2nd Herp, what to get? JCP vs BCI vs Crestie

[UpNorth]

Having a tough time deciding what I want to pick up at the Breeder Expo in 2 weeks. I have the accessories to set up for any of the above three animals, but I can't make the decision. As of right now I only have a ball python (Newman, aka a rock), so I'd like to get something a little more active which would be a downside to getting the boa.

The JCP was the second thought, although they do get fairly large they seem very easy to care for. I have a section of a PVC enclosure and an extra herpstat available/RHP available.

Lastly I stumbled across cresties. Not having to supply heat for them (as long as ambients are fine) is a bonus, and they are pretty damn cute. A plus side is the enclosure size, meaning I can spice it up pretty nicely at a reasonable cost.

If I don't use the RHP, I can always through it in with my BP which would help regulate ambients a little better anyways, so I am leaning towards the crestie.

Any help in making my decision would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Andrew

[dillan2020]

I can't speak on the other 2 choices but i love my jcp. he's not much more active then a bp though. pretty much in the hide all day then comes out to hang out when the sun goes down. unlike a bp though he comes out just about every night.

[MMReptiles]

Boas are a lot like BPs- pretty heavy bodied snakes that don't do all that much in all reality. I've had young ones up to adults, all just sat there like a BP did. Crested geckos are cute, but frankly for me lost their appeal. They do a lot of sitting too, and aren't too much fun to handle- I was always worried about mine jumping away and losing him than anything else. Fragile critters. JCPs are a lot of fun, decent sized, very active, hardy snakes. I'd look into something like that.

The other recommendation which I personally give- find yourself a superdwarf retic at the show. At least play with it a little bit. They are extremely active, very strong feeding responses, and don't get massive. Most people come to me trying to find that perfect snake that's active, but isn't a stubby/fat little rock, that will always eat, and be fun to work with, and that's were I steer them.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I would say carpet python hands down.

Have you looked into Gargoyle Geckos? Their care is almost exactly the same as Crested Geckos... I think they are way cooler.

[chet1028]

I vote for JCP. I just bought one to add to our 4 leopard geckos and 1 ball python. We are excited to get the JCP home next month and watch her grow. Good luck. I figure you probably can't go wrong with any that you choose.

[Rydasvp]

Jcp. I just got 1 this is and shes awesome. but be warned if you get a young one that hasnt been handled much it might bite you. Alot.

[UpNorth]

JCP it is, starting to get the enclosure set up for him. Going to make a PVC jungle gym like Aaron has for his, just trying to source small diameter PVC pipe/fittings.

The next decision: Male or Female?

[reptileexperts]

Male will get larger theoretically in JCP's since evolution has steered that direction with the driving force being male to male combat. Bigger males breeder more females by winning more fights. . . This is not always going to be the case, but should be the case more times than less.

Your next issue will be what kind of breed do you want, true Jungle, Jungle x Diamond, Jungle x Coastal, Jungle x IJ, lots of breeders will offer stuff like "Jungle Jag Sibling" and they will tell you it's just a normal Jungle that came from a Jaguar clutch. What this should tell you is that it is at least partly Coastal Carpet python, getting that Jag gene into the mix. These snakes are fantastic pets, have unique looks most of the time, but keep in mind they are still somewhat dirty genetically speaking. Don't settle on price factors when you select a JCP. Make sure its bright, active, and "fit" not obese or thin. They are not going to be chubby like a baby ball thats healthy, and they are not going to be corn snake thin. Fit will be no loose skin, but not fat all the way down like the skin is over stretched. . .

Handle the snake, make sure it's not bitey. It's a lie that all young ones want to kill you. SOME are like they are they are not what you want. My male was a devil when I first got him, but it took months to get him where I could handle without a bite / defication. My newest Irian Jaya granite stuff was bitey out of the cup, but after being in their tub for QT for two weeks, they have calmed down significantly, and can be handled without much effort at all. If a snake wants to kill you at the show, keep looking, unless - A) it has the best pattern and colors, B) it is very VERY young. Anything over 2-3 ft that is bitey, I'd highly reccommend that you avoid.

[Mike41793]

Are carpet pythons headshy?
(Compared to balls or bci's)

[reptileexperts]

Some are, not all. Young ones tend to be more than older. My biggest girl is not head shy at all, and is normally an attention hog, she gets fed by hand too (most of my carpets do). The smaller ones tend to be more head shy than balls, but not much more when considering a baby ball vs a baby carpet.