Looking to get a carpet--advice? [Archive]

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hellosugaree

03-16-12, 09:44 AM

Hi,

I am a relatively new member around here. I'm considering getting my first snake, and looking into carpet pythons. I just want to get some insight from those of you that have them now or have had them in the past.

Some general info: This will be my first snake. I am pretty flexible with space needed as we live in a house, but I do not want a snake that gets huge. I would prefer to have a snake that will be handleable. Although I don't expect it to cuddle up with me on the couch for a movie, I don't want to be afraid of picking it up or have it be really stressed out by contact (I realize there might be a chance of this with any species of snake as I would imagine like most animals they have individual personalities).

I am strongly considering a jungle carpet--they incredibly beautiful, and from what I understand they don't get too big (although size is always relative and depends on what you compare it to). I would probably like a male, because as I understand they generally don't get as large (like any "rule", I'm sure there are exceptions). Also, I will not be breeding. Are there any other things I should consider regarding sex other than size or ability to breed?

Here are some questions I have for those with carpets:
What type of carpet do you have, what age, what sex, how big is it (length and weight if available), and how big is it's enclosure? What size food do you feed it and how often? How much does the food cost per week or month? Do you feed in the home enclosure or in a separate enclosure? How often do you clean it's enclosure? How handleable is yours? Also, if the forum allows and you have one, a picture would be great. I am just trying to get a general sense of how you do it here.

Also, if you use acronyms, please define them. I know some of them but don't assume I know them all. If you say "It is a DHFSXPS and I feed it FDLSM 2D about DHSME DDX SPD LS" I probably won't have a clue what you're talking about (although with my made-up acronyms who would?).

Finally, if you know any good resources anywhere within a reasonable drive (=<2 hours) of Baltimore, MD. Please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

MoreliAddict

03-16-12, 09:55 AM

First of all, awesome taste choosing carpets, it's the only snake you'll every need, they're the perfect size (big enough to be impressive but small enough to stay manageable by one person), come in all patterns and colors, active, semi-arboreal and make great display snakes, hardy, and you can handle them!

I recommend you familiarize yourself with firstly Irian Jaya, Jungle, and Coastal carpets - they reach different sizes and have different looks to them. Next, familiarize yourself with carpet morphs (different colors and patterns carpets come in, ie jags, granites, zebras, ect.) and figure out what's right for you. There's ALOT of variation in the carpet world, and like i said, that's really good taste going for a carpet! ;)

alessia55

03-16-12, 09:58 AM

Since I've never had a carpet python, I can't help you out in that regard. But being from Philly, I can definitely give you some insight into some upcoming reptile shows near you ;) There's a great show at Havre de Grace (about an hour from Baltimore). Here are the upcoming show dates:
4/14/2012
5/5/2012
6/2/2012
7/14/2012
8/11/2012
9/8/2012
10/6/2012
11/3/2012
12/15/2012

Location:
Havre de Grace Community Center
100 Lagaret Lane
Havre de Grace/2012 MD 21078

Time: 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Admission: $7.00 - Adults

Website: Maryland Reptile Farm - Shows (http://www.mdreptilefarm.com/shows/md/allmd.asp)

Whenever you settle on what kind of snake you'd like most, that reptile show would be a great place to go find one :) You'll have plenty of selection!

theapexgerman

03-16-12, 10:03 AM

As I here carpets make really good snakes there's quite a bit of carpet owners on here I would hit up a reptile show and just go around looking at all the snakes and other reptiles you could always get an dumeril boa to also every one needs a dum

MoreliAddict

03-16-12, 10:06 AM

alessia55 just gave you great advice, the shows are definitely the best place to get one. You'll have a huge selection of snakes and breeders to choose from, and you can actually handle and see how you get along with the snake before you buy it.

UwabamiReptiles

03-16-12, 10:38 AM

Hi,

Here are some questions I have for those with carpets:
What type of carpet do you have, what age, what sex, how big is it (length and weight if available), and how big is it's enclosure? What size food do you feed it and how often? How much does the food cost per week or month? Do you feed in the home enclosure or in a separate enclosure? How often do you clean it's enclosure? How handleable is yours? Also, if the forum allows and you have one, a picture would be great. I am just trying to get a general sense of how you do it here.

