There are seven kinds of Carpet Pythons, each with different patterns and colors.
The Jungle species, which is black and yellow with bands, is the most well-known.
Carpet Python snakes are a popular species of pet python. Their calm temperament, attractive colors and manageable size make them a popular pet python species.
They are smaller than many other pythons like the reticulated.
This species is a great choice for captivity. However, it needs an enclosure that is suitable. Learn how to care for the snake and how to build the right enclosure.
Carpet Python Overview
Carpet Pythons are renamed after the pattern scale they have, which looks exactly like an oriental carpet.
The Python can be found in forests and savannas on the North, South, and Eastern coasts. They can sometimes be found at the southern tip Papua New Guinea,.
They vary in color depending on the subspecies they are from, but most people have different patterns of yellow, brown, and black.
Subspecies also affect the size. While some adults may exceed 12 feet when fully grown, most adults are between five and eight feet long.
Similar to other pet snakes, (e.g. This species is similar to Pitvipers and Boas. They are able hunt at night because they can detect warm-blooded prey.
Semi-arboreal, this species can be found climbing trees.
They will climb trees to capture their prey in the wild (e.g. They will attack birds, rats, and lizards.
Different types of carpet Pythons
Jungle Jaguar Carpet Python
There are seven recognized Subspecies of Carpet Python ( Morelia Spilota).
- Morelia spilota cheynei – Jungle.
- Morelia spilota harrisoni – Irian Jaya / Papuan.
- Morelia spilota imbricata – Southwestern.
- Morelia spilota mcdowelli – Coastal.
- Morelia spilota metcalfei – Inland.
- Morelia spilota spilota – Diamond.
- Morelia spilota variegata – Darwin / Northwestern.
These subspecies can be combined to make different morphs or combinations of appearances.
Are Carpet Pythons Good Pets?
They are very popular among reptile keepers. Because of their small size and calm temperament, they are very popular with reptile keepers.
Pros
- There are many striking natural colors.
- Larger than many python species (e.g. Reticulated and Burmese
- Adult temperament is generally calm.
Cons
- It is more expensive than other Python species.
- Large enclosures of at least 4 feet in length are necessary for adults.
- It can take several months for juveniles and hatchlings to be tamed.
Species Appearance
In order to make morphs, the seven subspecies Carpet Pythons are often crossed together. It is difficult to determine which subspecies you have, unless you are certain of your parents’ subspecies.
Many people have different patterns, including black, brown and yellow.
These characteristics can help you identify a particular Carpet Pythons subspecies.
Jungle Carpet Pythons are very striking in their yellow and black colors. They can grow to six to seven feet in adulthood.
Southwestern species can grow up to eight feet in height. They have a brown base with lighter-colored markings.
The largest coastals can reach 10 feet in length.
The Inlands is one of the smaller subspecies. They can grow up to 4 -5 feet. Their beautiful black bands are set against a blueish-gray background.
The diamond species ( pictured below) have light-yellow scales with a darker background. This creates a network with small markings.
The base color of Darwin species is usually orange or reddish brown with lighter black bands. This subspecies can grow to six feet.
The only subspecies of Irian Jayas found in Papua New Guinea is the one that’s not from Australia. Although they look very much like a Darwin, they are only five feet shorter.
What Size Do Carpet Pythons Grow
Full Grown Carpet Python
Most adult Carpet Pythons are between five to eight feet in height. Each subspecies will reach a different adult size.
| Subspecies | *Adult Size (feet). |
|---|---|
| Jungle Carpet | 6 to 7 |
| Southwestern | Maximum 8 |
| Coastal | Maximum 10 |
| Inland | 4 to 5 |
| Diamond | Maximum 7 |
| Darwin | Maximum 6 |
| Irian Jaya | 5-6 |
* The frequency of meals and the subspecies that make up Carpet Python have an impact on growth rate and adult size.
The average length of a hatchling is 12-14 inches. Within two years, they reach adult size. The following growth occurred in the first year of a captive animal:
| Age in months | Weight in grams | Snout-Vent Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 | 23 |
| 3 | 150 | 33 |
| 6 | 600 | 49 |
| 9 | 1,600 | 61 |
| 12 | 3,000 | 70 |
Carpet Python Care Sheet
Carpet Python Diet
Wild animals eat birds, lizards and rodents.
Carpet Pythons in captivity are usually fed rodents.
Young Pythons (i.e. Although juveniles can eat mice, young Pythons (i.e. This will prevent you from changing their diets as adults.
The following is a good guideline for feeding your family:
- Hatchlings: 1 x fuzzy mouse every 7 days.
- For small juveniles, 1 x hopper mouse is required every 7-10 days.
- Juveniles: 1 x Pinky Rat every 7-10 Days.
- Adults: 1 x Rat every 2 Weeks
Individual snakes’ growth rates will vary, but you should increase the size of the rats according to their size. As they can cause digestive problems, rodents should not be fed that are larger than the snake’s largest size.
It is recommended that you feed your Python every 10 days until they reach a healthy adult size. If you don’t plan to breed your Carpet Pythons, then you can feed them every 2 to 4 weeks. Make sure your pet is healthy and well-fed.
Health and Longevity
Pythons are hardy snakes that are generally healthy and have no health concerns.
They should be given proper and regular care. Some common problems associated with captive snakes can be prevented by routine husbandry.
- Low humidity can lead to respiratory problems or hair loss.
- Inadequate tank sanitation can result in scale rot and mite infestations.
- Regurgitation or feeding problems can result from a wrong tank size.
Carpet Pythons can live up to 20-30 years in captivity.
