Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm new to this board and to the snake/reptile owning world. I've been researching on species that I would like to get in the near future and have narrowed down the list to the Ball and the Carpet pythons. I would like to ask a few questions that I'm very unsure about and wanted to confirm, and who better than snake gurus ^^.

I've had no prior experience with snakes other than attending a Hreptology class. I've been near snakes on a daily basis but have never helped, handled, fed, or done anything other than that. I've been researching on how to care for carpet pythons and Ball pythons for a good month now.

What should i do, raise my own mice and rats for my snakes or purchase frozen ones? This question has been bugging me for a while.

How much should the average, normal python be in terms of price. I'm planning on buying a carpet, thus why i'm posting in this board, but i'm not ruling out getting a ball python. and which one is usually cheaper?

I've seen three types of carpet pythons, and have been wondering which one is the "normal" one? i know about their anatomical differences or most of them.

would it been better to construct a terrarium or buy one? I'm a pretty cheap guy so if there's anyway i can cut down on cost but not efficency i'll gladly jump at the chance.

what age is it best to get a python at? or does it not matter?

Are the stories about pet store pythons true? I've read that they are placed in very cruel conditions and if that's the case i'm going to rescue the ball i saw in a local pet store T_T.

should i be getting a snake when i'm kind of short?(5 1/2 feet in height), I'm just a bit unsure if i could really handle a fully grown carpet python or Ball python. I know how to do it it's just the practical experience i lack.

Would i require a partner in the handling of a carpet python?

Is a Carpet Python a good choice for a complete beginner? that's probably the question that's hit me most. I've read that Ball pythons are good bets as great beginning snakes. I'm just really stoked with the carpet python and wanted a slightly bigger snake, i know my definition of slightly might need some work ^^;

how heavy will a fully grown carpet python be? i've read somewhere in the 10+ pounds area. Do you really feel all of that weight on you when it's being handled? or is it easy to pick up. I'm a weakling for the most part and if it's heavy I desperately need to know before i get something i'm going to struggle with just getting it off the ground.

Am I asking way too many questions? I really don't want to screw this up.

It sounds like you want a carpet python over the ball, but you heard that the balls are easier. I'd suggest you just get the carpet and enjoy it, if that's what you really want in the end. Not all carpets are 8 feet long. A male irian jaya carpet will likely stay around 6 feet. That should be managable by just about anybody.

I'd say building a cage is the cheapest way to go. Plastic cages are popular but they're crazy expensive.

If you have only one or two snakes, I'd just buy frozen rodents and not mess with raising them. Not worth it.

Carpets do tend to be more bitey than a ball python, but there are exceptions to every rule. You might just look around and wait until you can find a tame adult or get a young one so you have more time to get used to it before it gets bigger.

Thanks for the advice, I guess I'll have to dust off that old hammer i have hahaha.

Buying a snake from a store that is not taking good care of it is not a good idea. First of all, you stand a real good chance of getting a snake with health problems. But more importantly you would be financially supporting a business that this hobby really doesn't need.

For the benefit of the hobby, we should all support the "good guys" and let the less desireable businesses fade out of existance.

Purchase your feeders, raising your own is far more work than necessary unless you have a huge collection of snakes, and even then I would question whether it’s worth it or not.

As for price of balls vs. carpets. Since you’re a beginner I’m assuming you’re not looking for any high end morphs, normal ball pythons are less pricey, less than $100. Carpets will start at about $150 upwards depending on the species. “Normal” Coastals $100 – $250, these are the largest carpets and have 10 ft and 25 lb potential. I have a few this size. It may seem big, but they are easily handled by 1 person because they are completely tame. Normal Irian Jayas and Jungles $150 - $400. I’d say much more than 6 ft and 10 - 12 lbs is unusual here, but not impossible, especially with jungles.

Not sure what you mean by 3 types of carpets, but coastal, Irian Jaya, and jungle come to mind. They are all normal, they are 3 different sub species.

I’d buy cages, young snakes can be kept in aquariums of appropriate size and once they reach adult size a permanent cage can be purchased for about $200.

