Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well right now i have an eastern kingsnake but i would really like to get something different like a python. Im looking towards a carpet but i would like to know which python has the best temperment. I know there all different but which one do you think would be good for a beginner? I dont like to get bit but i know it will happen one day.. So what do you guys/gals recommend? Thanks

Any of the Antaresia would do fine (I'm partial to my Cape York spotted pythons). They tend to stay "kingsnake size" as a general rule and have very tractable temperments. Again I would recommend spotted pythons (cape york if you can get one). A google search should lead you to pics. Childrens pythons are slightly smaller and lose their patterns as they age. Stimsons are harder to get and are similar to spotted pythons with larger patterns. Anthill pythons are the hardest to get and the most expensive as well as being the world's smallest python.
Hope that gets you pointed in the right direction.

As always, I'd suggest a Children's or Savu python for your first. Ball pythons are certainly at the top of the llist as far as being docile, but they can be frustrating to feed sometimes. A Children's is an all-around great snake. It should stay well under 5', be very docile, and have no problems eating. Savus can be a little more fiesty, but since they also stay under 5', it's not too big of a deal. They calm down as they get bigger, too. Plus (I think) they look really neat, and if you get a young one, you can observe it change color gradually from orange to almost black. It seems like they pick up more black speckles with each shed. Savus tend to have voracious appetites, too.

-Imp

if you want a bigger python...i have a jungle carpet (JCP). he is a wonderful pet. they get 6-8 foot long. mine is 6 foot right now. i've read babies tend to be biters but as they age and get bigger then mellow out. mine has only tried to bite me once, my fault. i was feeding him in another enclosure then went to move him back to his own enclosure and he struck at me. he was still in feeding mode.
i bought 'safari' at a local store when he was 3 foot. they don't take that much more care then my corns or milk. he does like it warmer, near 85-90 hot spot. and more misting during shedding times. plus a big cage. hes housed in an 80 gallon tank.
there are other carpets that don't get as long, i think the papuan carpets are under 5 foot but not sure.
one down side is some JCP's won't take to rats so feeding them can be a chore when they have to eat 20 some mice.