carpetcare

Introduction:

If you have ever seen a good example of a Diamond x Jungle Carpet python then you already know how absolutely beautiful these snakes are! We have three (father is pictured above) of these from age 5 month to 4 years old. We love them and think they are unrivaled in looks and one of the perfect sized pythons. Carpet pythons are in the morelia family and are indigenous to Australia and New Guinea. There are many subspecies in this family of carpet pythons, they vary greatly in size and color ~the snakes we have are a cross breeding of a Diamond Python (morelia spilota) and a Jungle Carpet Python (morelia cheynei).

What do they look like and how big will they get?

Carpet pythons can cover a wide spectrum in appearances, and it is often not possible to predict what a very young snake will grow to look like. Growing carpets go through an ontogenetic color change ~ meaning their hatchling coloration gradually matures into an adult coloration over a couple of years. Selective line breeding being used by breeders can offer the opportunity to a buyer to see the probable adult appearance of their hatchling by seeing the offsprings parents. Diamond x Jungle Carpets are a cross of two different pythons of the same family with somewhat different coloration. Diamond pythons are generally a bit larger than Jungles, averaging 8' to 9' with a black to black-brown background with bars, dashes and speckles of yellow to ivory on almost every scale! Jungle Carpets have a black to brown background and are mostly ringed with a yellow/green to gold colored banding, averaging 5' to 7' in length. The resulting crosses can be very handsome (as seen above) or some can be a bit murky or muddy looking...this is true of all the carpet python subspecies...some are really outstanding and some are a bit more subdued in their coloring. They are long and muscular and while they are not a slim snake, they are not as heavy bodied as say a boa or a ball python. These snakes are somewhat arboreal and enjoy climbing and have very prehensile tails ~ they do not however remain "perched" like a Green Tree Python (morelia viridis). These snakes have heat sensing pits along their bottom lip and a creased upper lip with large nostrils (almost a dragon-like head).

How much do they cost?

These crossed carpet pythons usually range from $95 to $250 dollars. Since it is impossible to judge their adult appearance by their baby coloration, buying from a breeder with pretty stock can sometimes be helpful. If you choose to buy an adult or breeding pair, these price ranges can be significantly more, base on their appearance.

What do I look for when buying a Carpet python?

The carpet python you are looking at should be very alert, with clear eyes (unless begining a shed cycle, where the eyes turn a hazy blue color), they should have no cuts or missing scales, the belly should be shiny with flat laying scales, the vent (underneath where the tail begins to taper) should be absolutely clean and free of any crusty fecal matter and scales should be laying flat. Check for any mites (tiny black crawling bugs resembling poppy seeds) and ticks (fat, larger bugs that are grey or red attached to the skin). Snakes with these parasites will require treatment. Always ask to hold the snake (if the seller refuses to let you then don't buy it) , it should have good muscle tone (not be limp), and a strong, gripping tail (be careful that you NEVER pull a carpet python off of you~this can cause permanent injury to the tail) and should appear alert and interested in what is happening. The mouth and nostrils should be clean and free of any crusting or bubbling matter. Young carpets tend to be very defensive and over-excited, and may thrash wildly or nip ~ these bites do not hurt and your youngster will calm down with a little time and gentle handling. Ask if the snake is feeding well, if possible ask to see the snake feed or ask for it's feeding records ~ a good sign would be if it has a small lump in the belly area from feeding recently. If the snake you choose looks good, you can ask if it is male or female. Most breeders will either have them already marked, or they will check the sex for you. We find both sexes equal in temperment.

What will I need to take care of my Carpet python?

These carpet pythons require about a 30 to 40 gallon long tank, this will be sufficient for it's whole life. You must have a fitted, locking screen top as well. Newspaper, astro-turf, or reptile carpeting can be used to line the tank. A large crock-type water bowl should be placed on one end. An under the tank heat pad set on low under 1/3 of the tank will provide a warm spot for your python to lay ~ the ambient temperature inside the tank should be 80-85 degrees. You may add a basking light overhead as well outside of the screen to prevent any burns. Your python should also have a cooler end to go to of about 72-75 degrees, this way he can regulate his body temperature. Carpets enjoy some climbing ~ a spring loaded shower curtain bar works well, you can also use branches or driftwood. Carpet pythons should be offered a snug dark place to hide, this can be a cardboard box, or commercial hide box. Young carpets especially will use their hide spot a lot.

What do I feed my Carpet python?

Baby carpet pythons require young fuzzy mice or rat pups, preferably moving! They will not usually respond to pink or hairless mice or pre-killed prey until they are a bit more mature. They will, over time advance to pre-killed larger mice and then small to medium rats. These can be obtained at pet stores or you can purchase pre-killed/frozen mice and rats through reptile suppliers and rodent breeders. Prey should always be offered to your snake stunned or pre-killed, this may seem cruel but in a captive environment snakes will not always feed right away ~ a mouse or rat quickly loses it's fear and will bite a snake sometimes repeatedly and can cause either serious injury or death to your snake. Prey should be no larger than the snakes mid body and should be offered once a week.

Conclusion:

This caresheet is a good general overview of what to expect, there is a lot of information both on the net and in books ~ read as much as possible before deciding if a snake is something you want and can provide for. Carpet pythons are long, and big (but not giant) and very beautiful. Our yearling and adult are not snappy but are active and strong. These pythons especially hate to be grabbed or restrained ~ and tend to get very excitable if grasped, but if you let them gently roam all over you with your hands guiding them they will enjoy being on their human "tree". The youngsters are alert and jumpy and very quick to lunge out of your hands! A small hook used to pick them up and place them in your hand is one method, we simply pick them up gently but unhesitatingly and ignore any of their quick nips, they little by little stop being so jumpy and it is a great thing to watch their ever changing progression to that stunning adult!