Carpet python question

[OsirisRa32]

Hey...just wanted to know how you all do your heat gradients for carpets...I know they are semi-arboreal...just wondering if you still go with flexwatt for belly heat or if some sort of vertical and horizontal system combo is more recommended for them...

[Evenstar]

I am no carpet python expert, but Animal Plastics makes a cage that is designed specifically for carpets. http://www.animalplastics.com/ Click on "specialty cages" on the left and then choose "the carpet cage" and you'll see a picture of it. But basically its a horizontal cage with a shelf.

AP offers belly heat (flexwatt), but personally, I would opt to use an RHP for carpets due to their semi arboreal nature. Reptile Basics offers a quality RHP - http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels

Another great place is pvccages.com. Jim offers some great options for carpets and provides some details and help to choose the most appropriate cage - http://www.pvccages.com/new/?page_id=233

If I were getting a carpet python, I would get one from pvccages. My gtp's cage came from there and I'm very happy with it. And you can get one from Jim that is complete with perches, light, and RHP - just get a t-stat and plug and play, lol.

Incidentally, horizontal cages are generally preferred even for most arboreal snakes - carpets and gtps included - as it is easier for them to thermoregulate side to side rather than up and down.

[hud556]

Mine are in four foot cages with one foot of 12'' heat tape for a hot spot. RHP's work well to, but I would never call them necessary. If my cages were two feet tall, I would have a large branch and probably run a RHP. My hotspot is 86-87 and they rarely sit directly on it, you could keep them at a flat temp of 82 and they would be fine also...

[carlson]

My carpet is in a big tub like 4x2x2 my room is heated so her cold side is between 79-81 depending on breeze in room and i use a light that gives her a basking spot that is 88ish. I also have wooden perches screwed into the tub half way up that go half way across the tub and thats where she basks and hunts. She had a hide too on the cool side. I havent had problems with sheds and she's been eatting like a champ

[lefty]

mine is in a 33'" wide by 30" high cage that is heated with a red lamp at the top. it has a hot spot of 88-90 and then different varients of temps all te way down to 75. she spedns all her time in the trees and and about 70% of he time on her one perch that is aroud 82-85. after she eats she will go up to the warmer perch for a few hours but she prefers the low to mid 80's. i went with a taller cage cuz she will not come out of the trees. i have tried many setups for her to see if i cahnge things if she would use her ground hide and she just doesnt want to be in there so i gave her room to climb.

[OsirisRa32]

Thanks for the pics and info/tips!!