I've just put a female JCP on hold with a local breeder here in Winnipeg. I haven't selected the actual snake yet, just had my name down first in the queue. These are brand new hatchlings, they have eaten 2 or 3 times already and I'll be able to pick her up in about two weeks.

I'm stoked

Anyhow, I had originally planned to get a BP, but when I found JCPs available from a reputable breeder mere blocks from my home, I did more research and got hooked.

I have an enclosure that my JCP will no doubt outgrow in 2 years or so (a 30" x 12" x 18" 29g aquarium) but I'll build her a nice permanent residence when she's bigger. The basement she is gonig in is cooler (67f ambient or so) so I'll run 2 8" x 8" UTHs on thermostats and a 100w IR bulb on a rheostat for warmth.

I do have a few questions I was hoping to get answers to.

Do you need two hides for carpets or just one? Warm side or cool side? Do you put your hides on the ground or raised up?

Any general advice for picking a healthy specimen?

How long should I go before handling her? I want to handle her daily so she can become comfortable with me quickly.

And any other advice you can offer would be appreciated. This is my first herp so I'm looking to get as much info from experienced keepers as possible.

Thanks!