Everyone above gave some great advice, go to a show and talk to as many breeders as possible and interact with as many carpets as possible.

With that being said, I'll have a go at your questions:
I have: 2 female jungles, one female diamondxjungle, one female irian jaya, and one male 75% Irian jaya jag. They range in size, my IJ female is a monster at around 8 ft and 10lbs. Thats really big for an ij but she is from a different line than most ijs. I feed mine appropriately sized rats. Three of them eat lg(the ij female can eat bigger rats but I just give her two). My younger jungle female eats med rats and my ij jag is a mouser. So if you get one, start them on rats ASAP.

I'm slowly working on getting 4x2 cages built for all my guys so that is a good adult sized cage for most carpets besides the huge female coastals. I feed in their enclosure because I feel like if you feed outside their enclosure, they will still be in feeding mode after they eat and that is a bigger chance for you to get a feeding bite. I have never fed outside their cage and never plan on doing so. Never been an issue. Food cost for me is pretty low because I have a local rat guy that has awesome prices, that will just depend on where you get rats. Just remember petstore feeders will cost an arm and a leg. If you get them eating frozen rats, you can buy in bulk and have rats for months.

I clean their cages when they are dirty. I don't have set schedule I follow. I check them everyday, if the cage is dirty I clean it. How handleable are my carpets? All five of them are puppy dog tame. My jag was a nippy hachling but he calmed down without me even working with him. I think once they get some size to them, they feel more comfortable and don't think everyone is gonna eat them. Some people say carpets are nippy because some can be when they are hatchlings. I don't agree with this because I think all species of snakes can be nippy and defensive as hatchlings.

If you have more questions don't be afraid to ask, the people on this forum are more than happy to answer any questions. And sorry for the novel:O_o:

youngster

03-16-12, 11:02 AM

I think the people above have done a great job answering your questions and all I have to say is, GREAT choice :)

hellosugaree

03-16-12, 11:22 AM

Uwabami,

Thanks for answering the questions! I have a couple of follow-up questions. So for an "average" size adult of one of the medium-sized carpets (i.e. not coastal and not monster individual otherwise) I can plan on feeding them what most feed rodent distributors call "large" rats? Roughly one rat a week? How big are these rats actually? Like in a 1ft cubic space in the freezer how many rats can you fit? It might complicate things if I have to buy an extra freezer to store snake food (although I do have the space and in the long run it might be cheaper). Assuming you feed frozen (maybe not if your rat person is local?), how do you typically thaw them?

Another question? I assume they only poop once per meal? Typically how long after feeding do they poop? How big is the poop? Does it generally stink? Is it usually fairly solid and easy to pick out in between cage major changes?

Thanks again for reading my post and your in-depth response. It was a model response in what I was hoping for!

alessia55

03-16-12, 11:31 AM

Assuming you feed frozen (maybe not if your rat person is local?), how do you typically thaw them?
This is a video I made about how to thaw rats:
hDv__015xLQ

Another question? I assume they only poop once per meal? Typically how long after feeding do they poop? How big is the poop? Does it generally stink? Is it usually fairly solid and easy to pick out in between cage major changes?
How often a snake poops can vary. As babies they might poop more often. As adults, they eat go 3-4 meals before pooping. The bigger the prey, the bigger the poop. And yes, sometimes it stinks. Yes, it'll be fairly solid and easy to pick up. I pick up my snakes' poops with bare hands :wacky: eventually the "yucky-ness" factor wears off haha!!

hellosugaree

03-16-12, 12:28 PM

[QUOTE=alessia55;701783]This is a video I made about how to thaw rats:

Thanks for the info and good video. What size rats were those in the video? I apologize if you said it in the video--I am watching without sound.

I just found someone locally (about 2 hour drive) who has an 8 month old male jungle he is getting rid of to reduce his collection. The guy said he is eating 1-2 hoppers a week. He will send me the pictures in a bit. Is there anything I should look out for if I seriously consider getting the snake? I know obviously he should be alert and not convulsing, foaming from the mouth, and covered with weeping lesions all over, but other than that what should I look for? What about patterning and color.

