Irian Jaya Questions

[emilsmee]

I know everyone hates these 'newbie' questions, but I'm gonna ask them anyway. I'm just used to ground type boas and pythons.

- Is there anything dramatically different to keeping these compared to say a ball python? I know the enclosure has to be a little more vertical, but other than that is there much difference?

- Are they supposed to be really handleable when they're young (not neonate, but a year or so) and will they eventually get nasty when they get older, like i've heard some brazilian rainbows do.

- Are they suppsed to spend a lot of time at the bottom hiding?

- How big to they get in comparison to your average medium size snakes like Balls, Dumerils, BRBs?

The local petstore has one and i know i'd be paying a lot more than from a breeder (asking $400 no tax), but it's a definate female, she's about a year, and is puppy tame. i don't want to get an animal shipped this time of year, so if you guys could even refer me to an ontario breeder that has Dums, Hoggs, or Albino het Balls, plesae send me some info. I've got $400 for a snake and I want to get it fairly local.

Thanks,
Emily

[emilsmee]

hmm on second thought it may be a jungle carpet, whats the difference? they just have it listed as a 'carpet python' i was guessing by how bland she looks, but she could just be young, she's about 2 and a half feet long right now...

[wizbit13]

Hi. I can only give you my thoughts on this, and I have only 1 IJ, so i'm sure you will get a lot of different answers from others.

1: Is there anything dramatically different to keeping these compared to say a ball python? I know the enclosure has to be a little more vertical, but other than that is there much difference?

Keeping these is a little different to a ball I suppose. Temps can be about the same, maybe just a little cooler, but I find that IJ's dont need a lot of humidity, unless it is shedding time. A taller enclosure would be an advantage, but mine does not really use the branches and height that I have given him too much.

2: Are they supposed to be really handleable when they're young (not neonate, but a year or so) and will they eventually get nasty when they get older, like i've heard some brazilian rainbows do.

They can be very nippy and flighty when they are young, but do calm down with regular handling, and when they build their trust up in you. They generally dont get nastier as they get older though.

3: Are they suppsed to spend a lot of time at the bottom hiding?

Mine spends a lot of time in the hides on the floor, and never comes out at all during the day. But at night he is always out cruising around and climbing about. Depends what time of the day you look at them I suppose.

4: How big to they get in comparison to your average medium size snakes like Balls, Dumerils, BRBs?

They get to an average size of 4-6ft but are quite slender snakes, and dont have the girth of a boa or a ball. All in all they are great snakes to keep, although can be a little hard work to handle. Well mine is anyway. Constantly on the move and trying to tie you in knots!!!

Hope this is of some help.

Adam

[wizbit13]

http://www.vpi.com/8VPICareSheets/Pythons/irianjayacarpetpython/IrianJayaCarpetPythonMaint.htm

Try that care sheet out.

Adam

[emilsmee]

thanks wizbit! it very much appreciated. i've already been looking at caresheet after caresheet and they're all starting to sound the same. and they're all not answering my specific questions.

[BornboreD]

Here is another really good care sheet for Carpets

http://acreptiles.com/carpet_python_care.htm

The issue of Reptiles magazine from a few months back with the JCP on the cover has excellent article on all Carpets and their care, by the MASTER Will Leary.

Search this forum........All of your questions pertaining to Carpets and more have been answered numerous times before.

IMO, if it is in a shop and only listed as a Carpet, don't get it. Come to the show this Sunday, you'll find something way better and cheaper most likely.

Colin