Should I get a carpet python?

[icygirl]

I have been considering a carpet python as my next snake, and want to know if there's anything particular I should know before I go for it. I have heard that they are quite easy as far as husbandry goes, that they grow to about 5-6', and that they can be a little snappy at first before they are regularly handled. (I assume this info is about JCP's because they are the most common CP's as pets.)

I only have a ball python and a corn right now (two very docile snakes) but feel I am able to move past the "beginner" snakes. I figure a carpet is a good "intermediate" snake. Am I wrong in thinking this? Also, is it best to get them as babies instead of adopting them when they're older?

They are just SO breathtakingly beautiful... sigh...

[Patrick Long]

I too enjoy carpets, and I would say, that if you do your research, and get everything all squared away, I would think a Carpet would be an excellent next snake. Like you said, they do get a bit nippy, but if you can handle that, more power to you. I have heard of some carperts getting to the 8-9. Coastals can even get upwards to 10-13

[Colin Vestrand]

i'd say a carpet is easier to keep than a ball honestly... fewer problems and more hardy anyway. i have two carpets that are close to or over 10 feet and both are very easily handled. as long as you have the space for a decent 4x2 cage then i'd say go for it!

[dalvers63]

I think carpets are the best starter snake, even if they can be a tad nippy in the beginning. With just a small amount of handling they calm right down and then you have a snake that likes to bask and is out more than most ball pythons.

Jungles in the wild stay under 6ft and this is pretty common with captive bred ones, also. If you want a smaller rather than larger snake stick with males. Coastals have the potential to get to 10ft though most don't get this big. Again, the males are smaller than the females. One of the breeders I know has males that never got over 5ft and are healthy, good breeders. Don't forget the wonderful Irian Jaya, my personal favorite. They stay smaller (5-6ft) and have great temperaments. You can find some that a spectacular when adults. I also have a pair of Morelia bredli, the Centralian carpet python. These guys also have the potential to get big, 7-9ft but are just wonderful snakes to keep.

I just don't think you can go wrong with any of the carpet pythons

[bhmorrill]

That, once again, is all I have to say

[8b8ll]

HAHA!!

Couldn't have said it better myself Ben.

I am a big advocate of these guys as even starter snakes. Easy to keep and are just an overall joy to work with!


Mike

[MPenn]

HAHA!!! Ben, you are such a post whore!!

I would highly recommend a carpet as the next logical step in your snake keeping. They are more active than balls, shed better (almost always), and are a joy to keep. Of course, I am a bit biased.

I would say more but I believe most of the basics have already been covered by the previous posters above me.

[MelissaFlipski]

We just got a Jungle Carpet Python and need to work with him once he settles in. I see some progress already - not ready to strike when we walk by his tub and talk to him.

We had only one BP and one Kenyan Sand Boa prior. It was a great move for us. My husband is very pleased with this pick up. It fits all his snake requirements - a challenge, beautiful, big head (when fully grown), feisty, slightly arboreal, more active during the day, a good display snake, gets larger w/out being toooo large, non-venomous, and "mean" looking but with potential for being completely docile.

[icygirl]

Bhmorrill, you are making me drool all over my keyboard! Even the "normal" JCP's blow my mind with their beauty...

And hold up... these guys are diurnal!!? No way!

My questions:
1.) Where's the best place to get one? I'd probably have to get it online since I haven't seen it for sale around these parts. **note: I'm a college kid and I can't afford fancy morphs! Normal coloration is what I want

2.) How do you "tame" a feisty one, exactly? Just keep handling it until it settles?

[Patrick Long]

The more you handle a nippy snake, the more "used" to handeling it will get, some dont calm down, some calm down a lot!