Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When dealing with Jungle Carpet Pythons as pets, are the males or the females less nippy, bite less, nicer snakes?

Thanks,
Dan
"Piano Man Fan.com" - Billy Joel Fan-Site

I don't own a jungle carpet, but I've read a lot about them. I'm pretty sure that either male or female would be fine, as long as you spend the time working with it as a hatchling - gentle handling every other day after it has acclimated to the cage and is feeding well.

If I remember right, most carpets tame down nicely but are very nippy as hatchlings. If you're really worried about being bitten, your best bet is either to buy a tame adult or ask your breeder to pick a more docile hatchling for you. Just be aware that even the most tame juvenile has the potential to bite at one time or another. Thankfully, when they're babies, the bite isn't exactly painful.

Males will stay smaller than females, so a male might be a better choice simply because it will stay a more manageable size.

Good luck deciding! You might want to ask this in the Pythons: Morelia forum (Morelia is the genus name for carpet pythons).
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

Thanks for the tips.

How big do males get versus the size of females?

(I plan to get a baby and handle it everyday.)

Dan

Males max out around 6 feet, females around 7. I think that there are accounts in very rare cases of animals that get a little larger, but this isn't the norm.

If you plan to handle it everyday, make sure that you give it a week or so to settle into its new environment first before you begin handling. Excess handling can cause stress in some cases, and giving your snake a chance to acclimate goes a long way towards having a healthy, feeding individual.
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

Thanks for the tip... So, handling in the first week is bad, huh? Is that the consensus?

Thank you,
Dan

Yes, definitely. When you get your new snake, you will want to give it plenty of time to get used to its new environment. Most people say to wait a week or so before handling of any kind, but others say that you should wait until the snake has fed twice (depending on your schedule, this could be anywhere from 10 days to two weeks).

Handling causes stress in many snakes. Of course, each snake's personality is different and some tolerate it better than others, but too much handling can cause a snake to become stressed to the point of not eating.

This is one of those things that I think you need to guage for yourself based on your snake's personality. If you can handle it everyday for a short period of time, and it still eats well, defecates, sheds, and is otherwise healthy, why not? But, on the other hand, you need to be willing to back off if the snake doesn't seem to be taking the handling too well (i.e., refuses food, regurgitates, etc). Remember also to give your snake two days without handling after it feeds. Handling it too soon after it eats could cause regurgitation.

Hope that helps!
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

I guess I could give it a week to get used to its new home. But I will be so anxious to play with it...

And, after feeding, I would give it about 24 hours to digest. I guess that's good enough. I will have to judge when the time comes.

I just think that JCPs are fun to watch on their trees and constrict around your arm and are good to watch TV with...

Dan

Yes, it'll be really hard to wait the first week! But as you mentioned, they are really fun to watch hanging out in their cage, so hopefully that will help to quell the urge to take your new snake out.

I don't know about watching TV with a JCP! All the ones I've handled are very active and don't like to sit still for very long. Once in awhile they might quiet down, but my experience has been that they are always on the move.

Good luck with your new snake! When are you getting him/her, and from whom?
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

I've held one Carpet (not a Jungle one) and he constricted around my arm and only his head was moving... So, I could see him doing that during me watching TV.

Are they nice on the outside of the cage, while watching TV?

I have to wait until I move into my new home - maybe around June - I can't wait for a snake!!! I have waited all my life!

Don't know who I am getting him from. I am weary about the purchasing online thing.

Ummm.. about being nice outside the cage while watching TV, I don't think they care much whether you're watching TV or not As I said, they are usually tame if worked with from a hatchling. Most bites will occur while you are taking them out of their cage, as they consider that "their territory". They are usually much more laid-back once they're out.

Not sure if that answers your question or not. Hope I helped!
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

Thanks for the tips. I guess I'll just have to remove him/her with tongs or with gloves...

How are they with other people?

Have any pics of you with a full grown?

