Reptile & Amphibian Forums

1) Is one likelier to allow human handling better than the other?

2) Is one likelier to bite than the other?

3) Are both snakes beginner-friendly? I only have one calking that i've had for about 6-7 months.

4) Is one hardier than the other?

5) Does one require more care than the other?

6) Is taking care of a IJ Carpet or a JC any different from my cali king?

Sorry I have some more questions.

How big of a tank or enclosure will the IJ carpet require as an lone adult?

How big of a tank or enclosure will the JC require as a lone adult?

My size preference is smaller the better, so i think that will be part of my deciding factor. Thanks!

it goes coastal, jungle, ij. all tend to have horrible temperments, unless handled frequently while theyre young. i had my full grown jungle in what was the equivilant of a 55 gallon tank.

My suggestion is IJ. I've got a pair that are absolute sweethearts, and they are the smallest of the spilota complex. Many Morelia tend to be nippy when they're young, but individual snakes vary. Out of over a dozen yearling and older carpets in my collection, there's only one that has what I would call an attitude problem. Others will simply let you know when they've had enough handling. As for my neo's, that's another story, but they'll grow out of that before it starts to hurt. lol

An adult IJ will require a 3' x 2' x 16" enclosure at a minimum, as they are active. A perch will also be used often if provided. They are fairly straightforward as far as husbandry is concerned. Moderate humidity, a temp gradient from the mid 70's to the mid 80's with a basking site at the upper 80's, a perch, and some foliage.
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"He who would stifle debate rather than engage in it, does so at the expense of his integrity and credibility"

Mike Curtin

not a beginner snake, grows 6 ft plus depending on species. usually not the nicest of snakes. ij tend to be meaner. dont like to be handled, and care, you tell me. american colubrid, australian python. of course!

Hi, i'm not sure which part of my questions you were addressing, about the american colubrid & australian python. What are you talking about?

How long have you been working with IJ's? Carpets in general?

I've had largely different experiences than you have. Neither of my IJ's have ever attempted to bite...ever. They are my only Morelia that haven't even done it out of a feeding response. I've only kept IJ's for about a year now, so maybe my experience is limited.

As for the rest of the Morelia spilota complex, I would have to say that you have greatly exaggerated and misrepresented their demeanor. While young carpets are usually nippy, they grow out of that phase rather quickly once they realize the keeper isn't a threat. This blanket generalization just does not apply here. I keep Bredl's, IJ's, Coastals, Jungles, and a couple other sub-species, and I can tell you that there is only one Morelia in my entire collection that requires a hook to be handled.

I think an IJ is a great "starter" carpet due to size, ease of maintenance, and.....demeanor. Get a young one so that if it does start out nippy, the 2 of you can grow together, and it won't stay that way.

Hope this helps...anyone out there have a third opinion to add? LOL!
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"He who would stifle debate rather than engage in it, does so at the expense of his integrity and credibility"

Mike Curtin

I agree with Mike 100%.

My jungle was hell on wheels for the first 6-8 months... it was a guaranteed bite every time I took him out for handling, but he did calm WAY down... now he's great.

My Irian Jaya pair has been an absolute walk in the park compared to him. The ONLY time I've been tagged was by my female IJ because I thought she was sleeping under her water bowl when I reached my hand in, but she was actually on her top perch and HUNGRY!

Otherwise, my IJ pair are two of my most trustworthy snakes in my collection...

//Todd

I'll add that after having and breeding hundreds of Carpet pythons.....they are not "mean" snakes at all.
Yes, they have a strong feeding response....most snakes do. But, all of my adults are just fine (with 1 out of about 30 animals)....that I need a hook for.
As babies they are nippy but, can you blame them? If an animal 3000 times your size were grabbing at you.....you'd bite too.

Great snakes, great colors, great choices.

And, they sure do beat a short, fat, brown snake.... that just sits there.

D.