Should I expect the coloration and patterning that he has at 8 months to be more or less representative of his full adult appearance, or do younger jungles typically have different coloration (e.g. darker or lighter than as adults)? I'm hoping for some bright yellows--like a neon banana on steroids!

alessia55

03-16-12, 12:51 PM

Thanks for the info and good video. What size rats were those in the video? I apologize if you said it in the video--I am watching without sound.
Watch it with sound- I explain the whole process. The visual without the audio doesn't make that much sense.

I just found someone locally (about 2 hour drive) who has an 8 month old male jungle he is getting rid of to reduce his collection. The guy said he is eating 1-2 hoppers a week. He will send me the pictures in a bit. Is there anything I should look out for if I seriously consider getting the snake? I know obviously he should be alert and not convulsing, foaming from the mouth, and covered with weeping lesions all over, but other than that what should I look for? What about patterning and color.
You can use the same guidelines that I've written on my website to choose a healthy carpet python: How To Choose A Healthy Snake (http://pythonregiuscare.com/How_To_Choose.html). I hope that helps! :)

UwabamiReptiles

03-16-12, 01:53 PM

Alessia nailed the thawing and poop questions. If you haven't already, her site is very good.

As far as the carpet you are looking at, carpets go through a color change that last about two to three years. Here's a link to the change my ij jag did from last year to this year. http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/morelia-spilota/90018-little-update-my-jag.html

Not all carpet will be that dramatic though. You can wait and see what the pics he sends you looks like and go from there. As far as color and pattern, thats all a matter of opinion. You have to find a snake that you like and won't mind looking at everyday. If you want to get a "trophy" jungle(extreme black and yellows) you should research some of the top carpet breeders in the US. Andrew Hare, Will Leary, Will Bird, just a few of them. They have some of the best jungles around. But there's no rush, just my opinion, unless you are blown away with this carpet, I would wait and go to a few shows to talk to breeders and keep looking up as much info as you can so you'll have everything ready and know what to expect when you get your snake.

hellosugaree

03-16-12, 02:22 PM

As far as the carpet you are looking at, carpets go through a color change that last about two to three years. Here's a link to the change my ij jag did from last year to this year. http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/morelia-spilota/90018-little-update-my-jag.html

Wait... Is that the same snake in all 5 or so pictures? If so, that's pretty amazing. At the same time, I guess it shows that juvenile coloration may have nothing to do with adult coloration... so it's sort of a surprise. In the end, I think if I was happy with the snake as a baby and watched it grow for 3+ years I would be happy no matter how it turned out. Like all my pets, I love 'em no matter what. My wife and I kept african cichlids for a number of years and we've watched many grow from babies into blood-thirsty monsters, often accompanied by some dramatic color and pattern changes, but we never stopped liking them :)

exwizard

03-16-12, 02:32 PM

I can plan on feeding them what most feed rodent distributors call "large" rats? Roughly one rat a week? How big are these rats actually? Like in a 1ft cubic space in the freezer how many rats can you fit?

A large rat is between 175 and 274 grams and 8-9" in length including the tail. You could fit quite a bit into a 1 cu. ft. space.

UwabamiReptiles

03-16-12, 02:33 PM

Yep thats the same guy. I just wanted to give you an example on how much they can change. Either way, you can never go wrong with a carpet.

Terranaut

03-16-12, 04:10 PM

Well all of your questions are answered so I will post pics as requested
Shiela. Female JCP( jungle carpet python). She is adult. 7.5 ft and just over 10lbs
She is as big as females get without looking at the 1% that get bigger. Or JCPS crossed with coastals. If you bought a female it would almost forsure not get this big. She eats a jumbo every 10 days. Craps once a month-ish. She came from an ignorant owner with bad husbandry and very little handling but still came around after only a few weeks and is 99% docile. She hisses a bit occasionaly but thats it so be assured a JCP is a great friendly choice.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-116.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-61.jpg

This is Mick my adult male JCP. He is about 5ft and right now very thin. It's breeding season and he hasn't eaten since December but should any day now. He eats 1 large rat every 10 days when he is eating. He poops about once every 3-4 weeks. He is the most docile human friendly snake I have. Even more than my ball python. He climbs out of hist viv right onto me as if to say "lets go!!". I hand him to people who have never held a snake and after 10 seconds they are calm. Again gret testament to the nice JCP temperment. Kids love him. First pic is my friends 9yr old daughter second is my brother inlaw.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-139.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-140.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-141.jpg

Ferae Naturae

03-16-12, 07:29 PM

You've come to the right place!