Buy a hatchling or yearling.

Don’t buy from a pet store unless they are truly a reptile store.

As noted above, you can handle a full grown carpet python at 5.5 ft as long as you can lift 25 lbs (coastal) or 12 lbs (IJ/jungle). All baby carpets of any type are aggressive, but too small to inflict damage. Handle them regularly and they will be OK. My experience (12 plus years keeping more than 40 carpets of all kinds) indicates that coastal’s are the calmest, I’ve never encountered and aggressive adult coastal. IJ’s and jungles can be more “nervous”, but again tend to be non-aggressive adults.

I believe carpet pythons are an appropriate beginner snake, they are hardy snakes that don’t require highly specialized care and/or environment. Of course, as always, please be sure to thoroughly research the care of any animal before purchasing it. Be certain you can provide the proper environment and care the animal requires. Pythons of any kind are a long term commitment, properly cared for your snake should live at least 15 - 20 years.

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Dennis

Dennis has some very good answers. I'd also like to answer your questions based on personal experience...

For a small collection, I suggest buying your frozen feeders from a local pet store or from one of the reputable online vendors who advertise on Kingsnake.com. I have 15 snakes and I still don't breed my own feeders. I tried last year and it was far to much trouble. The smell was terrible, the moms ate the babies too often and I didn't have the time to run a colony large enough to keep my snakes fed. I use RodentPro.com and MiceDirect.com. Rodent Pro is very professional and has the best regular prices. Sometimes Mice Direct runs specials so I'll order from them. They are reputable, too.

How much should the average, normal python be in terms of price. I'm planning on buying a carpet, thus why i'm posting in this board, but i'm not ruling out getting a ball python. and which one is usually cheaper?

The prices vary widely depending on where you buy your snake. I've seen balls in pet stores go for $25 or $75. Carpets in stores were usually around $150-200. Shows and breeders almost always have lower prices. You may find a regular carpet for under $100. Price isn't the only thing to consider, though. I often pay a little more for a healthy, better looking animal from a reputable source and have had good luck doing it. I buy from breeders at show and over the internet and occasionally from pet stores. Post balls you find in pet stores are wild caught or captive hatched and are stressed and loaded with parasites. I prefer captive bred animals, although they will be more expensive.

I've seen three types of carpet pythons, and have been wondering which one is the "normal" one? i know about their anatomical differences or most of them.

There are three subspecies of normal carpets (Python spilotes variegatus). There are jungles (cheynei), coastals (mcdowelli) and inland (metcalfei). The jungles are fairly common in pet stores and all can be found online and at shows.

would it been better to construct a terrarium or buy one? I'm a pretty cheap guy so if there's anyway i can cut down on cost but not efficency i'll gladly jump at the chance.

If you're at all handy, you should be able to build a suitable terrarium. I've built some of my own and currently keep my young (5.5 foot) adult carpet in a large Sterilite box I bought for $12 from Wal-Mart. It works well for maintaining humidity and heat. His entire setup with heat and water bowl cost about $30.

what age is it best to get a python at? or does it not matter?

I'd always start with a hatchling or juvenile whether ball or carpet. That way you can "grow" with the snake and also influence its behavior. Some balls are picky when it comes to food, some are not. Carpets tend to be voracious eaters and will consume anything furry you put before them. My carpet was always nervous as a juve, but only ever bit me once. He's still a little nervous when I pick him up, but only until he can wrap around me for support.

Are the stories about pet store pythons true? I've read that they are placed in very cruel conditions and if that's the case i'm going to rescue the ball i saw in a local pet store T_T.

There are good and bad pet stores, and sometimes it's hard to tell if you're not experienced. I don't buy much from stores.

should i be getting a snake when i'm kind of short?(5 1/2 feet in height), I'm just a bit unsure if i could really handle a fully grown carpet python or Ball python. I know how to do it it's just the practical experience i lack.

That's another good reason to start with a baby. You'll learn to read your snake's body language and what it likes and doesn't. Each snake is different.

