I want to say my carpet doesn't lunge on non feeding days but last night i had a girl over and she wanted to check out my snakes and of course my carpet scare the bejeesus out of her by striking the side of the tub, I just feed her 2 days ago .

As for starting out with babies or adults, And a big adult carpet could be intimidating consider your lack of experiences with snakes. And you miss out of the fun of watching your baby grow up. I recommend if you are really into carpets but still have concern with they temperament to pick out a babies that is tamer already. Than again I don't have too much experience with carpet I only have one, maybe other ppl that have kept more carpets in chime in?

Seriously if i were to have only one pet snake, I would definately take the carpet, they are just so much fun.