Carpet Python

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

Several snakes under one carpet

Carpet python usually means Morelia spilota: jungle, coastal, inland, diamond, and the animals sold as crosses. Bredl's python is a close relative that people lump in. Adult length is 6 to 10 feet because the forms differ. Lifespan is about 15 to 20 years. Care is intermediate. They are active, partly arboreal, and stronger than a ball python of the same age.

Temperatures of 75 to 88°F and humidity around 50 to 60 percent are a fair range. A higher humid hide helps a jungle carpet shed. A diamond from drier country does not need a swamp. The cage is 4 by 2 by 4 feet. Treat that as a starting label. A 10-foot snake needs a longer room. Sturdy perches, a locked door, and a water bowl big enough to soak in are the useful extras.

Rats, and a name on the invoice

They eat mice and then rats. Feed with tongs. A carpet that smells rodent on your sleeve will bite. Buy a named locality or subspecies from a breeder, captive-bred. Wild Australian export is not the legal pipeline. Handle after the meal is digested. Support the body. Do not drape a large python around a neck.

Open-mouth breathing is a respiratory infection until a vet says otherwise. Find one through ARAV.

Carpet python questions

How big do carpet pythons get?

It depends which carpet. Jungle and coastal carpets are often 6 to 8 feet. Some diamond and other large forms reach 8 to 10. Size lands around 6 to 10 feet. That is the spread, not one animal.

Do carpet pythons need a tall cage?

They use branches and they also cruise the floor. Give them 4 by 2 by 4 feet. A large adult needs more length than that minimum.

Are they aggressive?

They are semi-arboreal and active. Babies can be nippy. Captive-bred adults usually calm down with steady handling. Feeding response stays strong.