Would i require a partner in the handling of a carpet python?

The rule of thumb I've read is to have help for anything over 6-8 feet. I'd say with a carpet, your pretty safe. Mine is almost six feet and I can't imagine needing any help with him. I'd feel safe even if he were eight feet. Carpets are pretty slender, so a six footer is not nearly as powerful as a six foot burmese or blood python

Is a Carpet Python a good choice for a complete beginner? that's probably the question that's hit me most. I've read that Ball pythons are good bets as great beginning snakes. I'm just really stoked with the carpet python and wanted a slightly bigger snake, i know my definition of slightly might need some work ^^;

I would recommend a carpet for a beginner. They're pretty easy to keep. Mine is easier to keep than my ball python.

how heavy will a fully grown carpet python be? i've read somewhere in the 10 pounds area. Do you really feel all of that weight on you when it's being handled? or is it easy to pick up. I'm a weakling for the most part and if it's heavy I desperately need to know before i get something i'm going to struggle with just getting it off the ground.

It may get to be about 10 pounds. Mine is around 4 pounds. If you can carry a gallon of milk in each hand, you can carry a carpet or ball python.

Am I asking way too many questions? I really don't want to screw this up.>>

Never stop asking questions! I've been keeping snakes since I was like five (28 years) and I have new questions all the time.

Good luck.
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0.0.1 Sulcata
0.1.0 Girlfriend, Caucasius Mexicana, Fiancee Phase

cool, i was looking at a sterile box from wal-mart last night and thought it'd be perfect to house a snake. haha proves my brother wrong when he said it'd be a dumb idea ^^.

I must have said type for lack of better term.

I guess I'll be asking my hrept teacher for when the next con comes around my area.

So how would i go about scenting a rat? I've read that owners should switch to rats when they're young and i heard about the scenting method. is this

what wattage of bulb would be suitable for a heat lamp? I accidentally shorted out one of my teachers lamps and was shocked to find a 100 watt bulb. it was for his red eared sliders not snakes. I'm guessing the aluminum lamps are the most commonly used heat lamp.

how careless does one need to be to get sick from handling his snake? I'm going to wash my hands and stuff but I'd still like to know.

thanks for the answers! especially the weight and handling questions.

"what wattage of bulb would be suitable for a heat lamp? I accidentally shorted out one of my teachers lamps and was shocked to find a 100 watt bulb. it was for his red eared sliders not snakes. I'm guessing the aluminum lamps are the most commonly used heat lamp."

If you're considering an overhead heating lamp, I would consider using a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) instead of a light bulb. The lights tend to burn out quickly and they need to be turned off at night. The CHE can be left on always. 60 or 75 watt is probably sufficient, depending on your room temperatures...I didn't read all the other posts, so someone may have already mentioned this, but you can also consider a heat mat...

Max
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Snakes to the Max

>>how careless does one need to be to get sick from handling his snake? I'm going to wash my hands and stuff but I'd still like to know.
>>

Well, any reptile can have salmonella on its skin and/or in its feces. It's not harmful to them, but obviously can cause significant digestive distress in humans. Basically, as long as you wash your hands before handling for the snake's safety (and yours if you've recently handled meat - that smell obviously has the potential to trigger a feeding response) and afterward, you should be ok. Also do not lick/kiss/nuzzle reptiles. Apart from that, it's really not a big deal, just make sure to wash up thoroughly and you shouldn't have a problem.
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0.1 Albino Leopard Gecko - Tigger
0.1 Crested Gecko - Pooh-Bear

cool, i was looking at a sterile box from wal-mart last night and thought it'd be perfect to house a snake. haha proves my brother wrong when he said it'd be a dumb idea .

Alot of guys use Sterilite, Rubbermaid or Vision tubs exclusively. I use almost nothing but Sterilite. I must warn you that the lids must be weighted or secured in some way as the snakes can escape. Most of mine are lidless and slid into homemade racks. Also, I wouldn't recommend using lights to heat them as they will melt plastic anywhere they contact it.