They Are Healthy
- Muscle mass that is well-defined.
- Proper body measurement in relation to weight.
- Smooth iridescent skin.
- You can use the temperature gradient of the cage.
Sickness Symptoms
- Visible ribs
- Snake is too obese to be able to move well.
- The skin has shed or damaged its scales.
- Always soak or place your hand on the other side of the cage
Carpet Python Enclosure
Carpet Pythons can be found in a variety of habitats across Australia and the southern tip Papua New Guinea. They’re usually found in woodland areas.
Carpet Pythons are small but can grow to be five to eight feet in length.
They require a large enclosure because of this. You can keep babies and juveniles in terrariums that are 40-gallon length. They will need to be kept for a minimum of six feet and they won’t fit in the 40-gallon-long terrariums.
You can either make your enclosure from scratch or use a glass terrarium.
- Tank Type – glass or custom made
- Tank Size: minimum 4′ feet long.
- Lighting: none.
- Substrate – aspen or Cypress Mulch
Cage Setup
The temperature gradient is necessary for a Carpet Python to regulate their body heat. Their hot side should be between 85 and 90degF, while their ambient side should range from 70 to 75degF.
You can regulate the temperature of the cage by using a heat pad, heat tape or thermostat.
Carpet Pythons don’t require special humidity levels.
Normal household humidity levels between 40 and 50% are fine.
At least one hide should be added to their enclosure. We recommend that they have a hide on each side of their cage to ensure their safety. Your snake should be able to fit comfortably in the hide. You can give your snake a moisthide if they are about to shed.
Your snake should be able to drink from the water bowl in your enclosure. The bowl should be kept clean and monitored.
Semi-arboreal Carpet Pythons ( , especially the juveniles) can be found. They are very fond of trees and decorations to climb on ( pictured above).
Carpet Python Substrate
Carpet Python can be made from many substrates.
You can use newspaper, but your snake will prefer something more natural. Cypress mulch and aspen shavings are safe and very popular substrates.
You should not buy substrate that is not made specifically for reptiles.
You can spot clean your bedding when your Python soils it. Then, replace the bedding every two weeks.
Temperament for Carpet Python
These snakes aren’t aggressive in the wild.
They do not pose a threat to humans, and they are often seen in Australia as they search for food.
Carpet Pythons can be found in the dark and will rest most of their day in their hide.
Your snake will be active at night and exploring the tank.
Healthy snakes will spend time in both cages. This will permit them to regulate their temperature. Your enclosure might be too cold if your snake spends all their time on the warm side. If they spend all their time on the cool side, their hot spot could be too hot.
The majority of well-cared-for adults are docile.
Juveniles in captivity are often shy and nippy.
They will calm down if they are treated with respect and care.
Are Carpet Pythons venomous?
No. No. Carpet Pythons aren’t venomous, and they pose no danger to humans.
Juveniles can be very nippy or head-shy. They will pull back quickly if their heads touch something. This is normal.
Carpet Pythons are easy to handle and their nips don’t hurt.
After feeding your snake, you should not touch it as this could cause regurgitation. You should not handle a snake that is still in its shed or whose eyecaps have turned blue.
Baby Carpet Python Buyer’s Guide
Private breeders of Carpet Pythons are numerous.
You should first confirm that the species you are purchasing is captive-bred.
The next step is to ensure your snake doesn’t have any health problems or foreign parasites. You should ensure that your snake is healthy and has no stuck hairs.
Carpet Pythons that are healthy should be alert and active. Extreme aggression is a sign that the snake is stressed, but a snake who is very lethargic is not likely to be in good health.
What is the Price of a Carpet Python?
The enclosure for this species of Python is expensive. Carpet Pythons cost over $150. They can be as high as $1,000 depending on their subspecies and size.
A large enclosure for an adult can cost up to $500. To properly set up your tank, you will need to spend $200.
The snake is expensive to keep, especially if you are an adult.
How is it like to keep this pet?
You should allow your Carpet Python snake to live in your home for at least two weeks after bringing it home. This will allow him to get used to his new environment.
Also, you should wait a few weeks before handling him.
Juveniles will likely be jumpy and nippy.
After a month, you should begin to have regular contact with your snake. This will allow them to get used to human contact.
The backbone of any owner’s household routine is cleaning and feeding.
Every week, Juvenile Carpet Pythons must be fed rats.
It is also important to clean the cage every day, change the substrate once a week, and keep the water bowl clean.
Carpet Python Facts
| Common Name | Carpet Python |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Morelia spilota ssp |
| Subspecies | Seven |
| Price | ~$150 |
| Size | 5- 8 feet in length |
| Weight | 30 pounds |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years |
| Diet | Rodents |
| Tank Size | Minimum 4 feet |
| Humidity and Temperature | Temperatures: 85-90degF Ambient Temperature: 70-75degF Humidity: 40-50% |
| Popular Alternatives | Ball Python Red Tail Boa Rosy Boa |
Summary
Carpet Pythons are a lovely species of snake that can be found in Australia and Papua New Guinea. There are seven subspecies of Carpet Pythons that have been recognized. Each has its own color and pattern.
Many subspecies are either brown or black and have patterns of yellow.
These snakes are extremely popular pets and can be purchased in a variety of color morphs.
Carpet Pythons don’t require any humidity. A thermostat and heat source can easily maintain their tank temperature.
Adults reach at least 5 feet in length, so large cages are necessary.
These Pythons can be large and beautiful if they are well cared for. What have you done with Carpet Pythons? Tell us about your experiences with Carpet Pythons.