Thanks,
Dan

I'd assume that if they're tame with you, they'd be tame with most people who would handle them correctly. But I have heard stories of snakes being more "attached" to one person over another.

Sorry, don't have any pics. I don't have my own carpet (yet), but a male JCP will be my next acquisition. Check the photo gallery.
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

I have heard that if they are "cool" with me, it's because they know me. But if someone new comes over and wants to hold it, will it get all scared with a stranger?

As long as that person knows how to handle snakes properly, I don't think you should have a problem. I'm the sole caretaker of my rainbow boa, and usually the only one who handles her. My husband usually isn't even in the room while I have her out for some exercise. On the rare occasions that he wants to take her out and hold her, she doesn't seem to mind at all. I think that once tame with one person, they are tame with anyone else who is gentle with them.
-----
::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

Hmmmmmmmmmmm... Is that a better snake for a beginner? How big do those get?
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

No, a rainbow boa is not a better beginner's snake than a carpet python. Carpets are much easier to care for and much more active (you mentioned wanting to watch yours climb in the cage branches). I see my rainbow maybe 10% of the time - she burrows and hides the other 95%. I'd suggest starting with a JCP like you originally planned.
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

I'm either into the JCP (which I like, because they get large, but not too large and they are colorful and fun to watch) or the Tri-Color Honduran Milksnake. Those may not get over 4-5 Feet, and their heads are not as cool as the JCPs... Plus, they may be too hyper for me.

Which would you recommend?

Most calm, most colorful, nice large size....
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

I think if you're hooked on the JCP's, that's what you should get. Overall they are usually considered a good beginner's python. Just go with your instincts, I'm sure you'll make the right choice.
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

Well, I'm not really 100% sure - that's my problem. I have heard that JCPs can be mean and very bitey.
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

...Which brings us to the beginning of this thread. Like I said, they are usually tame if handled as a hatchling.

Good luck in your search.
-----
::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

Dan, I am a JCP breeder. Here's what you need to know, All JCP babies are nippy, its just a defense instinct that they grow out of. Usually about 1 to 1 and a half years old they will not strike. As for taking it out everyday, this is not a recommended idea, they are solitary animals, I usually take mine out 2 to 3 times a week tops. I have built several limbs on the walls of my house that they can relax on while I watch TV, but NEVER leave them unattended. As for watching TV with you, forget about a sub-adult or adult. They are a very curious snake always on the move. I have let numerous people hold my male JCP and he has never freaked out. Otherwise as a beginners python a decent choice... Mine are as gentle as a puppy, eat F/T the best and make great friends. But if you are still unsure start your collection off with a ball python, and don't go colubrid.
Mike D

Thanks for the tips...

You can't take them out everyday? Why not? Can you get them used to being handled daily?

Also, when getting a baby, what cage do you get? When do you get a large cage? How big should it be? How much does that cost?

Do you have a site and photos?
"Piano Man Fan.com" - Billy Joel Fan-Site

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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

hello again. on average i don't handle any of my snakes every single day. it will stress them out. with my JCP sometimes i don't handle him for a week at a time, esp after feeding. there was one time i went 2 weeks without handling him because i was sick. he was still good when i was finally able to handle him. with my corns and milk i try to handle them 3x week at least to get them used to it. they will get used to being handled even without handling every single day. but there are some that no matter how much you handle they never get used to it. i have a sonoran gopher that wants to eat me when i set him back into his enclosure even with me consistantly working with him. he's going on a year old.

when i first got my jungle i housed him in a 20 gallon long, then a 40 gallon breeder and now he's in an 80 gallon tank. mine loves his branches. i managed to upload a photo of him. it may be to big since i don't know how to make them smaller.

Thanks! Great pic...

If I get a baby JCP and handle him everyday, will he get used to it?