I must have said type for lack of better term.

I guess I'll be asking my hrept teacher for when the next con comes around my area.

You can find a list of pretty much every herp show and expo known to man right here on Kingsnake.com. Here's the link: http://www.kingsnake.com/events.html

So how would i go about scenting a rat? I've read that owners should switch to rats when they're young and i heard about the scenting method. is this

You shouldn't need to worry about this if you have a carpet python. They will eat anything warm and fuzzy. Including your hands if you don't wash off the rat/mouse smell.

what wattage of bulb would be suitable for a heat lamp? I accidentally shorted out one of my teachers lamps and was shocked to find a 100 watt bulb. it was for his red eared sliders not snakes. I'm guessing the aluminum lamps are the most commonly used heat lamp.

If you do use heat lamps, get the ones with the ceramic socket like they have in pet stores. I went with the cheaper plastic socket ones from hardware stores and the heat caused them to break, melt and even fall apart. In my opinion it posed a fire hazard, so I replaced all of mine. The wattage depends on the size of the cage, how well the cage holds in the heat and the ambient temperature in the room. I use a 50 watt for a grey-banded kingsnake in a 10 gallon aquarium and a 150 watt for a 4 foot ball python in a 55 gallon. For all my other snakes I use under tank heat pads.

how careless does one need to be to get sick from handling his snake? I'm going to wash my hands and stuff but I'd still like to know.

I've been handling lizards, turtles and snakes since I was 3 years old and did not start washing my hands after handling them until I was in my late twenties. I've never caught anything from any reptile. That being said, I grew up in the boonies and developed all kinds if immunities to bacteria and stuff while playing in the woods. Just to be safe, use an antibacterial soap before and after handling your snake(s).

thanks for the answers! especially the weight and handling questions.

You're welcome. I'm always glad to help anyone who shares this great hobby.
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1.1.0 Hondurans Het Amel
1.1.0 Hondurans Anery, Het Hypo
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0.0.1 Speckled King WC
0.0.1 Jungle Carpet
0.1.0 Ball, Normal
0.0.1 Sulcata
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BTW,
When you decide, make sure you let us know and post pics.
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1.1.0 Hondurans Het Amel
1.1.0 Hondurans Anery, Het Hypo
0.1.0 Honduran Hypo
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0.0.1 GBK Blair's Phase
1.0.0 California King
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0.0.1 Speckled King WC
0.0.1 Jungle Carpet
0.1.0 Ball, Normal
0.0.1 Sulcata
0.1.0 Girlfriend, Caucasius Mexicana, Fiancee Phase

I'll most certainly post up pics. I've decided on getting the Carpet python.

the thing with the ball python was that i'll be gone for a while and my brother would be taking care of it. Yeah, i know now that that was a bad idea.

anyways i'm probably not going to get one for a while, as my father says i'm not ready yet or not enough. so I'm going to be getting practical experience from my Hrept Teacher. Don't know how good of idea it is to ask him if i could handle his smaller snakes. but it's gotta do something right?

well, i have a few questions as always,

How strong is a Carpet python's squeze? I heard a burmese python's is in the 60 PSI range and was just curious.

How much poop does an Adult CP put out? another question a Burm help site made me ask.

What was the first Snake experience you've had? uh... yeah you don't have to answer this one ^^.

How much would a heat lamp with a 55 watt bulb affect my family's electric bill? I'm not asking for actual numbers, although that'd be very helpful to know. My folks would kill me if i made a huge increase in the bill.

I'm considering the "T-Rex Cobra Heat Pad" that I've seen. but i'm a bit put off by the price of $40 @ Petsmart. Guess i should go bargin hunting ^^.

oh another question that's been bugging me is how you've come upon your snakes? I might be ignorant in thinking this but i don't think you got your snakes in the mail.

I've seen ads for snakes online and I'm thinking "do they do the Ebay method of sending them off in a box or something?". and I'm thinking of getting a Jungle Carpet but not ruling out Coastals, even if I'm not too sure i could handle it if it gets about 8 feet ^^;.

