IJ question

[Ptindy]

Well, it is obvious that Jungle carpets are big bang and get much interest from herpers who want an average priced, average maintenance snake, but what about IJ's? Honestly, I love the earth like colors of a nice IJ any day over a jungle carpet, does anyone think IJ's will gain in popularity over the next couple years like the jungle carpets did. Originally I was going to buy a jungle carpet as my first Morelia, but when I saw Tim Cranwill's IJ adults at the Red Deer show I changed my mind on the spot. Also, everyone recommends corn snakes to be a good beginner snake, I don't put in any more time into my carpets as I did when I had my corn snake. I would say a hatchling IJ would be an awesome first snake. Anyone elses opinions on the popularity of IJ's or opinions on my opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mike

[Brad C]

Caring for an IJ for your first snake shouldnt be a problem. Humidity and heat is pretty easy to keep up with but come feeding time it may swing either way lol. Some IJ's dont eat rats ever and some take them without a problem. Baby Carpets of any kind may be nippy as with any young snake but they will grow out of it over time. The popularity of IJ's is growing as the prices start to drop. Yasser over at spitfirereptiles breeds and owns over 20 Irian Jayas and has maybe one Jungle last time I checked :P.

You may want to check out http://www.moreliapythons.com/ and click the Carpet section on their forums for some pretty cool pics/info on Carpets in general.

I got my first IJ two years ago from earthexotics which is VPI bloodline. His colors are amazing and I couldnt be more happy with him. I'm buying a JDougless Female next year to pair up and breed. Out of all my Colubrids, Pythons, and Boas my IJ is my favorite one hands down.

Brad

[Yasser]

I think IJs very well could end up being just as popular as Jungle Carpets in due time. Especially due to their generally smaller size and variability. There's always the draw that Jungles have simply for being one of those untouchable Aussie species. But in my opinion, I think there is so much more to work with as far as colors go with Papuans (IJs). With Jungles, there's only two colors to selectively breed with. With Papuans, you've got black, creme, gold, yellow, orange, brown and even purple sometimes.
Mix this with the variability in pattern both forms have and you can have some pretty wild stuff. I also think the short history of selective breeding of Papuans has already shown more promise that the many years Jungles have been around. But that is strictly my opinion there. I will be the first to admit, it takes alot for me to like a Jungle. I am a huge Papuan fan and I have lucky enough to have been able to see many variations in this race/species. I think the best is yet to come.

-Yasser

[Yasser]

Just a quick example of what I mean when I say the best is yet to come....

We finally got this guy....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/pythonmaker/IJ%20Carpets/Herman5-28-0401.jpg

to lock up wih this girl....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/pythonmaker/IJ%20Carpets/PosterChild5-27-0401.jpg

This is a dream pairing for us and I am dying to see what they could produce. It will by far be the best Papuan pairing we've ever had if it all goes down well.

-Yasser

[Brad C]

Thats a very nice project you got there Yasser :o I have to admit when I hear the the name Irian Jaya I think Yasser haha. You have so many awsome bloodlines to work with I just dont know how you do it haha.

[Ptindy]

Like I said Yasser, how much to buy into your collection haha. Awesome pair, good luck with them and the rest of your Papuans! I knew you worked strictly with the IJ's but your American, I was sort of referring to how there aren't many in Canada who work with these species. Sure some breed what they got, but not selective like yours or selective like some breeders are for the Jungles. I agree, the Papuans are yet to mark their territory.

Mike

[JDouglas]

Everyone knows what I think. Irian Jaya or Papuan Carpets are excellent snakes to keep and breed. I have had the chance to own some of the best Jungles but have either sold them or passed on them to work with IJCP instead. I like their smaller size and rich color tones. I also like the fact that not many people are selectively breeding them for color & pattern. Yasser is doing a great job with this and AnthonyC also has nice IJCP. I am excited to see what both of these breeders will produce. Yasser has this exceptional pair along with many others and Anthony has the GQ line that is phenomenal. I would like to have one from each. The hard part will be getting them to give one up.



http://showcase.netins.net/web/reptiless/stuff/IJCP/4.JPG