threezero - thank you so much for your great post, exactly what I was looking for!! Yes, I have heard about ball pythons being boring and just not very mobile, haha. Not what I envisioned in a snake, but if I were being honest, maybe a slower and quieter snake would be better for a beginner like me.

Carpet pythons really are stunning. I know I keep saying that I will try to make the best decision for me, but my bias towards the carpet pythons is strong! It's difficult not to be drawn to their beauty. Incredibly, really. Will try my best to make a level headed decision and be realistic about what I can and cannot do.

I don't mind a mean baby that doesn't do too much damage, nor do I really even mind getting bitten if I make a handler error. That's all a part of the experience, I say! But I would like a snake that I can handle frequently, and if I have to worry every time I reach my hand into the tank, then I'd really rather not. Any issues with your carpet pythons snapping or lunging at you when it isn't feeding day?

And thanks for the reminder about the messiness LOL I forgot to consider that!! Since I really would like to have a snake that I can take out frequently, that might be something to consider...

Would it be preferable to get one as a baby or an adult? Babies have the advantage of being easier to handle and hopefully easier to mold as well. But if I can find an adult that already has a good disposition... although I guess it would be difficult to prove at an expo that the adult is genuinely good natured (and not just stressed by the environment or fatigued).


Alicia - huge thanks for your thoughts as well! If you'd be able to answer any of the questions about carpet pythons above, I'd also appreciate it How large is the enclosure you have for your jungle carpet python?

Sounds like both you and threezero love the more active, "fiestier" (as threezero says) snakes! Do you handle them frequently? This will be my only snake and I really would like to have one I could handle frequently, and let out into the room occasionally. Is this an unrealistic expectation, or a perfectly fine plan?

I did look up Angolans and ouch! That price range is a little scary. My budget for snake and set up is $300 - $400 total and I really don't see myself going outside of that price range. It's a shame, really, because I think Angolans would be a great fit!

I'll most likely be getting a ball python, although I am still hoping that I can manage a carpet python instead.