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?
5
u/ItsMeishi 9d ago
Their temperament can be iffy. As a youngin' they can be a bit more nippy/defensive, most grow out of it, but you will have to accept if you just happened to pick the most cantankerous one of the bunch. Mine is an absolute potato now, but he still has days where he makes it very clear he doesnt wanna deal with my shit that day. I respect it and leave him be for that day.
Food response. I feed mine every 4/5 weeks and when the scent of thawing rat hits him, any working braincells turn off and anything that moves is fair game. He will strike the glass repeatedly, and aim directly for my face every time. That was okay when he was 70cm, but he's around 2,5m now and it's something I need to be locked in for. I dont know if mine is just exceptionally dumb, but he'll lock on me before he ever even smells the location of the rat. Depending on your daughters age, you might wanna leave the feeding to you and your wife, just in case.
Size, despite him being pretty lenghty, he's about as thick as my wrist. I still feel safe about handling him on my own (as a 160cm woman), but again, your daughter, a carpet may be a 2 person snake only with her around. I do not think they are truly that dangerous, but call it an over abundance of caution.
Be aware of the Jaguar defect. To get the morph called 'Jungle Jaguar' 2 subspecies of carpet python are bred together to produce the most beautiful, the most gorgeous 'jaguar' esq pattern with sharp yellows and coloured spots. Unfortunately, like the Ball Python Spider morph wobble, every Jaguar, carries the neural defect/inner ear defect that may (significantly) impact his quality of life. It's always there, even if it's not presenting itself.
Space. They thrive in more space that is set up properly for them. They appreciate a climb, they enjoy their (sky)hides, and a large water bowl. As they start up small as babies you will need to size up their enclosures which can be costly.
Availability. Depending on your location, specific species, morphs, ages or even sex may not be readily available in your region. Maybe it's just the Netherlands, but I am in a carpet python desert, with very few people breeding carpet pythons specifically.
Enrichment. I cannot comment on how much BP's do or do not need it. But my carpet really enjoys (and demands) the occasional 'walk'. He'll signal by sitting at the door, at which point I let him free roam my entire living room. (The whole space is snake proofed and escape free). My carpet does not enjoy being taken out of the enclosure and just held like he has nowhere else to go. There's no sitting in front of the TV with my carpet. He's got places to be, things to investigate, and shit to knock off my table/bookcase/windowsill. If a couch potato is what you think you want, a carpet may not be for you.