Python Questions

First off, Hi.

Im looking for a new type of python(I currently own a 3 year old royal python that I have raised since it was a hatchling). Anyways, I have narrowed my search down to two snake. The columbian boa or the jungle carpet python. Both seem to be of managable size, and hopefully from what I have read are typically friendly. So this lead me to my question, which of the two snakes would I be more comfortable around(keep in mind I have a ball, so whichever is similar)

Also, the one snake I eliminated was the green tree python. I only did that because I wasnt sure if it could fit in the cage I have at the moment(5 feet long 55 gallon and I think about 2 feet tall) So my next question is...will it fit in this tank? If it can, I can sum up the two question into one: GTP VS CB VS JCP.

Thanks a lot in advance for the feedback. I'll post some pics of whatever I get this comming Sunday if I can.

Welcome to the forum

You'd probably be better off with the boa. The Jungle Carpet Python like the GTP are arboreal and more aggressive at times. Though, a boa will eventually need a larger area than a 55.

I like the jungles, however expect to get bitten a couple of times. A GTP is not really for a beginner. Just to aggressive and care requirements are a bit more then a BP. A baby boa is great, however expect to buy a new cage in about two years.

How big on average to boas get? Are colombians the same thing as red tails?

Hello and Welcome. I personally, love Jungle Carpet Pythons. I got a yearling at Daytona and it was hissy at first but was good and perfect after being handled for an hour or so. She is perfect now, a true angel. Yeah a GTP is definantly NOT a beginner snake. He a baby boa is good too but thye get bigger faster. My I have seen them get big very fast. and as far as aborealism, if thats a word, they are only semi aboreal. Some days my Jungle will be sleeping on her stick or curled up in her house or basking half on her water bowl. So I guess its more a choice of what you like better.

kiladonut: How big on average to boas get? Are colombians the same thing as red tails?

Click to expand...

-Yes a Columbian is the (common) redtail boa (Boa constrictor imperator), the other form of redtail is called the (true redtail) or ( boa constrictor constrictor). The true redtails are much more colorful however attain larger lengths (about 10' ) and price is also more. A common redtail can attain a length of 8' and be less expensive.

FreakOfNature66: Hello and Welcome. I personally, love Jungle Carpet Pythons. I got a yearling at Daytona and it was hissy at first but was good and perfect after being handled for an hour or so. She is perfect now, a true angel. Yeah a GTP is definantly NOT a beginner snake. He a baby boa is good too but thye get bigger faster. My I have seen them get big very fast. and as far as aborealism, if thats a word, they are only semi aboreal. Some days my Jungle will be sleeping on her stick or curled up in her house or basking half on her water bowl. So I guess its more a choice of what you like better.

Click to expand...

-Yeah def. a choice of what you like better. However I must admit you have a nice jungle. Most are very nippy as babys, but calm down as they grow.


kiladonut,
On either snake you choose, I wish you the best of luck. If you ever have problems you can contact this forum or myself with any questions.

Dont JCPs like to climb? Boas? I dont really know how to set up a cage for these snakes, and I dont really trust a guy trying to make a buck off me, so I figured I would ask you guys. Will I need anything beside a water dish for humidity? Mist the sides of he cages maybe?

I was reading care sheets and saw that carpets like to be in small cages. How big of a cage would I need for an adult boa or carpet python? I might just get a whole new cage instead of using my older 55 gallon.

Are boas as nippy as the JCPs? I saw some pictures of columbian boas teeth, and they look like they would pack a punch!

Dont JCPs like to climb? Boas? I dont really know how to set up a cage for these snakes, and I dont really trust a guy trying to make a buck off me, so I figured I would ask you guys. Will I need anything beside a water dish for humidity? Mist the sides of he cages maybe?

Click to expand...

-Asking questions before purchassing is a good step towards responsible ownership I am glad to see people doing this. JCP's do like to climb. If you offer them a brach you will see them perched on it from time to time. Boas also like to climb, however they will be on the ground mroe often then your JCP. I mist inside all of my cages once a day. I do not mist the direct sides heavilly, becouse I do not want a mold or mildew build up. Always keep a water dish with plenty of fresh water available.

I was reading care sheets and saw that carpets like to be in small cages. How big of a cage would I need for an adult boa or carpet python? I might just get a whole new cage instead of using my older 55 gallon.

Click to expand...

-Carpets do have a tendency to like smaller enclosures then other snakes. It makes them feel more safe and secure. A 55gl would be to big for a baby carpet. Something more around a 10gl as a baby would be more apropriate. The 55gl can be used when it gets older. You can basically use your common sense when it comes to cage size. As it grows you will notice when it should have a bigger enclosure. Or at least I do.

Are boas as nippy as the JCPs? I saw some pictures of columbian boas teeth, and they look like they would pack a punch!

Click to expand...

-Baby columbians can be nippy at times. However I have gotten mroe from a JCP then a boa any time. As for the boas teeth, you must have not seen the JCP's have you? They belong to the Morelia genus, the same genus of GTP's. I have been bitten by an adult GTP and an adult boa, I can tell you this. I would take another boa bite any day!...lol Both of your choices are similary equal in the amount of time and care you will need to do. Both of your choices are VERY rewarding captives, and both will bite if provoced. Equally both choices will be nippy as babys and calm down as they age with consistent handling. So what it boils down to is, "what colors you like?"

Thanks so much for the responses! I still cant decide, so I am gonna go by what I can get cheaper! Thanks again, and Ill post a pic of whatever I get ASAP.

Got my new snake today. After holding a big one, I was sold on the boa. Got some pics of this little guy...

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/TimSavage/BOA007.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/TimSavage/BOA006.jpg">
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/TimSavage/BOA001.jpg">

wow, big photos...lol. Looks good to me!