Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,

Im trying to decide on a snake.. I was all set on a Ball but then after looking at some books they seem so spend all there time hiding in there private areas.

Are carpet's more active ? or can you recomend something else ?

Looking at pretty much below 6 Feet.

Thanks for your help
Mike.

If you're looking for under 6ft, then a ball would definitley be the right snake. Carpets typically get well over six feet, sometimes reaching 12 ft. in the case of the coastal carpet python. Some smaller jungle carpets may never reach six feet, but most jungles will reach 6 ft. Carpets are arboreal, so if given ample climbing oppertunities you will see them out of their cage for most of the time. Ball pythons do require a secure hide box and will usually spend most of their time in it. However, balls are usually a lot more tolerant to handling than carpets.

Ball pythons are fairly secretive and not a very interactive pet, even for a snake. In my opinion, carpets are more dynamic and more tolerant of conditions in captivity. A male Irian Jaya carpet will get about 5-6ft, sometimes 7ft but thinner than a 4ft ball python, so the mass is similar.