SD Retic

[dakski]

Dakski, you may be slightly mistaken about a couple of points.

IJ's are quite similar (habit wise) to Darwins. IJ's are the only carpet species that don't live in Australia (New Guinea). Both however display semi arboreal characteristics so do coastals and jungles. The whole species in general is semi arboreal.

Python Spilotus Imbricatus (Southwestern carpet python) inhabits treeless areas with just thick shrubs about half a meter high for cover. They nest and live in rock crevices. Mostly a terrestrial carpet python in many areas. So they would be considered "less arboreal". That is likely due to habitat not because they won't climb.

Another common mistake people make about carpets is in regard to sexual size dimorphism. Male carpets, in the wild, will be the larger of the two sexes generally, in the species that engage in pre-mating combat. In captivity things likely will even out, but a male coastal or Darwin doesn't guarantee it will be smaller than a female.

If you are into carpets, read THE COMPLETE CARPET PYTHON by Nick Mutton and Justin Julander. It is a fantastic book.

I also find carpets every bit as hardy as boas, with the exception of the diamond which has some specific care requirements that need to be met.

Back to topic, OP, you certainly can find a SD that will behave differently than mine, as every individual is different.

A total lap snake is probably less of a display snake so you have to think about what you want most.

Gio,

I read that book and have it, but I thought I remembered, apparently wrong, that IJ's were more ground dwelling and Darwin's more arboreal. My apologies if I mixed that up. Yafe spends a lot of time, as stated earlier, in his perches. So I am not sure what that means regarding the differences between the two.

Thank you for the correction.

I also agree that display and lap snake don't necessarily go together, but find, with my limited experience, that Yafe, my carpet, is happy to be some of both.

Regarding health, I've heard numerous stories from different breeders about Boas, especially BCI, being quite hardy and have been told by others, including the breeder I got Yafe from, that Carpets can be less so. I am biased as Yafe was very sick when I got him after getting lost by fedex for 14 hours.

The breeder swore he was fine when he left and I am inclined to believe them for a variety of reasons.

That breeder said that with the morphs and hybrids (IJ/Darwin for example) they have found that some tend to be weaker immune wise.

Again, not trying to be argumentative, but rather, explaining my perspective.

Regarding size difference between male and female, I appreciate the clarification.

Take care and be well.

David