Reptile & Amphibian Forums

recently bought my son a diamond coastal carpet from peter lindle - pets galore - loiusville, ky. - first one for me - just wondering??? - he is about 14 months old - presently in 10 gallon tank on aspen with uth about 88 at glass - room temp maintained about 75 - ambient in tank about 76 - lines up pretty good with what all i've read - his favorite spot has proven to be in the front corner of the tank - have not seen him use the heat at all - just wondering what other's have experienced - also was obviously fed recently as a small lump is noticeable where it should be - doesn't seem to be going down much - wondered about the breeds metabolism specifically what should be my frequency of feed - peter had him on hopper mice but i didn't ask how often - i want to take him to rat pups right away just not sure the frequency particularly for his size - most of what i've read suggests they need maybe only 10 - 12 meals a year???

Sounds like that animal was on a maintenance diet! Being it was in a pet shop, I'm sure it was! At 14 months, that animal should be waaay beyond hopper mice! I'd get it on rats asap and feed it twice a week! Young Morelia would probably eat every day if you'd let em' Good luck!

Typically if a snake is staying up by the glass it's and indication it's too hot for them. Do you have plenty of hide spots. Any branches to perch on? Mine will usually split their time between the cool perches and the warm ones while digesting. Sometimes they will go down into their hides on the bottom but unless perching they don't lay up against the glass.

At 14 months I would think your carpet should be close to 3' or better. I have a male about that old and he is 3' and my 2 females are over 4' at that age. They pound food 2 times a week and I typically feed larger food items as they are pythons. My male downs 3 adult mice at a time, he hates rats dangit. My females down big hopper rats 2-3 at a time and are hungry within 4-5 days. When I say pound them I mean it. I can't get the lid on their feeder tub before they are downing the first one 10-15 minutes later, all gone. Then it's back to the perch and under their heat lamps.

Carpets have high metabolisms and can handle large prey items frequently.

All in all your temps sound about right but I would think if he's digesting a previous meal he would be seeking a warmer spot.
-----
BigT
There is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant can be taught, stupidity is beyond our control.
1.2 P. m. melanoleucus B/W N. J. Northern Pines
1.2 P. d. deppei Mexican Pines
2.2 P. l. lineaticollis Linis or Lined Pines
1.2 P. m. lodingi Black Pines
1.1 Drymarchon melenurus Blacktail Cribo
1.2 M. s. cheynei Jungle Carpet
2.6 L. p. pyromelana Arizona Mt. Kings
1.1 L. g. californiae B/W Cali kings
0.0.3 M. f. flagellum Eastern Coachwhips
1.2 G. m. bottegoi Western Plated lizards

thanks alot - i did have a hide in there - it was on the warm side - he showed absolutely no interest in it so i removed it - he is right at 3ft long - i have his weight but on file at home - can't remember - will post it later - he usually coils in the front of the tank unless you handle him and when you return him he usually climbs up and wraps around the digital thermometer for a few hours before returning to his favorite spot - he does have a nice branch for climbing in the tank but shows little interest in it - i think he's all good - just wanted to get some opinions - i was reading a really nice website of carpet breeder anthony carpeletto - spelling may be wrong - he offers some "unique" opinions on carpet issues - if you get a chance check his sight out and see what you think then lemme know if you have time - thanks again - gonna try and get him some rat pups for feeding tomorrow

I have AC's website bookmarked. He has very good info on keeping carpets and breeding. You should check out Moreliapython.com. You have to be a member to post but you can read all the forum threads you want. If you would like to join you can use me as a referrer.

Bigtattoo@gmail.com The registration will ask of this. Well worth joining. Very nice and knowledgeable folks there all with a common interest.

One additional point on perches. Most carpets like to have 3 points of support when perching and the perch must be more or less horizontal. So when desiging/installing a perch try to have so one perch crosses another to provide the 3 points.

If you have more questions or just want to chat carpets don't hesitate to post. Definitely post something about his feeding tomorrow. Don't be surprised if he just refuses rat pups. Some carpets no matter what you do will not touch them. My male just ate 3 small adult mice but will starve to death if all I offer are rats. So you might want to pick up a couple of small adult mice too as back up. Just a thought.
-----
BigT
There is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant can be taught, stupidity is beyond our control.
1.2 P. m. melanoleucus B/W N. J. Northern Pines
1.2 P. d. deppei Mexican Pines
2.2 P. l. lineaticollis Linis or Lined Pines
1.2 P. m. lodingi Black Pines
1.1 Drymarchon melenurus Blacktail Cribo
1.2 M. s. cheynei Jungle Carpet
2.6 L. p. pyromelana Arizona Mt. Kings
1.1 L. g. californiae B/W Cali kings
0.0.3 M. f. flagellum Eastern Coachwhips
1.2 G. m. bottegoi Western Plated lizards