Jungle or Coastal better temperament?

[KWenger]

I currently have two BPs, one dumerils boa and a corn snake. I want to add another snake to my collection and have been doing a lot of research to try to determine what would be best for me. I LOVE the look of carpets and the more research I do the better they sound. Most sources agree they are easy to keep, and the size.....even larger coastals.....is fine. What I can't figure out is if there is, generally speaking, a difference in temperament between jungles and coastals? Is one usually more calm than the other? I understand they can all be nippy when young but most become calm and gentle after a year or so if they are handled frequently. I LOVE my sweet, docile dumerils and would like to have a carpet with a similar disposition. Overall, would you recommend a jungle or coastal if my goal is to have a tame, easily handled snake? Or is there no difference? Male or female? I would really appreciate hearing your opinions and advice. I want to THOROUGHLY research all of this before I actually buy a snake. Thanks!

[Mikoh4792]

No difference. It depends on the individual.

What size are you going for? Palmerston jungles, rock hampton coastals, port douglas coastals...etc usually max out smaller than the other types.

[KWenger]

I was thinking 8 feet or so max for adult length.

[Mikoh4792]

Then most carpets will be a good choice for you. I think the best would be an inland carpet python. Nick Mutton has some for sale now. They are noted for their docility compared to other carpets. Supposedly they are very "docile" in the wild as well, in that you can walk up to one and pick one up.

[KWenger]

Thanks so much for the recommendation. I am not familiar with inland coastal pythons, but that sounds exactly what I am looking for. A variety known for their docility is precisely what I was hoping to find. Again, thank you.

[Mikoh4792]

oops sorry. I meant inland carpet pythons. No such thing as an inland coastal carpet python unless you mix an inland and a coastal together.

Morelia metcalfei (http://inlandreptile.com/metcalfei/morelia%20metcalfei.htm)

You can read more about them there, and also see what he has for sale under available.

[KWenger]

Got it! I'll look for an inland carpet python. My mistake. Sounds perfect for me and good looking too from what I can tell from the photos I just found on line. Apx average adult size for a male?

[Mikoh4792]

You'd have to talk with Nick or another breeder of inlands for that.

The site says they average out around 6 feet. That's also what I'm hearing from other people as well.

I may be wrong, but last I heard from breeders females usually get bigger because they are fed more for breeding purposes..... Size largely will depend on diet.

[Moreau]

I love my coastal, it has never once tried to bite me or my kids. Carpets are fantastic pets! Not all youngsters are bitey. I have three young carpets, they are all good natured.

[KWenger]

Do you have an opinion about the optimum enclosure size for an inland carpet? I had planned to buy another AP T10 (48x24x15) which is what I house my dumerils in. I'm concerned though that the 15 inch height may not be high enough for a semi arboreal snake. Or is it? Also, is a radiant OHP (overhead heat panel) best or some sort of belly heat? The OHP in my current T10 works well and kept the enclosure at an ambient 82 degrees F this winter even when the temp in the room dropped to the low 60s.

[Mikoh4792]

I use both RHP and heat mat connected to a thermostat. During the summer I only use the heat mat, and during the winter I use the heat mat to slightly warm the floor, and the over head heat to warm a perch.

I think 15" is fine for climbing. You just need to know how to use space efficiently. T-10 sounds like a good idea. Here is a stack of t-10's and adult carpet pythons in them.

(Not my picture, from facebook)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t31/1493388_552908178134530_490289935_o.jpg


Here is my 3x2x2(an example of creating climbing space) Next to those are 18" tall enclosures currently housing yearlings. Pretty sure you could do something similar with 15" of height. If I could I would go taller.

http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a594/mikoh4792/DSC_1047_zpsc3ce5f4c.jpg

[KWenger]

I've contacted Nick Mutton with additional questions about Inland Carpets and availability. Thanks again MIKOH4792 for your advice. Much appreciated!

[LoLzMachine]

why not an Irian Jaya Carpet they are the smallest and very pretty

[Mikoh4792]

why not an Irian Jaya Carpet they are the smallest and very pretty

Not exactly the smallest. Certain locales of jungles and coastals can be smaller. It's not uncommon to see 6-7 foot IJ's. Size is largely dependent on food intake.