Do I make sense?

[Kettennatter]

Well, you may (or probably not) remember that I was looking at burms a few months ago. Both the adult size but even more so the regulatory environment in my state would make the whole endeavor a little costly. So I was looking at alternatives.

Today I went to a breeder and looked at a young coastal carpet python. I had heard that the young ones tend to be a bit bitey, and the person working there would not get him out after the snake flinched initially. I offered to take him out, and used a plastic lid to shield my hand. He was definitely defensive, but didn't strike, and relaxed completely after about a minute, crawling all over me for the next 25-30 minutes I was there, and I could easily be handled with bare hands. A very beautiful snake overall.

Does he sound like a safe bet to you, or does the old wisdom that a snake will more confidently defend its enclosure once settled in also apply for this type of snake?

[SpOoKy]

IMO every snake is different. You can have ones that are calm then turn more excitable and ones that are ready to go the moment they are out then settle down into a clam snake. The thing I cant get over in this post is that the person working for a snake breeder would not take a snake out for a possible buyer to handle???

So if this person is doing cage cleaning and one is nippy, does he/she just skip the cleaning or water change?

[MoreliAddict]

I would not buy a snake under the assumption that its temperament will get better over time.

...and for what I matters I would never buy a snake under the assumption that it will be better looking as an adult, either..

[Kettennatter]

IMO every snake is different. You can have ones that are calm then turn more excitable and ones that are ready to go the moment they are out then settle down into a clam snake. The thing I cant get over in this post is that the person working for a snake breeder would not take a snake out for a possible buyer to handle???

So if this person is doing cage cleaning and one is nippy, does he/she just skip the cleaning or water change?

She actually cleaned the cage while I had the snake out, and it was rather nasty. So in that regard, the snake was in luck.

I believe there are several people working that facility, and I hope the others are a little less scared.

[Kettennatter]

I would not buy a snake under the assumption that its temperament will get better over time.

...and for what I matters I would never buy a snake under the assumption that it will be better looking as an adult, either..

The temperament as it was would be fine with me. I was rather wondering if a single encounter is a decent indication, or if I should go back a few times to make sure. (I think I answered my own question, didn't I?)

[EmbraceCalamity]

The temperament as it was would be fine with me. I was rather wondering if a single encounter is a decent indication, or if I should go back a few times to make sure. (I think I answered my own question, didn't I?)Kind of. XD You can never be sure how an animal will act when its environment is changed, but a few times would be a better indication than just once.

~Maggot

[shaunyboy]

a lot of carpet hatchlings can be defensive biters,some calm down once they get regular handling,also some calm down once they get a bit of size about them and realise your not a threat

that said,some never calm down and remain that way their whole lives

a calm adult usually remains calm

temprement is down to each individual snake

i found the best way to get them out their enclosure is walk straight up to it,then reach in and take the snake out,whether it bites or not

i have found if you stand around the front of the tank,hesitating the snake can get agitated/defensive and bite

a hatchling bite is not sore,as its over by the time you realise its happened

cheers shaun

[Terranaut]

^^^^^this^^^^^
My baby carpets are nippy but my adults are both calm and cool. I have been working on and off with them and one is very calm and the other isjust starting to tolerate handling . So like it says each is different but I haven't heard of any carpets becoming aggressive without starting out that way. I think if you like the snake, get it.

[Tracy33]

I agree , most baby carpets are nippy, but normaly grow into trusty snakes.

[Snakeman8]

sounds trustworthy, like most snakes

[Kettennatter]

Okay, I didn't have a problem getting the little guy out of the enclosure, the woman working there was scared. He never tried to strike, and I let him crawl all over me, and he didn't behave any different than any of my corns would.

In either case, I will take that as a good sign and have my wife check him out, too. I loved how alert the little guy was. I hope his behavior is consistent.

[Tracy33]

Yea i think you have no worries here , carpets are so known for this when they are young. When mine was only 2 ft he was wild, could not get near him , but over time and much handling ,he has grown into a very calm snake. Its what you put in , you get out, as i have found with all my past reptiles. Good Luck .