The people on these forums are incredibly helpful!

I recently aquired a Coastal Jaguar Carpet python from a guy who was adopting him out. I actually had seen him for sale at a reptile show a few months ago and fell in love instantly. The only thing that turned me off from him was that he was quite a handful to get out of the container. Hissing and stirking uncontrollably, so I passed him up at that time (It would have been an impulse decision anyway).

Anyway, despite the fact that he was such a brat at the show, after I saw that there was one up for adoption I jumped at the opportunity to take a peek. And boy am I glad that I did! It must have been fate! I had to have him, although I was prepared for the worst after the display he put on at the show.

I have had him for a couple weeks and he has not ONCE stuck at me. I have handled him daily and day by day he only gets more and more comfortable and curious. He's settling in very nicely and I am SO happy I got him. Previously owning Ball Pythons and Boas before, he takes the cake! Careful what you see at the show though, I purchased a Hogg Island Boa at a show that appeared "puppy dog tame", but once he was home and settled in, he was a MONSTER. I ended up selling him to a breeder and calling it a day.

I'll attach a pic of "Jag" for you to see.

All of the carpet pythons are awesome, good luck in your search! Keep us posted!

hellosugaree

03-16-12, 07:51 PM

Thanks for the thoughtful responses and the pictures. You are all bad influences because I probably shouldn't be getting another pet and seeing your gorgeous snakes isn't helping! ;) I am getting more and more excited about the thought of having one. Thanks for also sharing the feeding and pooping schedule.

I'm getting pictures of the young male JCP tonight that is up for rehoming locally. I'll post them when I receive them.

Thanks again.

Terranaut

03-17-12, 08:07 AM

As I type this my 2 are putting on a nice show of trying to escape. Very active and a joy to watch. You will be very happy with one.

hellosugaree

03-17-12, 09:43 PM

So here are the pictures. We are going to go Sunday and check him out in person. What do y'all think? I think he's cute!

Caylan

03-18-12, 02:49 AM

Well for one thing, its not a pure jungle... For another, its freaking gorgeous! I really like the spot on it's nose, very unique! If I had to guess though I would say its a jungle jaguar sibling, so junglexcoastal. This could mean a slightly larger snake then your typical jungle, thought not necessarily. I think it would make a great first carpet python honestly, no reason not to offer it a home! I'd add to the care aspect but most of those points are covered, plus they pretty much take care of themselves once they are given what they need. You won't regret getting a carpet python at all, they are great snakes, especially as adults. The lack of weight and extra length makes them very easy to handle but still impressively large snakes, and their intelligence once they mature is incredible. I'm very comfortable around carpet pythons, they just seem to know what's going on at all times. I say go for it!

marvelfreak

03-18-12, 06:20 AM

hellosugaree

03-18-12, 07:02 AM

He is pretty. But I want to be sure it is not pure coastal. I noticed he did have some different patterning than many jungles I've seen in pictures. I knows there is probably no way to know for sure unless you know the parents and their full story. I'll get as much info as I can today when I visit him. If I decide I want him I can't take him home today anyway sine I'm not prepared with an enclosure and supplies yet anyway. But I thunk its good not to be sucked into rushing it by his cuteness.

One more thing. What makes you think he has coastal in him? Is this just a gut feeling from lots of experience having seen many different carpets, or are there specific features of his appearance that lead you to the conclusion?

Thanks again!

Terranaut

03-18-12, 10:34 AM

hellosugaree

03-18-12, 11:53 AM

The reason we know he is a jungle/coastal mix is because he has some jag in there and that gene comes from coastals. He looks to me like a jag sibling as said above. Nice snake. Just get it. Its not pure coastal and being so young it will be a while before it gets big anyway. Your ability to handle a larger snake will come as he becomes larger. Truly...trust us when we say fo for it. You will not regret it ever.

