Carpet Python or Boa

[jtipton]

I didn't know exactly which forum to post this in so hopefully I'll get the answers I'm looking for in this one. I have decided that I would like to get back into some larger snakes other than BP. I have owned several boas in the past and I do really like them and have a pretty good knowledge of them. But I have also been thinking about carpet pythons and would like to get some opinions on which one keepers seem to like better. I would like to hear from people that own or have owned both, but ant thoughts are appreciated. I would like to hear what people think are the pros or cons of one compared to the other, such as temperament, ease of handling (I have a son that likes to work with the snakes), cage upkeep (is one messier than the other), does one require more handling than the other for them to remain docile, things like that. Also if you like carpets which ones do you find better to work with. I like the looks of the jungle and bredli but I find them all beautiful. Like I said I have owned boas in the past and liked them, but I've never even seen a carpet in person. Ideally I would get some of each but my girl friend has said one or the other. They will be family pets so keep that in mind with your comparisons.

[bigt0006]

There both great snakes and as far as i know their temperment is similiar. I have a hypo bci and i love him and as soon as we get a couple warm days i will jave my carpet python. Irian jaya carpets are real pretty too. My top 3 favorite carpets are irian jaya carpets,jungle carpets, and then stripped coastal carpets. There are tons of people here who should be able to answer your question better then me just thought i would add my 2 cents

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[Eazyyyb]

Boas seem to typically be more docile
than carpets. I have handled both and I have come
across mean carpets a few times but never a mean boa.
carpets are sometimes nippy when young and some don't tame
out but must do. Carpets are more active which makes them cool but id say you would need a carpet for a long time
before trusting it with a child. Though I have never been bit by one I heard even tame carpets are become aggressive rather easily.

[jclaiborne]

I would say it really depends on each snake. I have come across both boas and carpets that I wouldn't even hold, but on the other side of the coin I have come across both that are puppy dog tame. Lefty comes to mind, I have talked to him about his carpet multiple times regarding temperment, because I have a 5 year old, but his kids handle theirs quite a bit. It seems like most Aussie snakes come across as a little cage agressive, but once you get them out of their enclosure they are fine. See if you can find any stores that have carpets around you so you can handle them and see for yourself...

[JamesAC]

I would go with a Boa, dumerils or redtail, over a carpet. I have 9 redtails and i would let a child hold them all. Our carpet on the other hand is a little more aggressive. There are some days i can just reach in and get her and others she looks like she'll take my hand off. Just by probability, id definitely say that redtails are more docile. Especially as babies.

[hypnotixdmp]

Botha!!! Lol

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[bigt0006]

Most carpets dont have the attitude that most people make them out to have

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[jtipton]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I agree that all snakes are individuals and the will be good and bad from both. In my experience with boas, most I have owned were really docile. I owned a 8 ft. female that was like a puppy and I took her everywhere with me, but I owned 2 that were monsters. If they were not going to be family pets I could deal with a little more attitude. I don't like getting bit but can deal with it if it happens. If one bit my girl friend or son I would probably have to deal with a major freak out.

[Raven01]

I have both and couldn't choose between them. Both my Irian Jayas and my boa are easy to keep. I worried like a mother hen when I got them, asking some noob questions and read everything I could get my hands on, only to find they were way easier to look after than I thought. I find both out and active enough to make nice display animals.
OP I do not envy you your choice at all.

[BFE Pets]

i've been working with boas for over a decade off and on. I just recently started collecting carpets. Carpets have a bad reputation. they are the pit bulls of the snake world. I never wanted them because of how evil I had heard they were. Completely inaccurate!!! Most carpets are a little nippy as neonates but quickly out grow it with minimal handling. Now Remember carpet python is a generic term. There are 8 or 9 subspecies and some are more docile than others right out of the egg. From what i'm reading and learning from a breeder friend Diamonds, Bredli, and IJ's are the calmest species from right out of the egg! I have a baby bredli and an adult breeding pair. the baby is maybe 30 grams and just as calm as any baby ball python but likes to move around and investigate everything. Now for the boa side. I love my boas! however they require more space than carpets. very docile from birth easy to handle. bci boas and carpets will mature to approximately the same length but a boa will be much heavier bodied than the carpet. both are a great species very hardy and relatively easy to care for. it just boils down to what your budget is, what your space limitations are, and what you prefer the looks of. I personally would have a hard time deciding which one to keep if I had to choose. Fortunately I have an awesome wife and dont have to choose! If you have any questions on either species get a hold of 3skulls for carpet info and evenstar for all boa questions. both are very knowledgeable on their favorite species to keep.