[shaunyboy]

Okay, I didn't have a problem getting the little guy out of the enclosure, the woman working there was scared. He never tried to strike, and I let him crawl all over me, and he didn't behave any different than any of my corns would.

In either case, I will take that as a good sign and have my wife check him out, too. I loved how alert the little guy was. I hope his behavior is consistent.

imo Carpets are very alert snakes...

even a calm adult will strike a hand if it moves too fast and spooks them

most of mine remain in feeding mode for 24 to 48 hours after eating...

imo this is when they are at their most alert stage,anything with a heat signature gets hit first,worked out if its food or not later :yes:

Carpets are great to keep,interesting active snakes

cheers shaun

[Kettennatter]

I just came back from the same store, and the story was much the same. The snake scared a different employee this time, but I was able to get the little guy out without much of a problem, using a piece of paper as a shield. He was calm once picked up, and seemed alert and curious after about a minute. I also found out he is a little over a year old, and is purposely kept small. (one feeding every three weeks)

[Donnie]

Sounds to me like you have made your mind up. Looking forward to the pics when he comes home :)

[EmbraceCalamity]

Buy the snake and tell the employees to stop being pathetic. Then post pics. ;)

~Maggot

[Kettennatter]

Buy the snake and tell the employees to stop being pathetic. Then post pics. ;)

~Maggot

I just ordered a UTH and a thermostat. I can use an old enclosure until he gets a little bigger. I was thinking about reserving him, but given the behavior of the staff I doubt he will be sold soon. :D I'm currently planning on picking him up on Saturday.

Interestingly enough, the lady who was afraid to reach for the carpet has a burm at home.

Now, since the snake is currently fed only once every three months, would you recommend gradually increasing the feeding schedule to once a week?

[SpOoKy]

Now, since the snake is currently fed only once every three months, would you recommend gradually increasing the feeding schedule to once a week?

Is there a reason this snake is being fed on this schedule?
Did you mean to type once every three weeks?

[Kettennatter]

Is there a reason this snake is being fed on this schedule?
Did you mean to type once every three weeks?

Indeed. Think what breeders and pet shops do to sell small snakes. Grown snakes don't sell nearly as well. (Probably even more so with other types of snakes.)

[UwabamiReptiles]

Keeping a snake small on purpose is dumb. Besides that, I just recently got a coastal hatchling that was biting like crazy at the show I got her from. She bit the guy numerous times. Didn't bite me though, sounds much like the same boat you're in. I got her because I liked her pattern. She was defensive for about 3 weeks. Now I can pick her up with no problems and shes a sweetheart. Depends on the individual snake as far as temperament and I think how you approach the snake and handle him makes a difference too.

[Kettennatter]

Keeping a snake small on purpose is dumb. Besides that, I just recently got a coastal hatchling that was biting like crazy at the show I got her from. She bit the guy numerous times. Didn't bite me though, sounds much like the same boat you're in. I got her because I liked her pattern. She was defensive for about 3 weeks. Now I can pick her up with no problems and shes a sweetheart. Depends on the individual snake as far as temperament and I think how you approach the snake and handle him makes a difference too.

Agreed on keeping a snake small. But then again, the breeder is adjusting to customer demand.

Yes, it sounds very similar, except that mine hasn't bitten anybody, as far as I know. I think he is defensive and is putting on a good show. So far, all of my snakes settled. With one of my king snakes it took almost a year, but maybe I'm more stubborn than the average snake.

Any suggestions on the feeding regimen to get him up to an age-appropriate size?

[UwabamiReptiles]

I'd just feed once a week just like a normal feeding schedule. No need to try to play catch up with size. Just feed an appropriate size item and he'll catch up in size in time.

[Kettennatter]

I'd just feed once a week just like a normal feeding schedule. No need to try to play catch up with size. Just feed an appropriate size item and he'll catch up in size in time.

Thanks! The UTH and thermostat are coming in today, so with a litttle luck I shall buy him tomorrow.

[Terranaut]

Thanks! The UTH and thermostat are coming in today, so with a litttle luck I shall buy him tomorrow.
Awesome. Good for you. You'll love it!!

