Ordered a coastal carpet python...

lougotzz · 08-04-14, 10:30 AM

It was a WYSIWYG from lllreptile. He is male and 49" long. My only question is how long would you wait inbetween feedings for this guy? I've only really owned boas with the exception of two ball pythons so pythons are kind of new to me.

Thanks.

RBDTerrell · 08-04-14, 01:07 PM

My Carpets around that length get a small rat weekly (or 7-10 days). It is all subject to the girth of the animal at that length and what you feel is an appropriate size meal.

Mikoh4792 · 08-04-14, 01:23 PM

For now try a small rat as RBD advised and see how long it takes for the snake to digest and make a bowel movment. My IJ male is about the same size and gets a small rat every 7-14 days. Pretty soon I will move him up to small/medium rats.

franks · 08-04-14, 01:55 PM

How long you wait depends on what you feed him. Carpets can put down surprisingly big meals. My girls is around 58" and eats everything from small to full large rats. I would agree with Mikoh that it's best to start small and observe with new snakes.

lougotzz · 08-04-14, 03:06 PM

Okay this works out well because I have a whole bag of small rats lol. I should be getting the snake Wednesday so I can check out his size.

lougotzz · 08-04-14, 03:07 PM

Do you guys like your carpets?

Mikoh4792 · 08-04-14, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lougotzz

Do you guys like your carpets?

Absolutely love them. In my opinion they are like ball pythons except arboreal, more active, and more readily accepting of food(this is an understatement).

franks · 08-04-14, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Absolutely love them. In my opinion they are like ball pythons except arboreal, more active, and more readily accepting of food(this is an understatement).

Haha! Perfectly said... that's pretty much why we like them... because they are the opposite of ball pythons.

Those of us with carpets absolutely love them. I have actually never met a snake keeper who didn't like his carpet. They are awesome snakes. Like Mikoh said they are fascinating to watch. When they get bigger (about the size yours is now) they start getting pretty confident and many will spend the day out in view and on display. Some carpet keepers don't even offer hides. My girl only uses her hide the day after she eats. They are generally pretty docile although some are cage aggressive (most of the time it's due to a strong feeding response.) Many pretty big breeders have all told me that even without handling their snakes they are all docile except for a few.

If your snake comes and is a little defensive be patient with him, most come around. I would suggest making a "turn off switch." Mine is a tiny snake hook but it can be anything- some use paper towel holders. Anyway find an object that you will use to tap your snake on the nose before handling. He will learn that this means your hand is coming and not a rat. Works pretty well. Best of luck- can't wait to see pictures.

Mikoh4792 · 08-04-14, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franks

If your snake comes and is a little defensive be patient with him, most come around. I would suggest making a "turn off switch." Mine is a tiny snake hook but it can be anything- some use paper towel holders. Anyway find an object that you will use to tap your snake on the nose before handling. He will learn that this means your hand is coming and not a rat. Works pretty well. Best of luck- can't wait to see pictures.

+1 Mine calm down as soon as the hook starts lifting them up. Snaps them right out of the "S pose" they get into when something goes into their enclosure.

franks · 08-04-14, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

+1 Mine calm down as soon as the hook starts lifting them up. Snaps them right out of the "S pose" they get into when something goes into their enclosure.

Isn't that cool? It's pretty instant. It reminds me of a dog that has to reluctantly submit. I keep humidity same as Mikoh.

Do you have any pics of the guy? When is he due to arrive?

RBDTerrell · 08-05-14, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lougotzz

Do you guys like your carpets?

I love all 17 of my Carpets!

I also work with Bloods, Sumatran, Borneo ST, Balls, and a few Colubrids. Out of all, Carpets are what I am truly passionate about. Their inquisitive nature and gentle demeanor as adults makes them such a joy to work with.

IW17 · 08-04-14, 03:29 PM

I love my carpet. He does not feel the same towards me lol.

lougotzz · 08-04-14, 04:45 PM

Lol after years of keeping boas I actually just ordered my first snake hook yesterday.

I've read several different opinions on humidity...what do you guys keep your levels at? I've read 40-60% my PVC plastic with aspen bedding seems to easily maintain 50%.

Mikoh4792 · 08-04-14, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lougotzz

Lol after years of keeping boas I actually just ordered my first snake hook yesterday.

I've read several different opinions on humidity...what do you guys keep your levels at? I've read 40-60% my PVC plastic with aspen bedding seems to easily maintain 50%.

That's fine. I don't worry about humidity levels when it comes to carpets. I just make sure it's not too dry, nor too humid(bacterial growth). Though I do still keep an accurite thermometer/hydrodmeter in my enclosures and they read around %50 as well. Dryer in the winter, and more humid in the summer.

PVC cage with solid top and a water bowl...you've got nothing to worry about!

lougotzz · 08-04-14, 05:54 PM

My cage has a few perches too so he should enjoy that...