JCP Terrarium

[Prahanien]

Hey guys! I'm going to be getting a couple snakes this coming August. At least one will be a ball python, and for the second, I've been exploring my options. One snake I really like is the jungle carpet python! I was able to hold and interact with one recently and I really enjoy their inquisitive yet docile nature. There's a lot to them that I really enjoy.

Been looking over some care sheets and I find most recommending 3 ft wide, 18in deep, and 24in tall enclosures. The tanks I have are both 36x18x18 - will the 6 inch height difference be a huge problem if I decide on a JCP? Worth noting that I will be getting a male JCP, so he'd more than likely be on the smaller side of your JCP size. He would have plenty of things to climb in there (I accidentally ordered too many things due to a website malfunction... whoops).

Tips and info are very welcomed! Thank you!

[John1982]

Old Man Cheynei says males get plenty given enough time.

[Reinz]

Awesome JP John!!

I love the double eagle head pattern on his head!

[Prahanien]

Gorgeous snake! He looks so healthy!

but yeah, I just want to doublecheck that they could do well in a 36x18x18. I don't want to pick up a snake that wouldn't be comfortable, you know?

[John1982]

Should do fine unless you end up with a mutant JCP. You even have enough height with 18 inches to add some perches or a shelf.

[Prahanien]

Picking up my JCP tomorrow!

[DennisM]

36x18x18 will be fine for most adult JCP. I keep them in 36x24x15 or 48x24x15 for larger females.

[Gio]

One common misconception with SOME carpet pythons is the thought that sexual size dimorphism always favors the females. While it does for certain species, it is not the case with Coastal carpets, or Darwin carpets, or for that matter any of the species where males combat for breeding rights.

JCP and Coastal carpets share the same DNA, though studies are ongoing and I'm not certain there is a lot of difference between male and female JCP size. That said you could certainly wind up with a decent sized male as John1982 pointed out. And BTW John, that is one smoking hot snake there.

Captivity factors in and may change things, again there are not real studies I can find stating that sizes are different in captive VS wild carpets. But chances are breeders and keepers of multiple JCPs will have an idea based on their collections.

I highly recommend,,,,, Wait for it,,,,, wait for it,,,, THE COMPLETE CARPET PYTHON By Nick Mutton and Justin Julander for anything carpet python related. I feel it is the best source for learning about this species out there.

To answer you question,,,,, Yeah I think you'll be fine with your caging, and you may decide in a year or 2 that you'd like to see your carpet move around more and climb higher. At that point you could check into another cage. Right now I have a female coastal in a 48" x 24" x 14". She does fine but is close to 6 feet long at 2 years old. I have her new cage sitting here and it is the same dimensions but 24" tall instead of 14".

They (carpets) are one of the best display snakes out there. I actually find them a bit more fun to see the Green Tree Pythons or some of the other completely arboreal snakes. With carpets, you get a mix of arboreal and terrestrial behaviors and that makes them interesting IMO.

Good luck and have fun.

[Gio]

Old Man Cheynei says males get plenty given enough time.

Man,,,, Look at the big cheeks on that guy! Just beautiful!

[Prahanien]

Thanks for all the advice! It's actually really cool that they don't entirely follow the whole "bigger females" thing. I wanted a JCP because I wanted something bigger than a ball, but not huge like a retic. Even larger JCPs are still manageable so I definitely liked that.
And yeah! I'll likely be moving in the next couple years, so when I have a little more space I'm certain I'd enjoy giving the snake a taller cage. And then I would have a cage freed up.... totally not for another snake... nope....

I'll check for that book at the reptile shop today! If they don't have it I'll just order myself a copy. Thanks for the recommendation!!

Picking up the JCP in a few short hours... I'll be posting pics!

Edit: Gio, I'm your 666th "thanks"