So, earlier in the week, after checking out a local rescues adoptions listing (I was looking for a reptile, but not really another snake), i found a carpet python up for adoption, lets just say it caught my eye...
I just had to inquire about it.
It's a Male Coastal Carpet, about 6 ft. long, and already eating frozen-thawed rats.
I haven't seen it in person yet, Tomorrow i'll be leaving for San Diego, California for almost a week, But if they still have it when I get back, i'll definitely be taking a drive up there to check it out, so i've already done some research, but I don't want to miss anything, any other info about these guys would be appreciated.
I've submitted a application for it, and been approved, and chances are if they still have it, i'll get it, i just want to see it first-hand.

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"Nobody can do Everything, but Everybody can do Something."

I don't own carpets and don't have any experience at all with them. I was just wondering if there are questions on certain topics about them you have? What kind of research have you done on them already? Maybe it could help those who do own or have experience with them know what kind of info to give you.

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Rather good point,
I'm pretty set as far as temperatures, humidity, I'm still a bit iffy on the actual housing requirements, It's a male, i don't see it getting over 8' long, so the minimum would be like 4'x2'? (1/2 of length times X 1/4 of length)
However it seems they also like climbing space, so at least what? 3' tall?
I do know where there from, and understand the differences between say a jungle, coastal, so on. I'm also okay as far as feeding goes, now its on rats, may eventually need rabbits, though they stay thinner then boas and many other pythons, so I'm not positive if it will indeed reach rabbits. I'm not interested in breeding, so that kind of information can be skipped.

Anything else on behavior in the wild would be great, as well as any observations on what type of substrate they seem to do the best on.
Also, Anyone have suggetions on great books, specializing in carpet pythons?

but i'm also just checking my research against what I hear on the board, so really i'd like to hear anything, just to compare notes.

Thanks.

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"Nobody can do Everything, but Everybody can do Something."

It shouldn't ever need rabbits they really don't get that thick, but will eat about 6 mice when adults per feeding. It's good they got it over to rats though most carpets wont ever take rats and then you need to feed a good number of mice. I'd go 3-4 feet tall 4 would be optimal.

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And what comes as a surprise to many people is their activity level.
Most people think "python" and envision a slow moving, sedentary snake.
These guy have more of the activity level of a cornsnake!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Hi Ryan

If it is a Coastal Carpet then it could grow a couple of feet more.
They are very active - as Merlin said - and do need some climbing, specially before adulthood. Once full grown up then tend to feel more secure in the ground as well.
Therefore, I believe a 4x2x2 would enough. That´s what is usually recommended. of, if you can go higher (to 3´) he would thank you.

I don´t think you will ever need rabbits. Rats will do for he´s entire life

As regards substract, it depends if you want a naturalistic or more "practical" enclosure. In the latter, newspaper will do; or you may opt for red cypress of coco.

They don´t exactly need specific humidity levels, since they´re spread in a large area of Australia with very different environments. They are capable of adjusting easily, so between 40% and 80% will do, according to breeders. Your best option would be to keep (more a less) the humidity this particular snake is used to.

I attach two different caresheets from two known breeders. Both ways seem to work just fine:

Anthony Caponetto Reptiles - ACReptiles.com

ReptilesbyAH.com - Jungle Carpet Pythons

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Regards,
Joao

Thanks! I was wondering about the rabbits myself a bit, carpets seem to stay rather thin, but a breeder I met swore by X-small rabbits for his adults large enough to take them.
As for substrate, I'll most likely use the same thing I use for my boa, Eco earth mixed with cypress mulch.
If I get him still depends on two things really, if he's still there, (I'm still out in San Diego, and for the record, Loving it!) and also his temperament, I can take defensive, but if he's completely unhandleable, i may decide against it.
Thanks for everyones feedback, I'm looking forward to a snake more active then my boa, and hope it all works out.

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"Nobody can do Everything, but Everybody can do Something."

That would be a rare case.

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Regards,
Joao

I Should be posting some pictures of the guy later, But I Adopted The Carpet Python Today.
I think he looks absolutely stunning, the pictures I had seen did'nt do him justice.
I was told As long as he was with the rescue he never bit, and did'nt bite me while I was handling him there, though he can get a bit hissy, I was happy enough with his overall appearance and temperament.

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"Nobody can do Everything, but Everybody can do Something."

Excelent. Congrats !
We´ll all be waiting for those pics

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Regards,
Joao