r/carpetpythons • u/Nirvanafan94 • 9d ago
Carpet Python vs Ball Python
My family is looking into getting our first snake. We had pretty much settled on the ball python, i have been doing research on enclosure setup, care, etc for the better part of a year (i always do a ton of research before making a commitment like a pet). However, today we went to a reptile store in a nearby city to see what all they had and they showed us a jungle carpet python. My wife, daughter, and I all fell in love with it. I was wondering if anyone who has had both can give me your opinions on each? We like how easy ball pythons are, but like how much more active and curious the carpet python is. Can you guys give me any reasons to NOT get a carpet python as our fist snake?
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u/ParticularWolf4473 9d ago
The carpet python is going to be a bit easier to care for, being a better feeder and a bit less sensitive to humidity. Much more active and visible in the enclosure, and more active when handling. Though also more hit or miss when it comes to temperament, and will likely get somewhat longer than a ball python. Though the typical jungle carpet doesn’t get as large as some seem to think. Some other species also stay somewhat smaller.
Personally like many I started with ball pythons and pretty quickly found them rather boring. They hide a lot, often aren’t very active both in the enclosure and when handling, and sometimes getting them to feed can be a pain.
Have you considered one of the smaller boa constrictor species or localities? Pretty much my standard recommendation for a medium sized beginner snake. They’re pretty active and typically not all that concerned with hiding, are at least somewhat arboreal especially when young, generally more reliably docile than carpet pythons, and males especially of some localities like Tarahumara, Sonoran, and Nicaraguan typically don’t get larger than 4’-5’ while being more slender than a ball python. Amarali/short tailed boas are also typically in the 4’-5’ range and somewhat more heavy bodied.