handling

[rebel_logan_24]

my IJx Jag Carpet python is still young about 25 inches and i have only had her about two weeks. i am letting her get used to her new home and eating regularly first but once that happens how often can i handle her? i know not to if she is soaking, in her hide, ate within the last 48 hours or if she is shedding but what about the inbetween times is it ok to handle her say 30 minutes a night on nights she isnt doing any of the above?


also i have F/T rat pinkies for her that are about 2 inches long and about 3/4 inch wide and she is about 25 inches long and her neck is about 1/2 inch wide. is this enough for her or should she be eating bigger meals at this size?

i know i post a lot but im new to Morelia Spilota, thanks logan

[exwizard]

My IJs do very well with regular handling. I just had Sheila out for about an hour and no problem. IMO, bottom line is it depends on the snake. All of my snakes enjoy being out and none of them ever want to go back. Other people will have different opinions and thats fine. I can only tell you what has worked for me.

As far as feeder size, Sheila eats rat pups (20-29g) and shes about 2 1/2' long.

[rebel_logan_24]

all i am looking for is opinions just making sure i can get her out and handle her when she is ready because i dont just want to observe her.

so she could be eating fuzzie's without a problem? i hope so because i want to buy F/T in buld in various sizes i will need once she is on a regular feeding. thanks, logan

[exwizard]

Fuzzies are not a problem for a snake that size and Im with you on the handling. Carpets are fun to handle and the interaction is awesome. The main reason I dont own tree boas or pythons is the simple fact that if I cant handle it, I dont want it.

[alessia55]

When my snakes were babies I worked on handling by increasing the increments slowly. 5mins sessions the first few times, then 10mins, 15, 20, etc. Personally I wouldn't jump straight into 1hr handling sessions because it might stress the snake out. Work with your snake and see how relaxed she is when you take her out.

[exwizard]

I have never had any stress issues but maybe I was just lucky. Right now, I have Vanessa, my '09 female Mack out and shes just chillin' on my shoulders. As soon as I can I will post a pic of her hanging from the top of my head and right in my face.

[exwizard]

I just now put her back and true to form, she did NOT want to go back. I had her out for 45 minutes. It doesnt matter how long I have any of these guys out they NEVER want to go back when its time.

[Lankyrob]

Carpets will easily take prey 3x the girth of the widest part of their body - the ones you have could be too small if anyhting, give them a try and if they dont leave a satisfying lump after swallowing then move up a size or two.

[exwizard]

Carpets will easily take prey 3x the girth of the widest part of their body - the ones you have could be too small if anyhting, give them a try and if they dont leave a satisfying lump after swallowing then move up a size or two.

I agree with this totally.

[red ink]

also i have F/T rat pinkies for her that are about 2 inches long and about 3/4 inch wide and she is about 25 inches long and her neck is about 1/2 inch wide. is this enough for her or should she be eating bigger meals at this size?

i know i post a lot but im new to Morelia Spilota, thanks logan

I work on a specimen weight to prey weight ratio, I feed 15-20% prey weight relative in correlation to the specimens weight.

[solo1979]

I agree that it depends on her personality as to how much she'll want to be handled. Out of 5 carpets currently, I have one that wants to be out on a shoulder all the time and only hides when he's preparing to shed, I have one that tolerates being out but is a bit squirmy and then I have 3 2011 babies that think taking them out is torture and they'd rather bite your head off.

[UwabamiReptiles]

I also agree with rob on the feeding, carpets can eat pretty big meals. As for the handling, I personally have had more success waiting until they hit about a year(give or take) before I start handling besides taking them out for cleanings and whatnot. I think once they hit a year and have a little size to them, they aren't as nervous about everything going around them. My jag bit me just about everytime I had him out and them he hit a certain size and it was like he mellowed out over night. Just my experience.