Nippy Baby JCP

[abrunsen]

Hey guys I recently got a baby JCP at the tinley show. I left her in her enclosure without touching her until today.... Let's just say when I tried to hold her she wasn't too thrilled. I bought a snake hook to try and tame her, and I plan on holding her daily. Besides consistently holding her what would you recommend to calm her down. Also I plan on feeding in her enclosure and I have never done this before. Do you have any tips?



This is her after being held.

Thanks,
Alex

[Dabonus]

I have an IJ carpet that is just over a year old, and she has never struck at me. I feed her in her enclosure and try to hold her at least two times a week.

From what I've heard from breeders, handling while their being brought up is the key to not having a huge snake that wants to bite your face every time you're near.

[Anatopism]

Lots of handling and she will calm down. I have met and heard of quite a few baby carpets that start of grouchy. Just a matter of time, wont talk long

As for feeding, feed with tongs and just as it starts getting dark, or just after the lights go out. Some are pigs no matter what, but typically right at dusk at the earliest, is the best time to try to feed these guys.

Lovely new addition!

[lady_bug87]

I don't own carpets but with my gtp we started with gloves on both hands. Handle for 10min then when she stopped being bothered we used one glove make sure you feed the snake between both hands so it gets used to the non gloved hand when the snake calms stop using gloves. You can also increase the length of time you handle


Good luck!

[dart]

First thing you should do, is throw that snake hook in the trash. They can hurt the snake if not used properly and it's not like a juvie JCP can cause any real damage. They're almost all nippy when young, don't be concerned. Just handle often and they'll calm down by the time they hit yearling age if not sooner.

On a side note, make sure to offer only rats. Some carpets have problems with imprinting onto mice. I've personally never had a problem switching from mice to rats, but I've known others that have.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I agree with Dart, almost all will calm down as they get some size to them. regular handling will help and confidence is key. hesitation will only give them more time to get you. A hatchling carpet bet doesn't hurt at all so get it out of the way now. an adult can do some damage.

[djansen]

Biggest thing I learned was to just go for it and pick it up. I have seen carpets lunge and not actually strike and like previously stated a bit from a juvie does not hurt bad at all. Its when you hesitate and piss them off that it becomes more likely that you will take a bite.

if you are dead set on not getting bit I would say use a paper towel to cover your hand to get them out of the enclosure and they should be fine once you get them on your hand.
good luck!

[mainbutter]

Your biggest friend with a nippy carpet python is:

TIME


A few highlights:

-Given time to grow, it will gain confidence.
-Handle it regularly if you want, there's no harm in it. Hooks are a great way to retrieve them from their cage.
-Feed in cage, no reason not to.

Raising carpet pythons and handling them is not rocket science. Don't overthink it.

[abrunsen]

Thanks a lot everyone. I have been holding her as much as possible. Should I just hold her every day or take breaks in between days? Also with feeding in the tank what do I do if she is in her hide?

Thanks,
Alex

[The Serpent Merchant]

I just pull the hides out during feeding, and as long as your carpet isn't shedding or within 48 hours of eating, feel free to handle as much as you want. Ball Pythons they are not... mine will eat no matter what I put in front of him whenever I try. He is my only consistent feeder that has never refused a meal. (though I'm sure not all carpets are this way)