I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming python purchase, whenever it may be. Here are some answers to your questions.
I'll most certainly post up pics. I've decided on getting the Carpet python. 

the thing with the ball python was that i'll be gone for a while and my brother would be taking care of it. Yeah, i know now that that was a bad idea. 

anyways i'm probably not going to get one for a while, as my father says i'm not ready yet or not enough. so I'm going to be getting practical experience from my Hrept Teacher. Don't know how good of idea it is to ask him if i could handle his smaller snakes. but it's gotta do something right?

Any experience handling and learning about snakes will help you. You'll start to be able to read their body language and tell when a snake is hungry, stressed, curious, sick, etc. Learn all you can. There are differences in each species, and even individuals within a species, but the more knowledge you get the better.



well, i have a few questions as always, 

How strong is a Carpet python's squeze? I heard a burmese python's is in the 60 PSI range and was just curious. 



I don't know of a measurement, but generally the more muscle mass the snake has, the more it can squeeze. It's very unlikely that a jungle carpet could hurt you unless you let it coil around your neck. My 4 foot ball python is stronger than my 5 1/2 foot carpet.

How much poop does an Adult CP put out? another question a Burm help site made me ask. 



This depends on how much you feed it, which should be alot. Basically, almost as much as you put in will be "deposited" within a few days. Some of my snakes (the ones I am growing to breeder size) defecate almost every single day and require constant cleaning. Don't let this discourage you; remember I have 15 snakes to care for. It takes me about 4-6 hours a week to feed and clean their cages.

What was the first Snake experience you've had? uh... yeah you don't have to answer this one ^^. 



The first snake I had was a ribbon snake my dad grabbed for me when we were on a hunting trip. I was about four years old I think. I'm 32 now. I don't even remember much about that snake. I caught various snakes like that over the years,, but the one I really remember was when I was about 12 years old. It was a small adult speckled king snake from a local pet store. After that I was hooked.

How much would a heat lamp with a 55 watt bulb affect my family's electric bill? I'm not asking for actual numbers, although that'd be very helpful to know. My folks would kill me if i made a huge increase in the bill.

I didn't notice a significant increase in my electric bill with one or two lights going, and I was using 55, 100 and 150 watt bulbs.



I'm considering the "T-Rex Cobra Heat Pad" that I've seen. but i'm a bit put off by the price of $40 @ Petsmart. Guess i should go bargin hunting ^^.

I haven't used T-Rex, but I have used ZooMed pads. I will NOT buy those from pet stores personally because of the cost. Nothing against the pet stores and their need to make a fair profit, but I am very cost-conscious. The pads you see for $40, I've found as low as $17 online. I buy virtually all my reptile equipment online. There are several sites advertised on Kingsnake.com, that I have ordered from that have great prices. There is also a site I found called PetMountain.com that has really good prices. I use heat pads rather than lights for most of my snakes because I use plastic boxes in racks or stand-alone rather than aquariums. It allows me to own more animals because of the lower cost and lower space requirements. For example, I have 10 snakes housed in a rack that only takes up a little more floor space than a 20 gallon long aquarium.

oh another question that's been bugging me is how you've come upon your snakes? I might be ignorant in thinking this but i don't think you got your snakes in the mail. 

I've seen ads for snakes online and I'm thinking "do they do the Ebay method of sending them off in a box or something?". and I'm thinking of getting a Jungle Carpet but not ruling out Coastals, even if I'm not too sure i could handle it if it gets about 8 feet ^^;.

I have acquired my snakes from several sources: online, at reptile shows, pet stores and by catching them myself. Personally, I would suggest the reptile shows for the following reasons: 1.) most of the vendors are knowledgeable and caring 2.) You get to see the animal first hand before you buy it. 3.) The prices are generally lower than at a pet store. 4.) You don't have to pay for shipping or risk the welfare of the animal.
That being said, I've also purchased several animals from online vendors and have not had a single bad experience with the animals during shipping. And actually, the animals ARE shipped in boxes, usually FedEx or Delta Dash! The key is to find knowledgeable and reputable dealers/breeders who take pride in their animals. Keep an eye on these forums and ask questions. I'm sure someone on hear can recommend a good breeder. Also check out the Kingsnake.com classifieds.
If you are going to get a carpet, I'd recommend starting with the jungle until you get used to larger snakes. You may even want to consider a smaller snake to start off with. I usually recommend corn snakes or California king snakes as first snakes.

