I have kept snakes as pets for most of my life. One snake that I have always been interested in, but have never owned, is a carpet python. I have recently been thinking about them again so I decided to do some research.
So, do they make good pets?
Carpet Pythons are a medium sized semi-arboreal python from Australia. They are generally hardy when well taken care of. These snakes make good pets but are best suited for intermediate to advanced keepers.
Before we talk about what makes a carpet python a good pet for an experienced keeper lets learn a little about them.
Some Facts About Carpet Pythons:
- Carpet pythons are native to Australia and New Guinea.
- They are called carpet pythons because their pattern and colors look like intricately woven carpets from the Middle East.
- Depending on the species carpet pythons can grow to lengths of 5 to 9 feet.
- Carpet pythons can live as long as 20 years or more.
- Carpet pythons can lay as many as 30 eggs which will hatch in about 60 days.
Some Common Questions:
How fast do carpet pythons grow? – On a regular feeding schedule, and depending on the species, carpet pythons can grow as much as 5-6 feet in their first year.
Are they a good snake for beginners? – Carpet pythons on generally considered for more intermediate and experienced snake owners not beginners.
Are they aggressive? –They are not aggressive but can be defensive and have a very strong feeding response. Sometimes people confuse this with aggression. If handled regularly over a period of time they usually become quite tame.
What do carpet pythons eat? – In the wild carpet pythons feed on rodents, birds and bats. In captivity they are most often fed rats.
Now that we know a little about carpet pythons let’s look into what makes them a good pet as well as some considerations you should be aware of.
What Makes a Carpet Python a Good Pet? (for the right person)
Carpet Pythons Are:
- Reasonably Priced
- Not too difficult to find
- Very interesting to look at
- A great option if you want an arboreal python
- Can be calm and relatively easy to handle
- Fairly easy to care for
Considerations:
- Can be slightly unpredictable
- Can sometimes be picky eaters
- A longer snake compared to other choices
Reasonably Priced
The average price for a normal looking wild type carpet python is about $200-$300 U.S. dollars. If you are interested in one of the many color and pattern morphs available you could expect to pay much more.
Not Too Difficult to Find
Carpet pythons are much more available than they used to be. You can sometimes find them in pet shops (usually reptile specialty pet stores), online, at reptile expos or from a breeder. We always recommend buying from a breeder for many reasons.
Mostly because they are often much more knowledgeable about the animals they raise and know all about the history of the specific snake you may be considering.
Very Interesting to Look At
Carpet pythons are cool! Some people believe they are the most beautiful snake in the world. They have various patterns and colors that are just different than any other popular python! Or any other snake for that matter.
With all the color and pattern morphs now available, there are so many interesting options. They are also a long slender bodied snake and fun to watch as they move about and explore their environment.
A Great Option if You Want an Arboreal Python
If you are interested in an arboreal python but you are not quite ready for a green tee python or have the budget for one. A carpet python could be a good alternative.
They are easier to keep and maintain. They will climb and perch on the high branches in their cage. Carpet pythons are also long and skinny just like green tree pythons. They move differently than a ball pythons or boas.
Can Be Calm and Relatively Easy to Handle
If you have experience handling snakes, especially boas and pythons you could be ready for a carpet python. In their first year of life they are almost all very defensive and have a tendency to bite immediately.
If you can be patient. After a year they can become quite a bit less defensive and easier to handle. Regular handling over time will improve this dramatically.
If you are familiar with snakes and know how to read their behavior you can handle a carpet python without issue. Just pay attention and be aware of what they are doing.
Fairly Easy to Care For
Carpet pythons are considered hardy snakes. All the basics of keeping snakes apply here along with some minor specifics.
Carpet pythons are semi-arboreal snakes but they will definitely make use of floor space so it’s good to have an enclosure that is both wide and tall. It’s a good idea to provide branches for them to climb on though it is not absolutely mandatory.
They do not require UVB lighting but they will require heat. 72 degrees on the cool end and up to 90 degrees on the warm side. To achieve this, you can use a heating mat, or ceramic heat emitters.
Some breeders prefer radiant heat panels for larger enclosures. Whatever you decide to go with, make sure to use a thermostat to prevent overheating.
Carpet pythons do not have extreme humidity requirements but they do need some humidity. Breeders suggest that 50% humidity is ideal.
A good way to achieve this is to provide a large sturdy water bowl. You can also mist them with fresh water a couple times a day with a simple sprayer.
As with other snakes be sure to provide a good place for your carpet pythons to hide and feel secure. In addition, it’s also to provide an appropriate substrate.
You will need to feed your carpet python an appropriately sized rat about once a week.
Things to Consider Before you Buy a Carpet Python:
Can Be Slightly Unpredictable
Carpet pythons on generally considered better for more intermediate and experienced snake owners but really for beginners. They have a tendency to bite in their first year and can remain somewhat unpredictable throughout their lives.
If someone doesn’t have good experience reading snake behavior, a carpet python is a better choice for later when you have a little more experience.
Can Sometimes be Picky Eaters
Some carpet pythons are “started” on mice and have a tough time switching over to rats. This can be an added complexity if you are a new snake owner.
There are ways to make this transition. And it should be done before they grow too large. These usually include some form of “scenting” a rat so it smells like a mouse.
This is not that difficult to do but some people find it complicated and frustrating.
A Longer Snake Compared to Other Choices
Some people really want a larger snake but not too large. Carpet pythons fill a nice gap between ball pythons and much larger pythons like Burmese pythons and reticulated pythons. Still carpet pythons can be quite long.
If you are at all concerned about owning a large constrictor don’t get a carpet python. There are plenty of other options that can be extremely rewarding pet snakes.
Conclusion:
Carpet pythons are an exotic, beautiful and interesting looking snake that are just very different and unique compared to so many other pet snakes available today.
They do require a little more experience and care than some other pet snakes but not so demanding that a relatively intermediate keeper couldn’t handle.
These snakes are hardy and not too demanding to care for. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find but not so popular that everyone knows about them or has one as a pet.
Though they can be somewhat unpredictable when handling, an experience keeper should have no problems at all. With a bit of regular handling they generally become calm, docile, and rewarding animals to interact with.
People are generally quite amazed when they see one for the very first time. I know I was. And it left an impression on me ever since. I may not rush out and buy one today but a carpet python is definitely on my wish list.
If you have been considering a carpet python as a pet, we sincerely hope this article has helped.