I take it you know this from the patterning on his body, correct? What kind of adult coloration might I expect. I know this can vary greatly even in our jungles alone, but in general are they more likely to adopt specific colors with coastal in them as opposed to pure jungle? In the end as I said before if I love him when I first see him and I raise him from a little guy, I will love him as an adult no matter how he turns out. Just asking more out of curiosity and to learn as much as I can.

hellosugaree

03-18-12, 12:56 PM

red ink

03-18-12, 07:58 PM

Why is'nt it a pure jungle?

At that age I see no characteristics that say otherwise?

Caylan

03-18-12, 09:01 PM

I'm mainly going by the neck pattern, and head shape. Other then that the pattern is quite off for a pure jungle in my opinion, but anything's possible. Plus with out lineage, no one would accept it as a pure snake anyway...

red ink

03-18-12, 09:07 PM

Looks like a JCP to me anyway... just wanted to see what other people were seeing.

hellosugaree

03-18-12, 09:44 PM

So we got him. When we first picked him up at the guy's house he was hissing a bit, but didn't seem like he was anywhere near ready to bite. After 5 minutes he calmed down and seemed totally content. When we got him home he seemed perfectly content to explore our arms (and everywhere else). When we put him in his new habitat, he went right up and wrapped around a branch after about 15 minutes of cautious exploration.

The guy did say he has some coastal in him. In any case I don't care at this point even if he has no snake in him because we are in love.

My wife is excited too as you can see. It's always good to carry at least one python in your purse at all times. They are great for the face right after the eyeshadow.

red ink

03-18-12, 09:50 PM

Congrats mate... welcome to the world of Morelias

Caylan

03-18-12, 11:52 PM

Awesome, congrats! You both are going to be really happy with him in a few years, the colour change they go through is amazing to watch!

UwabamiReptiles

03-19-12, 06:51 AM

Congrats on the carpet, morelia are the best.

youngster

03-19-12, 06:57 AM

Congratulations! You really will be happy with him, they are the best!

alessia55

03-19-12, 07:06 AM

Congrats!!! :D

Terranaut

03-19-12, 09:08 AM

Thats great. Glad you got him. If he is that docile now ,he should be super calm as an adult. Congrats on a great choice. He looks awsome.

MoreliAddict

03-19-12, 09:13 AM

Congrats & enjoy!

hellosugaree

03-19-12, 07:58 PM

Since he seemed to be settling in OK, we decided to give him his first meal (the previous owner fed him about 8 days ago). He didn't waste any time. A little dangle of the zombie mouse and he had it wrapped up in no time.

Now, I have a question. I would like to try to get him on rats as soon as possible because I've heard people say they can be a pain to switch down the road. Is there a baby rat size equivalent to the siz of a mouse hopper? He took the hopper with ease so even if it was a tiny bit bigger I think he would be fine, or at least in the near future.

Caylan

03-19-12, 08:21 PM

Give him a rat Fuzzy or large pinky. He looks great, and well set up! Also, you don't need to feed in a separate enclosure, though its fine that you do. Good luck, glad he ate so easily for you!

hellosugaree

03-19-12, 10:02 PM

Give him a rat Fuzzy or large pinky. He looks great, and well set up! Also, you don't need to feed in a separate enclosure, though its fine that you do. Good luck, glad he ate so easily for you!

I will try that as far as the rats go. Thanks. I know the separate feeding area is not necessary, but at this point I don't see it hurting and the guy already had him feeding in the exact same setup. I was told he loves to eat by the previous owner and so far it seems to be true.

Hopefully he stays happy and healthy. I was kind of hoping he would hiss at us a little more than just the first time we grabbed him before we even brought him home--it was damn cute. But in reality if he was hissing still I'd imagine that would mean he was pissed off, and I don't want an unhappy guy.

Lankyrob

03-20-12, 03:55 AM

A lot of carpets will feed hanging off their favourite perch, saves the separate tub and means you needn't worry about them eating substrate.