Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys, I have decided on getting a carpet python if my parents will let me. This will be my first snake, and I have already kind of decided to get an irian Jaya. But, I would like to hear if I should get a jungle instead. Coastals are out of the question because they get too big. Which should I get?

Why have you decided to get an Irian Jaya?

If it's because they tend to stay on the smaller side, I'd stick with one of those.

They're both awesome snakes, but personally, I prefer an Irian Jaya to an average looking Jungle...

//Todd

Yeah it is for size. But which would be better price-wise? I can't really spend some huge amount of money on a snake that I just want as a pet. I don't have any interest in breeding them at the moment.

All depends on who you get it from and the quality/demand for the snake.

You could EASILY spend upwards of $500 on a smokin' jungle or a jaguar Irian Jaya (or more), but get a nice Irian Jaya for around $150 or so.

$150 would probably get you an average Jungle carpet- the nice ones usually start at $250 or so...

//Todd

Okay, thanks. But I also love corn snakes, even though they are very different from carpets. I love their colors and the fact that they are native. And now, after thinking, I can't decide what I want anymore. Your opinion will probably be more towards the python, but I want to know why. thanks

Sounds to me like you should get one, see how it goes, then get the other if you still have the bug.

It sounds like you suffer from the same problem many of us here suffer from that end up with 20 or more snakes! I have pythons, kings and pits (sonorans and southern pines), and still have several that I would love to add to the collection but can't yet because of $$$, room and convincing my wife that I NEED them!

If I had to pick either a carpet python or a corn, I'd definitely go with the carpet because they are just WAY more interesting to me. Also, because they aren't native to the US like the corns, they do have different husbandry requirements which is a challenge I enjoy. (not that they're difficult to care for or anything- just different.)

Lastly, I think a carpet python makes an amazing display animal when they do come out to hang out on the perches or whatever you provide them with to climb on.

Here's what I keep my jungle in and what I kept my Irian Jaya pair in before I sold them:

...and after adding some greenery:

//Todd

Thanks. I have a few more questions but I have to go to bed. I will probably post tomorrow. If you don't mind, please be on the lookout. Thanks again

Thanks for the pictures. What are the dimensions of the cages? I kind of have limited floor space in my room.

Oh, and I can't decide what I should feed it. I guess a rat pinky every week and increase size as the snake grows. But many places say to feed adults once a week, but that seems like a lot because you can feed a big corn an adult mouse every 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. I don't want to get my snake to grow quick only to reduce its life. What should I do?

First off, you have to get what makes you happy. I have all three you're considering and as far as being satisfying and interesting captives, corns rank a distant.....distant third. They're just a tad more interesting than my BP's. This is how they rank with me...some people love both, while I find they pale in comparison to my Morelia.

Secondly, the behaviors of both Jungles and IJ's are similar, with my jungles being slightly more visible and active, but just slightly. On the other hand, my IJ's are more predictable with a calmer demeanor than the jungles if that's a factor. As for price, take your time, as you can find potential TROPHIES out there on occasion for very good deals (I've seen a couple on this site recently).

Lastly, I typically feed my females of both species an appropriately sized rat every 2-3 weeks, while the males eat every 3-4 weeks to keep them on the lean side for breeding. Most snakes are overfed in captivity, and Morelia are no exception. While you could feed every week, I feel yearling to adult carpets don't require it.

Hope this helps.

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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

Go for the Irian Jaya... hands down. They're much more beautiful than Jungles in my opinion, and much more personable than any Corn Snake.

And if it helps, I feed all my snakes every 1 to 2 weeks. Babies I feel need to be on a steady weekly feeding. But once they have weight on them and are a good size, 2-4 times a month is how they get fed.

And the size of the food item will depend on the snake you get.

Hope that helps (I know this is an old post). Cheers!
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Cheers!
• Chelsea Lynn Gardiner
(and Frank M. Wood)