Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I've been keeping snakes since 1995 and I've come to the point where im ready for either a scrub or an olive python.

I finally found a breeder that has both (as well as Dunns pythons and Savu pythons), and I'm going to get either an olive or a scrub.

Can anyone tell me which way would be the better way?

I have no experience with either python, but I've had some experience with the variety of pythons from the region (macklotts, d'alberts, JCPs, JCPxDiamond hybirds).

Im looking for constructive critisism, because I would like to know now rather then after I dive into it.

Thanks for any.

Martin

oddly we have the same quandry.i keep a small group of maclotts & a few carpets & bloods.
according to the info that i have found olives are 7-12ft long with a very placid disposition.the different scrub species can get a bit longer and with dispositions ranging from "not boring" to "very interesting indeed"!
i intend to get specimens of both.

Well I have to give a very biased response and say go with the olive...but that totally depends on what you are looking for in the species. With the exception of one individual, all of my olives are fantastic snakes to work with and have awesome personalities. They get impressively big, but not robust like a burm. On the other hand, I had two barneck scrubs many, many years ago, one of which was as tame as could be, and the other would not hesitate to take a lunge at my face. So my sample size with the scrubs is very low, and like I said I am giving you a completely biased response. The tame scrub was one of my favorites but I was selling it for somebody else. Perhaps you could get a response from Yasser at Spitfire as he is the scrub guru, along with the Barkers. But, I have never known anybody to be dissatisfied with an olive especially if you are looking for a snake that can be handled confidently. Cheers! Chris