Tank type for JCP

[mathaldo]

Hi,

A buddy of mine is looking to get a JCP. He wants to know what is better to house them in? Rubbermaids or a tank?

He wants a tank because it's a better display, and he was wondering how well they do in tanks? Is it easy to keep the temps and humididty correct? He has a 30 gallon high, and a 25 gallon, which would be better for a young JCP? He wouldn't keep it in the tank it's whole life, as he's planning on building a homemade enclosure for it.

He also wants to know their attitude. I've read that they can be nippy, but they calm down with age, is this correct? Also are they a good handling snake?

Last, but not least, what is the average size for a full grown male? 5 feet? And what size enclosure would you need for a full grown one?

Thanks,
Mat

[Bartman]

To answer some of those questions, id say a jcp can’t really be housed in a rubbermaid. Maybe a baby for just a short time, because ive noticed with my guy that he always seems to be trying to get "up" higher then he is in the rubbermaid.

I recently switched him to a 30 gallon aquarium, but it was kind of hard to get the right humidity. I had to cover most the tank with wood to help keep the humidity in. I am building him a 4x2x2 tank pretty soon, so ill think he’s going to have a nice house soon enough :)

When I bought my guy, who is about 5 months old, the previous owner said it was pretty nippy. So being the pus I am :p the first time I handled it I used a snake hook and then placed him on my hand. The second time I handled him I went in with my hand and he didn’t even seem to care to bite at all. Now I can go into the tank without a worry. I only have one so I can’t really conclude on all, but all adults ive seen are very calm and tolerate handling well.

Yea, from what ive read in a couple different books, 4-6 seems to be the average for most males. But I would personally think it all has to do with how much it’s being fed really.

I’ve also read that this measurement of 36"x18"x24" seems to be adequate for one jcp.

[Ryan and Katie]

We would recommend using a rubbermaid for younger carpets. The visibility may not be as nice but they are much easier to clean, hold humidity better and are more durable than fish cages... The 18.5L size is nice for babies and for yearlings we tend to use the 41.6L rubbermaids. Depending on how fast the carpet is growing you may be able to keep it in a rubbermaid for up to a year and a half.
We don't keep any Jungles ourselves but like most carpets they can be nippy when young but mellow with age.
Hope this helps....

[mathaldo]

THanks for your help.
Any more opinions from others?