A Few General Carpet Questions

Wharf Rat · 10-17-17, 12:28 PM

Hi all,

Im in the market for a new snake. Currently have 2 ball pythons and looking for a little more challenge, diversity, activity, and something larger... Anyway, ive pretty much decided on a carpet.

I'm thinking about a Jungle. I am so attracted to that black and yellow combo. Just wondering as I've seen mixed information. Is that color known to fade over the years? I've seen info stating that they get brighter yellow as they grow, others say the yellow fades over the years. I am sure there are a lot of differences between individual snakes. I'm just looking for some first hand info.

Also, assuming i get a juvenile until it gains some size I'm planning on keeping it in a 36x18x18 exo-terra that i already have, but once it grows I am planning on building my own PVC enclosure with 1/2" from Home Depot. I was thinking a 4x2x2 enclosure as a lifetime home. Any thoughts on the size? I'm thinking 1/4" clear acrylic on hinges for a door and viewing window. Seems like a fairly standard enclosure from my research, just looking for opinions. I haven't decided on best heating/lighting options yet.

The more i see other morphs and different sub-species the more i waver on what to go with LoL I go back and forth, Jungle, Coastal, caramel, red... ugh, decisions decisions. I definitely want something that's going to be a good display animal, with some size...but bottom line this is a pet, for my wife and me (mainly for me LoL). I'm going to do my best to give it a good home, get it used to handling, give it a good snake life

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated

dannybgoode · 10-17-17, 12:56 PM

Carpets like height as well as length. For a jungle I'd personal go 5 wide, 3 high, 2 deep for an adult.

Regarding colour it can be individual snake specific but as a loose rule jungles colour up for the first few years and then begin to fade in later years.

Coastal carpets are generally considered the largest sub species, Irian Jaya the smallest. I personally like Irian Jaya's - like the colour.

Most carpets go through a nippy phase but not all-mine didn't and I very rarely handle him. Just the odd one remains pyschotic. Again it is rare but just occasionally regardless of handling one just stays nasty. That said feisty snakes are fun (YMMV on this!).

They are super snakes though - interesting and get sizeable without being unmanageable. And very pretty...

Wharf Rat · 10-17-17, 02:52 PM

Thanks for the response.

I'm currently working on converting a spare room in my house into a snake room/man cave lol. There's an alcove in the wall that could handle something in the 4 wide 2 deep range...maybe a little wider. 3 high would be the max just so I wouldn't need a step ladder lol it's elevated already. But... I could build on a coffee table and go 5 wide. So many options lol

pinefamily · 10-17-17, 02:52 PM

Most carpets will fade with age, but are still great display animals. The best choices for a display would be a diamond, albino, or a jungle as you suggest.
Height is important for most carpets. A 4 x 4 x 2 would be fine for a carpet python, possibly a bit bigger if you went for a coastal. It's a bit harder for you because I believe a lot of carpets over there are of mixed heritage anyway.
Regarding temperament, there is a general rule that jungles can be a bit snappy, although most seem to calm with age. With the jungles we've had, two were snappy as juveniles, and the third calmer. This is only a generalisation though, because bredli have the rep of being calm and placid. We had one that was a pussycat, and another that was the she-devil from hell.

dannybgoode · 10-17-17, 02:56 PM

/extreme pedant mode/Strictly bredli are not carpets/pedant off/.

They would however be a supreme choice. Love the pattern on them and they're a nice midway size-wise between a coastal and a jungle.

**EL Ziggy** · 10-17-17, 03:09 PM

Carpets are great snakes to keep Wharf. They're probably my favorite species overall. I agree with Danny that the more space you can provide for your carpet the better but a 4x2x2 is a very good fit for most carpets. Some coastals may get over 9ft and they might require a 6 ft cage. Adult jungles are roughly 5-7ft on average so a 4x2x2 would work pretty well. Most of my carpets spend more time perching than actively roaming their enclosures. Danny is also correct that jungles do tend to lose some of their color vibrancy as they age but they're still beautiful animals even as mature adults. As far as heating goes, I'd suggest using a RHP. That'll give you a nice basking spot and maintain your desired ambient temps. Best wishes with whatever you choose and be sure to share pics.

pinefamily · 10-17-17, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybgoode

/extreme pedant mode/Strictly bredli are not carpets/pedant off/.

Sorry, teacher. Lol
Seriously, that's true, but they are very similar in terms of husbandry. And another great choice for an Aussie python.
Some recent genetics testing has shown that there are only two or three actual different python species in Australia: bredli, GTP, and the rest.

Wharf Rat · 10-17-17, 04:33 PM

Thanks all... I will definitely post pics. Will probably be sometime in November when I finally get the snake.

Still leaning towards jungle. I'm hoping to find a breeder here in Florida, perhaps I will find someone at repticon in a couple weeks in West Palm Beach. Otherwise I'll be buying online, it will be new for me getting a snake in the mail. Still seems weird. I am so excited about getting a carpet regardless of what sub species. Can't wait!

I appreciate all the advice. Thanks again.

Derek Roddy · 10-21-17, 05:51 AM

Hey man if you looking for carpets hit me up. You’re right in my area and I have top notch stuff. I’m up in Deerfield

Hit me up.

Derek Roddy · 10-21-17, 06:43 AM

I also might have a cage or 2 available.

Wharf Rat · 10-23-17, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Roddy

Hey man if you looking for carpets hit me up. You’re right in my area and I have top notch stuff. I’m up in Deerfield

Hit me up.

I was actually already thinking of contacting you. I read in some other posts that you have quite a bit of knowledge with carpets, and i knew you were local. Thanks man, I will be in touch.

**EL Ziggy** · 10-23-17, 08:50 AM

You can't lose with an animal from D.R.

.

Captain837 · 10-23-17, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL Ziggy

You can't lose with an animal from D.R.

.

X2. Also there is a huge difference in quality/color in jungle carpets specifically. If you want one that will be high yellow you need to do your research and find a breeder with the right bloodlines. The fact that all hatchlings lack yellow means you must see the parents too. Derek has some amazing jungles as well as other morella.

Oh and you don't necessarily need to get a jungle carpet to get a yellow and black python. Check out the yellow jacket blackheads.

Derek Roddy · 10-23-17, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wharf Rat

I was actually already thinking of contacting you. I read in some other posts that you have quite a bit of knowledge with carpets, and i knew you were local. Thanks man, I will be in touch.

Yeah hit me up. I’ve been breeding carpets since the late 80s so yeah been at it a good while. Haha.
Plus can show you some blackheads and womas, etc.

I’m around for the next 2 weeks then I’m out of the country for a few weeks.

But anytime brotha.

And thanks for the kinda words y’all.
D

Wharf Rat · 10-27-17, 06:43 AM

Just gotta say, Thanks Derek! It was a pleasure to meet you, hang out and see your stuff, and now I have an awesome new pet! The enclosure is going to work out great for the near future as well. Thanks again... I'll be in touch.

Got my new JCP and couldnt be happier. When i can get some decent pics and figure out how to post them here I will. LoL

Thanks everyone for the tips.