expect a DCP to calm down with enough time like most others. Maybe just a bit more for a DCP, since they're naturally smaller.

For the Bredli, what really swayed me to their side was that they are very friendly, hardy snakes. I was initially concerned about their potential growth, but Mr. Mutton explained to me that the snake will grow at the rate you want it to. IE; How much, how big, and how often you feed has a lot more to do with it. Males are both the biggest and smallest CPs because a lot of keepers prefer to keep them much smaller than females, but they can potentially get much larger than them too. Obviously all snakes have a rough min/max size, but as long as you provide proper care and dont power feed, the feeling I got was not to worry about size.

Bredlis being from a central desert part of Australia mean they're also more tolerant to temperature swings, and Mr. Mutton mentioned his bredlis sometimes get down to the 40s during the winter with no problems. They withstand slightly hotter temperatures as well, and humidity is never a concern. All of this made me very inclined to the bredli, as I live in an area that experiences extremely cold, dry winters, but very hot, humid summers. I also had a PVC with a screen top and primarily overhead heating, so it works out in my favour not to have to worry as much about humidity loss.

I'm a big fan of the 50% hypo bredlis. I cant say much about their genetics- I honestly dont know- but I do know that I prefer the rusty red-brown of the 50% hypo to the brick red of the 100% hypo. I have added a picture of the snake I will be getting below- he is 50% hypo, and gorgeous in my opinion. I expect he will turn out much like Gio's male above. Whatever you choose, best of luck! Mr. Mutton is an amazing person to talk to, so if you're considering getting something from him and have a few questions, I'm sure he'll gladly talk with you about it. We had a nice, long call. He is a very passionate and knowledgeable man.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../5/ziggy-1.png

Thanks for the additional info. The Bredli sounds like what I'm looking for.

"I'm a big fan of the 50% hypo bredlis. I cant say much about their genetics- I honestly dont know- but I do know that I prefer the rusty red-brown of the 50% hypo to the brick red of the 100% hypo. I have added a picture of the snake I will be getting below- he is 50% hypo, and gorgeous in my opinion. I expect he will turn out much like Gio's male above."

Both are great looking snakes. Will the black border around the cream banding come in later or is that something that's permanently reduced by the 50% hypo? I'm a little confused about the 50% hypo since Gio says his has that as well, but in the pic the black is fairly strong. Then again, I might just be thrown off by the black being heavy in the tail side which I guess is common on these guys. Really just curious if that comes in later and other color changes.

The black in the posterior 1/2-1/3 comes later as part of their ontogenetic color change. 50% hypo will reduce the black pigment to various degrees.

This is the genetic makeup of my guy.
https://i.imgur.com/tF2cRQz.jpg

I got him April 28. 2020.

He's a September 2017 animal. He was obviously much larger than a baby.


Depending on the lighting he can look very hypo, or more normal. The blacks were already prominent in the lower 1/3rd of his body.
https://i.imgur.com/HNP9jxm.jpg

With some different lighting he looks much more hypo. This is still day one of his arrival.
https://i.imgur.com/jaoafRD.jpg

I am in agreement with the research regarding UV light especially with this species. I don't use it in any of may cages, however in the summer when I take this one outdoors, his colors improve, or change if he gets out frequently and stays out. It takes more than a few days to be noticeable but I do see differences.


He's older here. He likely hasn't been out often. This picture does show the lower portion of the animal compared to the upper.
https://i.imgur.com/afVNS1i.jpg


This is one of the most recent photos of him. He's going to be 6 years old in September. His coloring is darker although the picture is in the winter and he may have been pre-shed here. He didn't eat from October until the middle of this month. I suspect his tail will continue to get darker with age.https://i.imgur.com/KhIG5N8.jpg

I'm going to try to get him outside more this summer to see exactly what exposure to a lot of sunlight will do to the coloring.


I do like the fact that even the "tweaked" Bredli stay somewhat close to the natural specimens. Obviously selective breeding for anything will yield animals that don't look like their wild relatives. This species isn't exactly a color cornucopia so it stands to reason that even the "special" ones will still have a look closer to a wild type the other carpets.


Bottom line,

If you don't want the total hypo look, you should be happy with the 50%. It looks like an above average wild type IMO.

Thanks Gio! Exactly the info I was looking for. I think there's one of these in my future even if I don't get the trade to work out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nick_MD

Thanks Gio! Exactly the info I was looking for. I think there's one of these in my future even if I don't get the trade to work out.

---

I'd keep the boa and ad the Bredli. The Barranquillas are a precious locality.

Nick sells his Bredli for reasonable prices depending on the mixture.

I'd love to keep both of the Barranquillas, but space is the limiting factor.

Did you ever get the CP???

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mistery510

Did you ever get the CP???

---

No. I ended up trading the male Barranquilla for a nice, orange/black hypo Leopard Boa. I'm at capacity, but if I ever decide to go 3 high on my stacks, Bredli and Peruvian Boa will round out my final choices.