Might Get Carpets

[Jay_Bunny]

Someone on CL is willing to trade two carpets for two of my ball python hatchlings. (I'd be trading a male normal and a male pastel).

http://richmond.craigslist.org/pet/2760723514.html

If I do make this trade (it would of course depend on how they look and act when I see them. I won't be taking home an obviously malnourished or ill snake) I'll be keeping them in 10 gallons for QT. I'm going to meet him Friday.

Thoughts?

[Vypyrz]

The first question that I would ask the seller is what kind of Carpet Pythons they are. Coastal, Jungle, or Irian Jaya (West Papuan). They should at least be able to tell you that. There are definite size differences between the three.

The next question I would ask is if the snakes are co-habitating in the same 10 galllon tank. If they are, I would immediately suspect feeding issues due to stress. While they don't need huge enclosures as juveniles, a 10 gallon tank for two of them is too small. They will probably work for QT tanks, just remember that Carpet Pythons are semi-arboreal, and it is fairly common for them to spend several hours at a time hanging out on any branches, perches or shelves that you provide them.

Only the seller knows why they want to re-home them, but don't be suprised if they are a bit nippy. Alot of CP juveniles are, and they tend to have a bad reputation because of it. But, they are just like most other snakes, and will usually calm down with regular handling.

[jsmorphs2]

Seems very "cheap" for a pair of carpets, even for a re-homing fee. I would ask what subspecies they are too. They look like Jungles (not great ones though).

On a personal note, if they are this willing to "dump" their carpets do you feel comfortable trading your BPs to them?

[John1982]

They are about 2 ft long and the setup is a 10 gallon tank wih water bowl, vines and heat lamp....The pictures are about 3 to 4 months old.

Those 2 sentences in the same ad.. It's one I would personally avoid.

[mainbutter]

Those 2 sentences in the same ad.. It's one I would personally avoid.

Glass cages work extremely well for young carpets and are fine enclosures.

I can't see what issues you have with the rest, other than housing them together.

As pets, I'm sure they'll make great animals. I'd have doubts about their subspecies purity even if the guy gave you a name. They look like perfect pet quality carpet pythons.

On that note, I highly recommend keeping carpets. They are fun, easy to care for, hardy, and are such a perfect python. Generally not big, but potential to get larger than ball pythons.. handle-able, intelligent, and just plain fun (twice for emphasis).

[CoolioTiffany]

Carpets are super fun snakes to have; they have gnarly personalities . My Bredli female is so curious to climb on everything around her.

If I had this opportunity I'd definitely look into it. But I'm just a big fan of Carpets .

[John1982]

Glass cages work extremely well for young carpets and are fine enclosures.

I can't see what issues you have with the rest, other than housing them together.

Yup, it was because they are apparently housed together in a 10 gallon aquarium and that the pictures are 3-4 months old.. I assumed from the ad that he has either housed them together in the 10 gallon or cares little enough about their well-being to advise such a setup. Whichever the case, it's an ad I would personally avoid or in the very least ask for current pictures before moving forward.

[dart]

Those look like coastal or coast/jungle mix. I doubt those are the actual animals he's giving up though, those pictures look like their from a breeder. I'd be leary about the whole situation, especially anyone from CL. Make sure they are knowledgeable BEFORE you meet up, ask tons of questions and see if you still have a good feeling about it.

[Jay_Bunny]

I did complete the trade. The animals are currently in QT and in proper enclosures. The animals displayed in the picture are the animals he had to offer. The female is quite nippy.

He states his reason for wanting to sell/trade the carpets is because they were an impulse buy from a breeder and he doesn't care for their personality. He much prefers the docile nature of the ball pythons. Upon inspecting the carpets I found neither to have obvious signs of parasites and they seemed to be in good health. After they've had a chance to settle in I will attempt to feed them. I will also be getting weights on them on Thursday.

I did tell the gentleman that it is best to keep the pythons seperate (as he did take two of my pythons).

It was a gamble and I took it. Time will tell if I made a good decision. I will practice strict QT and the pair will be in QT for a minimum of 90 days, though I may choose to keep them in QT longer since they did not come directly from a known breeder/keeper.

The gentleman said they were part Irian Jaya and part Coastal, but he doesn't know for sure. These will be kept as pets to allow me to experience keeping carpets as pets before I jump into breeding. After a few years experience with this pair, I will get carpets with known genetics and of good breeding quality.

I might also mention, the female is quite nippy. She was determined to bite me! Names have not been chosen yet, but they will be soon. I also plan on sexing them, but whether male or female, they will only be pets.

[John1982]

Congratulations on the pickup then, I'm glad they seem to be doing well and will find a good home with you. I love the spunky ones but I bet that girl will calm down with some growth and gentle handling.