Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Wondering if you all would recomend a carpet python to some one. I would just like to hear oppinions about the snakes and the different types. Like which ones you like best, which ones are best feeders, best looking, easiest to breed? TIA

First of all, let me say that I think carpets are probably the best snakes out there. All of them are incredibly easy to maintain. I think coastals are probably the easiest of the carpets to keep because they are the least likely to have an aversion to rats. A lot of jungles and IJs will easily take rats without any problems, but if you're new to carpets and you get one that is hesitant to eat rats, this might be a little troublesome for you.

There are really only two drawbacks to a coastal carpet-their size and their coloration. Coastals on average will get to 7-9 feet long. Also, IMO they're the least attractive of the three. If you want a smaller snake, then you could go with jungles or Irian Jayas. Jungles will get slightly larger then IJs, but really both stay fairly small, usually under 6' long. Remember, though, that if you buy a jungle or IJ all aren't as nice as the ones you'll see pictured on here. If you want a really nice jungle, I would suggest buying one from a well-known breeder. Also, when if you do get a carpet, try to start feeding it rats ASAP. The longer you feed them mice, the more likely they will be to be resistant to rats.

Jake

Good post Jake...

Carpets are great because there is one for just about anyone. From your small Irian for someone looking for something smaller. The jungle (high-end) for their striking color and contrasting patterns. And coastals for their large impressive, but managable size. Not to mention the other more expensive species if you want to get into them. Choose one that you like the looks of and I'm sure it will make one heck of a pet.
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http://www.moreliapythons.com

I dont know why, but I always liked the Coastals. They get nice and BIG. It took me a loong time to like big snakes. I always liked Bloods, and Gtps. But not anymore...I mean I still LOVE bloods and gtps, but Coastals are my choice for a bigger snake-over a Boa. My Boa is 8 feet and my Carpet is 8 as well, and I have to laugh, seeing as ones maybe 20 lbs, and the heavy bodied boa is 35! Irian Jayas are cool too; but I'm not too partial to Jungles. Like all snakes, they flatten out in color as they age. They say that Coastals are the least attractive, which is probably true. But my yearling Coastal shed yesterday, and by god...the least attractive out of a very attractive species.

I cannot describe her color...its almost like the entire snake is a green; a bright glowing drab green if that even makes sense. And the skin on these snakes after a good shed is like velvet. No matter what kind of carpet, its a good snake.

Have you actually weighed your coastal, or are you just estimating? I have a pair of coastals that are around that length, but are nowhere near that weight--they're more like 10 lbs. If it really does weigh that much, could you post a pic?

Jake

Jake, my coastals and female jungle all weigh in the 14-16 pound range so a 20#er is possible if it an older well fed animal.
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http://www.moreliapythons.com

Aren't yours over 8' long though? I can't imagine an 8' long coastal that weighs 20 lbs.

Jake

Correct, they are longer...and that would be one fat snake.
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http://www.moreliapythons.com

She is about eight and a half feet long and I weighted her. She is about 16 lbs (doing a tare). I was just estimating! Sorry, but I know the boas weight for sure. She was weighed the other day when we took her to the vet for RI. Sorry for getting your hopes up!

A Coastal Carpet Python the least good looking? Why, I otta take my 7 and a half foot Coastal and wrap it around someone’s....uh, drat, I forgot to take my Zanex again..lol! Just kidding. Actually, I have some "pretty" snakes, but out of nine various types, my Coastal seems to be the one most people that come over seem to be the most taken by. He is in a 5 wide, by 4 tall, by near 2 deep enclosure with a solid Plexiglas front. He is fairly active and a joy to watch as he moves around in his environment. Yes, many may be low in the area of color, but the patterns are awesome, and there size, though manageable, is impressive. Temperament with these guys is generally very good also. Still, ya gotta get what YOU like. I imagine someday I'll add a Jungle to the mix. Just added a near six foot Argentine boa recently, but that’s a WHOLE different story. He uh..Doesn’t like me! Happy herping and ya just can't go wrong with a nice Carpet! "Chuck"