[Kettennatter]

Just got the little guy. He's been in the warm hide for a while, but now he is climbing on a wooden ladder that I crafted out of an old wine rack. He's probably been handled way too much today already, and has been very calm. Still curious though, and made his first escape attempt.

It's overcast here today, I will make weather when he's been handled less and the light is better. ;)

[EmbraceCalamity]

I can't wait to see pics. :D

~Maggot

[Donnie]

Congratulations, looking forward to the pictures

[Kettennatter]

I will post them as soon as I have a decent shot. He's still mostly in his hide, sticking his head out a little further when he sees me. But I will leave him alone for the night, just checking the temperatures in his enclosure from time to time.

[Terranaut]

Fantastic!!!

[Tracy33]

Nice one , good for you and your new snake. Tracy.

[Kettennatter]

Okay, it turned out that taking pictures of this snake is not that easy. I picked him up out of the enclosure, cupping him like I would a BP. Unlike a BP he was quickly exploring me, making it hard to take a picture. Even the camera was of interest to him, moving towards it whenever the lens turned, resulting in a number of pictures like the one below:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/kettennatter/carpet1_small_zpsb7f22e0b.jpg

So I had to use my son's help to at least get a couple of pictures in. Here he is moving across his back.

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/kettennatter/carpet3_small_zps33ffbb93.jpg

And for a closer look of his pattern:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/kettennatter/carpet2_small_zps83333f41.jpg

A quick headshot:

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/kettennatter/carpet5_small_zps7fb2904a.jpg

The following is rather typical, and I had a hard time telling my son to keep still. ;)

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/kettennatter/carpet4_small_zps1d978fab.jpg

[Lankyrob]

Very pretty snake :)

[Kettennatter]

Very pretty snake :)

Thank you. And it is the "beast" that two employees at the breeder did not dare to touch. :D

[Terranaut]

Wow. Such a "scary" snake. Your son looks terrified!!
Nice looking Carpet. May it bring you years of joy and us years of pics :)

[Donnie]

Very nice looking carpet, congratulations you made the right choice :)

[Kettennatter]

I'm quite pleasantly surprised, so far. I expected a little trouble, and there is none. I also had no idea how playful this guy is. Is this a juvenile trait or does it carry forward into adulthood?

[Terranaut]

Mine are explorers as adults. This is the main trait for me that make morelia my favorite snakes.

[Lankyrob]

My jcp never stops moving and trying to bridge from me to the furniture/curtain rail etc etc :)

[Kettennatter]

Then I have a lot to look forward to. The feeding response of mine is also rather strong, by the way. ;) I still have to think of a name.

[Tracy33]

Great news for you and your snake . Enjoy. ;)

[Lankyrob]

Then I have a lot to look forward to. The feeding response of mine is also rather strong, by the way. ;) I still have to think of a name.

Its rare to have a carpet without a good feeding response :) mine hits his rats as hard and fast as my SD Retic does ;)

[Kettennatter]

Its rare to have a carpet without a good feeding response :) mine hits his rats as hard and fast as my SD Retic does ;)

That is good to hear. And I was told to brace for quick growth once I get him on a weekly feeding schedule.

In the meantime, I'm still fine-tuning heat and humidity, and he is spending most of his time in the warm hide, sticking his head out when he sees me move. Since he is in a new environment I will give him time, but he seems to settle just fine.

[Kettennatter]

It's not that great of a picture, but I just wanted to let you know that the little guy is still doing well. I'm trying to let him be as much as possible, which is sometimes hard to do, because he is quite fun to handle. This initial flinching that I saw at the store is pretty much gone with just the handling necessary to adjust his enclosure. I noticed that he seems to move through the temperature gradient a lot, switching between hot and cold hide, or climbing like in the picture.

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t416/kettennatter/2013-01-10192744_zps345e8f27.jpg

[Joeyyb]

Very pretty snake :)

What he said.

[Kettennatter]

Okay, I just measured and weighed him. He weighs about 400 grams, as must as I could tell with him moving on the scale. He is a little over 3 ft. long. At one year of age I'm feeding him one medium mouse a week.

Does that sound reasonable to you?

[Lankyrob]

I dont weigh my snakes so dont know if the weight is "right" or not.

