Carpet Python vs Ball Python

[u/Nirvanafan94]

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?

[u/Ok_Caterpillar_9521]

I was in the exact same boat as you. My mom originally wanted a ball python but balls can be more ‘boring’ in a sense, they are more docile, and tend to be great with handling, but they don’t do much. Upon finding out about carpet pythons I learned that they tend to be more active (they are semi-arboreal) and have a relatively strong food drive, this is more what my family wanted so we’ve decided on a Papuan carpet python! They are around the same size as balls but with the characteristic of other carpets. I will say that if your daughter is young then it might be safer to get a ball python, but in the end it is all up to behavioral preferences.

Edit: I would also like to add that the necessary size for enclosures for balls and carpets are greatly under exaggerated, I’m getting a 4x2x4 (240 gal) for our carpet and wouldn’t advise any enclosure smaller than 4x2x2 for a ball python. Another species to consider is the spotted/children’s python, arguably one of the best pet snakes, they stay small, are semi-arboreal, and have a good feeding response while still being docile.