How much (and where can I get) is a 40 gallon & 80 gallon tank?
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

I bought my 40 gallon breeder size tank at Petco for like $100. It is 18 inches deep, 36 inches long, and 17 inches high. It has half glass and half screen top.
My 80 gallon tank (48"L X 19"D X 23"H) I got at a local pet store that was having a tank sale. I think I paid some $130 or so for it. Then bought a big screen lid. Don't remember how much I paid for that. The 80 gallon is plenty of room for my 6 foot male. He uses every inch of it. Like the other post said....shop around in your area for a good deal. You can probably use any enclosure as long as its secure.
I got mine when he was @3 foot so don't know how they are as baby babies but I've read they can be biters but mellow out with age and size. Have you checked out www.acreptiles.com? That is a great site on carpets.

How much would an 80 gallon tank be, with an opening in the front?
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

i have no idea. i've never seen a tank that large with the opening in the front vs the top. i guess it would cost way more that way. i have my 80 gallon setting on some bricks in my room so it's waist high. i can reach in there fine to tend to 'safari'.

I wanted to put mine on a little table. Getting it out of the top would be tough this way.
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

Oh yeah, what are the dimensions of both 40 & 80 gal. tanks. What size is optimal?
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

the october 2004 issue of reptiles had an article on JCP's and carpet pythons if you don't already know about it. its real good.

Taking a snake out everyday is possible and you can do it, I just don't reccomend it, although they may seem as if they don't mind you are at least mildly stressing the snake out. I will take my JCP out more often than most of my snakes though. Also keep in mind, do not take your snake out for 24 hours after they eat,about one week for shed cycle, and about 4-7 days after they eat be careful, I've had a JCP drop a duece outta the cage.... what a mess......
As to caging requirements for a baby you could start with a 29 gallon tall tank. You should be able to get an entire setup for under 100 dollars, if you shop wisely. As to a full grown I keep mine in a 75 gallon tank and my male is nearing 6 foot. This seems to be more than enough room for him. These tanks are not that bad on the wallet either. I think I pay 129 for my 75's Check out a company called OCEANIC they make a line called LIZARD LOUNGES, If you wanna go ahead and get him set up for pretty much life, they make a 70 gallon enclosure thats unbeatable. It comes with the tank, lid, locks, vents, covers, all for around 170$ and you would be good with that for 3 - 4 years.
Mike D

WOW Mike! Sounds great... I am looking up those cages now but I can't find a site for Oceanic and their cages... Where can I find them? (I have seen large vertical cages for like $700 - is that right?)

Can you explain again when not to handle the JCP? 24 after eating, a week for shedding and 4-7 days after eating???

Thanks...
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h109oceanic_E_lizardlounges.htm
Just do a google search for oceanic lizard lounges a million sites pop up but here's one. the 70 is 116.99 here damn good price... As for handling allow 24 hours after they eat.. when they go into shed you wanna leave them alone until after you find there shed skin in the tank. and be careful about a 4-7 days after they eat. funny story, I fed my male JCP about 6 days later I was outta my apartment and my downstairs neighbor came up to play with him. well he let loose on my neighbor and ugh..... what a gross mess.. keep in mind he was crappin out a jumbo rat.... this is why you gotta be careful 4-7 days after they eat...

Gross...

That 70 gallon for $117 - is that a tall cage with a door on the front? If not, where can I get something like that?

(Thanks for all your help.)
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island

Hey, I replied to your message on the python morelia (sp?) forum. I can tell you I have a tangerine dream honduran milk snake and he hides 24/7. Mine is a year and a half and has finally started to calm down with handling. Milks are very flighty, esp the babies. I think you would be happier with the JCP. Esp if you want a 'display' snake.
I got my JCP when he was a 3 foot yearling and he was already calm. His previous owner was a school teacher so he got handled alot by kids. He is 6 foot now and a wonderful pet. I wouldn't count on a JCP just 'handing out' to watch tv like a boa. Mine tends to want to check out everything vs. settin still.

Post pics of him with you...
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Thanks,
Dan from Long Island