Again, good luck!
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go for a hatchling coastal carpet.you can find one around
$75 or so at shows,if you are any good at haggling(i remember getting one for $45 once,but only that one time).hang around till the end of the show,that's when most venders will work with you,just to have one less container to load back up.baby coastals are,for the most part,EVIL LITTLE SNAKES,but they grow out of that in 6 months or so with steady,gentle handling.a 10 gal aquqrium with a locking plastic lid will suffice for the first year or so,then a 55 should last another 2 years.they are escape artists,though,so stay away from wire or metal lids,they will rub themselves raw if given half a chance.and as far as biting goes,if you've ever poked yourself with a needle sewing a button or whatever,thats about what it feels like when a small carpet grabs you.about 30 more holes,but not too bad at all.a big carpet,however,is a different story.be prepared to bleed(a lot,if it grabs you good).all in all,though,a baby coastal(or any carpet,i just prefer the grey and tan tones on a coastal)is an excellent beginner snake,very hardy,not too picky about food(unlike a ball,which can go off feed for 6 months at a time with no warning),and once it calms down,seems content to just wrap itself around your arm and hang out for awhile.sorry for ranting,i just really adore carpets.hope this helps!
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1.1 wc eastern mud turtles(george & jane)
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0.0.1 mississippi map(lil' dummy)
1.0 cb albino corn(rusty)

0.0.1 wc halloween crabs
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2.0 cb children (sidney,12 & kaelan,4)
0.1 wc wife (danae,age withheld due to fears for personal safety)

I agree that baby coastals are evil little things. I remember my first one. He was a snappy little bastard! It might startle you at first, but it doesn't really hurt. Also...keep in mind that babies are kind of "wiggly" and move around a lot faster than the adults usually do. Handle them regularly and they calm down very well. My favorite snake is my male coastal. He's a very big boy, but he has absolutely great personality.

My first snake was a Ball python. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I still have a handful of Ball pythons and probably always will, because I think they are so beautiful, and they are tame like puppies. But, considering all, my carpet pythons are really my favorites!

Peace! Goodluck!

Well It's been a while since I've posted and Have been studiously doing research.

I was wondering, Would it be advisable to handle a snake when it goes off feed for a few months? Like what the Balls do. It just struck me as something to ask.

My siblings, all three of them, all have to practice piano everyday and I heard about how snakes hear mostly through Earthborne vibrations. I was wondering if the vibrations from the piano would affect my future snake? the tank will be on the second floor about the room above and over to the side from the room the piano is in.

Since I'm probably never going to have the chance of breeding any snake I'll get I have to ask, Is is at all necessary to sex my snake? I mean I won't ever need to know the gender unless I'm going to sell it(after what I'm going through just to get it, NO WAY!!).

I've found a pet store that sells feeder crittors. I was thinking of using that as my main source of feed for snakes. Are there any precautions I should take? Nothing against Rodentpro or any other feeder site but I might need them On Demand.

how does a snake's tongue feel? I don't want to be holding it and squeak from being licked without knowing.

regarding balls' heat sensing abilities, does wearing clothes affect their ability to detect drastically? like if i were to wear my normal attire, a T-shirt, black sweater and leather-esque jacket, would it still recognize heat from my torso? ... Maybe that was a silly question to ask.

Have any of you heard of "Captive Lifeforms"? a Herp store near rochester NY. I was wondering if any of you have conducted business with them.

well that's all I have rattling around in my skull. I'll probably be getting a Ball instead of a Carpet ^^; Don't want to scare my folks too much. Thanks for reading my questions.