what is the best ......

[snakeman92]

what is the best carpet python to start out with
what is the smaller one and witch one would be ok in a 45 gal tank that set in the normal position

[TonyL]

I have researched this and could give you my two cents. I just purchased a 1.1 Irian Jaya carpet python. They grow anywhere around 4.5 to 6 feet average. They are nippy as babies but with care and patience turn out to be quite docile adults!

As for the tank......it would take quite a long while before they get large enough to use it LOL

There are quite a number of carpet owners in this forum that could help you out. Marilyne (poisonous), Jeff Favelle, J Kurowski and Karel Bergmann are but a few.

My advice.....ask lots of question....do some research and then BUY!

Good luck!

[snakeman92]

thanks for all the help i will ask alot of question before i go out a buy

[Ryan and Katie]

I would have to say the Irian jaya as well. You would want to keep babies or juvies in a much smaller tank than a 45gal..

Ryan and Katie

[JKUROSKI]

I would definitely agree that an Irian Jaya would fit your needs. They can be maintained in a plastic shoebox over heat tape or a heating pad for the first year or so, and then into say a 20...you could probably even get away with a 45 for a permanent enclosure. I would buy now...prices are really down from last year. They are great snakes...the only thing I have had problem with is that some are picky eaters, and some don't like rats.

[Kyle Walkinshaw]

Is a 77 Gal. enough space for a full grown coastal carpet?? (Shes my first Carpet)

[JIMI]

My name must have slipped Iamanna's mind for a split second because I wasnt on the list of carpet owners. ahem :-D

aaanyways. anna probably doesnt know me but I have 1.1 irian jaya and 1.2 jungles... as for the 45 gal and babies and all that, here goes.

it depends on whatever plans you may have in the future. I would rather use a 10 gal, then move up to 20 gal, then to 45 (I have a 4 foot female in a 35 right now)... but I only do this because I know the tanks will be full again right after a herp upsizes. I'd agree with JK that a 45 could be a permanent home for an average sized IJ, not a female breeder though. nippy, yeah carpets are usually nippy, but I've found that IJ's are the calmest of the bunch and tame down the quickest. getting them on rats isnt as hard as jungles either, but can be tricky sometimes. I've never had my IJ's refuse a feed before (except when i dusted with herptivite a couple times.. they seem to hate that stuff)

my 3 cents.

[TonyL]

.........and Jimi........btw did I mention Jimi also knows IJCPs. It must of slipped my mind hehehe

Let us know what you chose Snakeman!!!

[Linds]

Originally posted by Kyle Walkinshaw
Is a 77 Gal. enough space for a full grown coastal carpet?? (Shes my first Carpet)

No. Coastals have the potential to get quite large (14', but this is not typical), and also require some climbing space as well. A 77 gallon tank is too small IMO.

[JIMI]

thought so, anna :-D

i think anybody would be better off with a custom enclosure for a full grown coastal. JK's got some big coastals, ask about his setups.

[Dom]

I f I rember correctly, Hes got a nice set up with a large floor area .. I personally find that mine hane dome much better in a arboreal settin .. 7 feet high by 2 x 2 .. But i would advise the land area better..

[Kyle Walkinshaw]

Ok Linds, well if a 77 gal isn't enough then how big do I need?? I was told 50 gal. is enough....and also 13 is very rare correct? I was hoping for between 7-8 feet...

Thanks

Kyle-

[JIMI]

you can hope for 7-9 feet but it might be 14... just know that if it gets bigger that you'll need a larger enclosure. it wont happen for years on end at least.

[JKUROSKI]

The question was "Is a 77 Gal. enough space for a full grown coastal carpet?". Well what is enough space? How do you measure wether your snake has enough space? How do you know, most jump to the conclusion that bigger is better. Maybe they would really like to be in a smaller more secure area. Look at carpets in the wild...I have read many papers and don't much research on this. They have very small home ranges, and stay cooped up in small place for large amounts of time. I keep my 9 foot coastals in the rubbermaid equivalent to a 20 gallon. They eat, ****, breed, and look great. Who is anyone to judge what is right for someone or something else. Do what you think is right, I for one think a 4x2x2 is ideal for any morelia except the larger scrubs which do very well in 4x2x4's. And I have never seen a 14' coastal...you'd be very lucky to get a 10 footer.

[JIMI]

I've always said to go with what works. as long as its healthy, then there's no issue. if its meant to be a display animal, where a large part of the enclosure is decorated, then larger is bigger. if its meant to be a breeder, or not a display animal then yes rubbermaids are ideal and very practical. I've found that most people dont know how to heat rubbermaids or maintain a rack system though.