What subspecies should I get?

[StarFall]

Hi there,
I recently got a nice enclosure (52x27x51 inches) and I know that I want a carpet python, but I am the worst at deciding things and I don't know what subspecies to get! So many choices! What do you guys think I should choose?

[EL Ziggy]

That's a great sized enclosure for a carpet. It really depends on the size, color, or morph of the carpet you want and how much you want to spend. Popular ssp like Coastals and Bredli can reach 7-9 ft. Jungles, IJs and Darwins average 5-6 ft but can get a little bigger. That's not counting some of the amazing morphs available. I was initially drawn to the the beautiful black and yellow jungles but now I prefer coastals. You really can't go wrong with any carpet. Find one that tickles your fancy and enjoy. You'll have a few more in no time. :)

[dannybgoode]

/pedant mode on/Strictly bredli are not carpets but their own Morelia sp./pedant mode off/ Great choice though, really lovely snakes.

Personally I'd go for a bredli or Irian Jaya (Morelia spilota harrisoni). Lovely looking carpets and I prefer the markings to the others.

Carpets in general rock. Be aware that youngsters can be nippy and just occasionally you can end up with a pyscho adult. This isn't meant to put you off - just so you're aware.

[toddnbecka]

My advice, go to a reptile show, find one you like the looks of, and try handling the wee beastie to see whether it's a nippy or mellow individual. My jungle/cross was a sweetheart from the start. My Irian Jaya struck at literally anything that moved for a couple months, gradually calmed down, and now she's no problems at all. Only complaint about her, she refuses to go near a rat, while the jungle/cross switched right over without a fuss.

[StarFall]

Thanks everyone, I'll probably get a jungle. Jungles appear to be the easiest to find, but I'll definitely be on the lookout for a male bredli or coastal. Also, I unfortunately missed the last reptile show in my state by a couple weeks, dangit.

[Louv44]

Did you end up getting a carpet bud?

[StarFall]

Nope, the enclosure i had was poorly built and it rotted. I'm low on funds now since i need to get a new enclosure, so it'll be a while before i bring home a scaley friend.

[Scubadiver59]

I have one of these...and with its latest shed, an 8ft psycho.

/pedant mode on/Strictly bredli are not carpets but their own Morelia sp./pedant mode off/ Great choice though, really lovely snakes.

Personally I'd go for a bredli or Irian Jaya (Morelia spilota harrisoni). Lovely looking carpets and I prefer the markings to the others.

Carpets in general rock. Be aware that youngsters can be nippy and just occasionally you can end up with a pyscho adult. This isn't meant to put you off - just so you're aware.

[dannybgoode]

They've a really nice albino in my favourite store that they just can't sell because it's possessed. They've had it welll over a year and won't sell it to someone that can't manage it. Just walk by the viv and the thing is ready to strike in an instant. Has the same look of hatred must scrubs have.

[gebon]

Isn't it more interesting and exciting to handle snakes that don't behave like worms all the time? I think so and wouldn't hesitate to buy a carpet with attitude :)

[dannybgoode]

Isn't it more interesting and exciting to handle snakes that don't behave like worms all the time? I think so and wouldn't hesitate to buy a carpet with attitude :)

There is attitude and then pyschosis. The defensiveness of some carpets would be enough to put a lot of people off them. It's rare that they stay difficult into adulthood but the odd one never chills out and 7'+ of angry Morelia can be quite startling.

[TRD]

There's a difference between "attitude" and "touch me and I rip your face clean off"

Handling a consistently pissed off adult carpet is no fun, maybe it's a kicker to do it a few times, but constantly?

[Captain837]

Imo a high quality jungle carpet is one of the more stunning carpets out there. If you want a display snake, it is hard to beat one. If we are talking about the total package my favorite is the IJ.
This is excluding morphs, mixes and hybrids. Getting into that it would be impossible to give advise. You just gotta go with what catches your eye.

[regi375]

If you're looking into Jungles and want a high quality one I'd get into contact with Derek Roddy. I got mine from him and the snake is truly stunning.

[Louv44]

Starfall, what kinds of carpet were you interested in? I know you said Junglrs they are available I can turn you on to a breeder for almost any kind here in the US, get the animal you want the most you will have it 20 or more years. Despite the misconceptions carpet personality are all the same with the exception of Bredli which are slightly more calm but all if raised and understood properly will be outstanding pets. Let me know what you decide on or if you need anything, good luck!

[StarFall]

Thanks for the replies. I'm still trying to sell some things to get the enclosure, and then I will have to get the supplies. I am going to work on this project very slowly to avoid stress, so it'll be a while before i have a snake.

[Louv44]

Understood, if you need breeders or advice on carpets when the time comes or advice deciding just let me know bud.

[scales.jp]

What about jag siblings? I've found a few available recently at much lower prices than "pure" subspecies or designer morphs (and I believe they don't come with the neuro problems associated with jags). Some of them are really good looking.

[StarFall]

My family may be moving, so getting my snake will need to be put on hold for a while longer. Thanks for the replies.

[scales.jp]

Sorry for the hijack, but while on this thread I thought I'd post some pics of a few carpets I'm considering at the moment (top to bottom):

Bredli Sibling (♀)
Coastal Sibling (♀)
Diamond Jungle Bredli Sibling (♀)
Pure Tiger Coastal
Irian Jaya Sibling (stripe)

The siblings are all at bargain prices (except the Irian Jaya), the Tiger Coastal is more expensive but looks really nice. Any thoughts?

[StarFall]

Those are beautiful carpets. I wouldn't be able to choose lol.

I've also fallen in love with darwin carpet pythons, so that's probably the subspecies I will go with once I have the enclosure.

[scales.jp]

Those are beautiful carpets. I wouldn't be able to choose lol.

My problem exactly! If the head pattern on the Bredli sibling were cleaner I would have already gone for that one. I could buy all of the first three siblings for practically the same price as the Tiger Coastal, but don't have the space to keep them! Still, I think I might go with the Tiger.

[EL Ziggy]

You've got some great choices there scales. I've heard the term but I'm not exactly sure what maked a sib when it comes to carpets. Are they just different ssp that have been bred to jags? In any event, I really like the Coastal, Tiger, and IJ.

[scales.jp]

I've heard the term but I'm not exactly sure what maked a sib when it comes to carpets.

I'm no expert on genetics, but from what I understand they're the percentage of offspring produced from a Jaguar Carpet/Carpet pairing that don't carry the Jag gene. They look more like the non-Jag parent, but inherit some pattern and colour traits of the Jag (without the neurological "jagging" issues). They're kind of mongrels, so are usually cheaper than other carpets. Hope I got that all right and it makes sense!

[EL Ziggy]

That's kinda my understanding too scales. My female JJ x JCP is a well bred mutt. :)