I would get him onto rats sooner rather than later tho, something about three times his girth would be good :)

[Kettennatter]

I dont weigh my snakes so dont know if the weight is "right" or not.

I would get him onto rats sooner rather than later tho, something about three times his girth would be good :)

Wow, that much wider than his girth? Okay, I will see if I can find small rats. (Even the mouse leaves a discernable bump, since he was purposely fed only once every three weeks to keep him small.)

[MoreliAddict]

That's a great looking Coastal!

He doesn't look too mean either.

Congrats!

[Kettennatter]

That's a great looking Coastal!

He doesn't look too mean either.

Congrats!

Thank you. The initial flinchin response to being picked up is gone. He is very mellow, just also very playful. :D

[Lankyrob]

Wow, that much wider than his girth? Okay, I will see if I can find small rats. (Even the mouse leaves a discernable bump, since he was purposely fed only once every three weeks to keep him small.)

Carpets will easily take four times their girth :) my JCP eats the same size rats as my SD retic with no problem at all. The rats are 156-172 grams from memory (this is the size i order i think :))

[Kettennatter]

Carpets will easily take four times their girth :) my JCP eats the same size rats as my SD retic with no problem at all. The rats are 156-172 grams from memory (this is the size i order i think :))

Wow, that rat size would be about 1/2 his weight. I might get a little smaller. Thankfully I have a rat breeder about 10 minutes from where I live, so I can pretty much pick up any size I need, as long as I get them out of their cages. It almost means I'd have to convert him to frozen right away. I'm not comfortable with a live rat at the small size he's at.

[Lankyrob]

Dont just take my word for it - message Shaunyboy - he will confirm the size they can take :)

[Kettennatter]

Okay, this may be a stupid question, but are these pythons reacting more to heat than other snakes? I know they have impressive labial heat pits, and while generally curious, he seems particularly interested in my head/face, which is probably the warmest exposed part of the body.

In contrast, my colubrids and even my boa seem to be far more attracted to movement/vibrations than heat.

[Lankyrob]

Yup, anythingg hot is a target for my JCP, i reached acroos to pick up my mobile one day and my hand went sort of in front of his face and he nailed it, nine kf my other snakes woukd have reacted to something like that :)

[Kettennatter]

Holy crap, I mean holy crap. I thought I'd try a large mouse, but couldn't get one. So I tried a smaller rat. The snake was fed live, and I wasn't quite ready to switch over. Once I put the rat in the enclosure I noticed the size difference. The coastal looked small.

But it only took 2-3 seconds to strike and coil around the rat, which tried to fight back, unsuccessfully so. Now there is just a curious python with a huge lump.

I was scared for the snake, though. I will see if I can get f/t in that size. Shouldn't be a problem if I check the local breeder often enough.

[Corey209]

Yup, anythingg hot is a target for my JCP, i reached acroos to pick up my mobile one day and my hand went sort of in front of his face and he nailed it, nine kf my other snakes woukd have reacted to something like that :)

Reminds me of my amazon tree boa, is it because their heat sensing is more advanced then other snakes?

[Lankyrob]

Reminds me of my amazon tree boa, is it because their heat sensing is more advanced then other snakes?

I think Carpets just have an enlarged medulaomblongata (or lots of teeth and no toothbrush) :):Wow::eek::):Wow::no:

[Kettennatter]

Just a quick update: He is doing fine, and it a pretty good eater. Seems to like it on the warm side of the enclosure, and it very easy to handle. What surprises me is that he eats and I have no idea where he puts it. Compared to my boa he seems to digest incredibly fast. He's been a problem-free snake so far.

Oddly enough, when I came back from a business trip he seemed very hungry, a few days past his usual schedule. I had a live mouse I needed to get rid off and dropped in in his enclosure, but he only looked at me. I left the room, but when I came back it seemed like he still wanted out.
So I opened the lid and pulled him out. He seemed fine enough. That moment he saw the mouse, wrapped it's tail around my wrist and struck the mouse, pulling back toward me as he constricted. So I stood there, the snake with the mouse dangling from my wrist. Not exactly what I had intended. ;)