I am thinking about getting a Carpet Python to use in educational programs so it will need to be handled regularly. Do these snakes allow you to do this or are they nippy?
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Can you regularly handle Carpet Pythons
SalS
Sep 23, 2003 02:41 PM
Replies (5)
DarciGibson
Sep 23, 2003 04:35 PM
>> Do these snakes allow you to do this or are they nippy?
Well, as adults they are definately handleable on average. I wouldn't suggest getting anything other than an adult if you are going to let little/nervious kids interact with it on a regular basis. Its been said that IJ tend to be calmer snakes though it isn't a fact. I personally think temperment depends on the individual snake. In saying, I would either meet with the snake before buying or purchase a 'proven' calm snake.
Hope this helps,
Darci
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Takes all kinds to make a World...
rbc
Sep 24, 2003 09:56 PM
some are good as gold, some are snappy
Thunderbird
Sep 25, 2003 09:55 AM
I'd advise against a carpet unless you are willing to wait a while before you begin to use it in your programs. As adults, they are great snakes, but as juveniles, they tend to be quite nippy. It just takes time and handling to calm them down, but there are plenty of snakes that tend to be fully tame from day one (like many of the boas). If you are willing to invest the time, I'd highly recommend them. They are beautiful snakes.
SalS
Sep 25, 2003 10:18 PM
I are looking to get a new snake for this organization. They already have a boa constrictor and the director does not want another common snake. We get tired of hearing "I had one of those, it died." I would like to get something from Australia-Asia (not a Burmese or Retic) that gets to an impressive yet managable size. I was looking in the 4-7 foot range. I really love the color of the carpets/diamonds and for some reason stuff from Australia is really popular with the kids.
As for who will be handling it, only trained personnel. The kids will not be able to handle or even touch the snake.
If a Carpet won't fit this bill, does anyone else have any ideas?
DarciGibson
Sep 26, 2003 11:33 AM
For the size your looking for, I'd stick with Irian Jayas, Jungles or Diamond/Jungle crosses (in that order). Coastals can in some cases exceed 10 feet. I'd still say you'd do best to meet the snake or buy from a reputable source that can vouch for the personality of the snake you like.
Best of luck!
Darci
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Takes all kinds to make a World...
