Tips for new Darwin python owners???

[Lewnatic]

HI!! i am new to the world of snakes... at least those domesticated ones we all seem to love. i am purchasing my first python in a few weeks, and have it narrowed down to either an Inland (Vic) carpet, or a North West (Darwin) carpet, although right now im leaning toward the darwin, just because of its markings. its just a bit frustrating, as there seems to be very little mention of these two types in the threads. everyone seems to be fascinated by coastals, bredlis, and diamonds.
i was hoping some people out there might give me some insight into which is a better option for a first snake, and some tips about getting started. please don't be afraid to tell me which might be a bad idea, as i don't have my heart set on one or the other, or even either for that matter!! all i need is to hear what all the pros think!

thanks for your time guys, and i hope to hear from some of you soon

Lewis

[Ewan]

Hay Lewis! Good on you for venturing into the world of captive snakes. Any of the species and sub species that can be kept on a basic license are suitable for a beginer. However they all have variable differences. Which one is the best to choose is really a personal opinion. It can depend on a number of things. The advice I always give to beginners is pick the one you like the look of and then research their attributes to see if it suits your needs. The main difference, as far as a beginner is concerned, is the size. A darwin will most likey grow to a bigger size that an Inland. Keeping needs for both will be almost identical aside from the cage size. A lot of people say Inlands generally have a better temperament than Darwins but of course it differs from individual to individual.

[moosenoose]

I've had a few darwins and still have the first one I purchased. I think they are wonderful snakes. They, like just about every other sub-species of carpet, can have differing temperaments, so it's really the luck of the draw. With regular interaction they will generally calm down anyway. My Darwin is as placid as they get and I'd trust him in the hands of anyone.

Because I can afford to be biased he is my most favoured snake in the collection

[TWENTY B]

welcome aboard..
i got my 1st snake only 3 months ago. i went for a darwin because they have such beautiful colouring.
some people say they are more snappy than other snakes, but 90% of the darwin owners i have spoken to say that captive bread darwins are as placid as they get..
and now agree with them,

size is not a bother for me, by the time it is 3 or 4 year old and is about 6 ft, you will have spennt the last 3-4 years learning and would then be totaly capable of handling it.

my girl is 17months old and just under 5 ft long, but even at that length she is still pretty thin, weighs about 1/2kg.

ee these threads for a little more insight on what it's like as a new owner.. it's a joyfull time.
My new Darwin
Darwin's 1st shed..

[Lewnatic]

WOW!
what a stunning snake!
how long is he??
i was told at my local pet store that the vic carpet has the best temperament of any snake the lady there had owned, but i am still inclined to go for the darwin, just because of how amazing they look! i was under the impression that i could expect about 6ft fully grown for both species... is there much of a difference between the two? i am just concerned about how much space i might have in a few years time, as i cant imagine having all that much space for an 8ft beauty to be happy. of course, if the time came, i would do what i had to do, i am just wary of how these guys can 'constrict' your life a litte...
thanks for the feedback guys, and keep it coming!!! i have to do something to keep myself occupied while i wait for my license to turn up... its gonna be a tough couple of weeks i am sure
cheers,
Lewis

[Hsut77]

Since the Darwin's have been given a good wrap, I'd better jump in with some good points on Inlands. My first python was an Inland and I have gotten two more since. In the two years I have had him he has not bitten, been flighty or been aggressive once. In fact I have never been tagged by an Inland, ever. My wife was petrified of snakes, now she loves them because Axminster is such an easy snake to handle and keep. Our new additions (2 females) are just as placid as him. The Inlands are my fav snakes out off all of them and we keep Spotteds, Stimmies and a Bredli.

He is a pic of my male MD have posted it before so sorry if you have seen it already.

Rings.jpg

[christo]

Hi. I've got both a Murray-Darling and a Darwin. Both are great, although the MD is a calmer snake (the Darwin has never bitten but is just a bit "flightier" and less comfortable being handled). The MD also seems to be a better eater, the Darwin is a bit fussy. As has already been said, it comes down to the individual snake in most cases - check out a few different individuals of each if you can and go for the individual rather than a certain type if you really like it. Good luck!

[llasher]

IAW Christo. I have a pair of young MDs and a young adult Darwin. The MDs are prettier IMHO, and ridiculously placid, but my Darwin is still very mild of temperament, provided he gets some gentle regular handling. When he doesn't he gets a bit flighty but not bitey.

[Albs]

I keep and breed both MD's and Darwins. Imo I would tend to lean towards the MD as a first snake. On average they seem to behave a little better. Darwins are wonderful snakes but can sometimes be a bit flighty when trying to remove from their cage. MD's I have found seem to be a bit more cosistant with feeding. However I do have animals of both types that are wonderful to keep in all aspects. MD's grow bigger than Darwins so this might also be something to consider. Good luck with your choice! Don't over feed your python, it's better to feed smaller meals more often than the biggest feed your python can swallow. This will ensure you have a healthy snake with good bone structure and muscle tone. Very important for a long healthy life.

[Lewnatic]

thanks for all the great tips guys. as far as size goes, i dont know who to believe when people tell me which will be bigger, cos everyone has their own opinion on that one, so i have decided size is not going to be an issue. and as far as which snake i choose, well the jury is still out on that one. it will have to come down to which snake takes my fancy on the day i guess.
anyway, keep the great tips and pics coming, and ill let you know what i get in the end!
Lewis

[pandora_pythons]

I've seen pics of your Darwin on APS a few times now moosenoose, and it doesn't matter how many times I see it, it's still as vibrant and spectacular as the first...congrats on having such a beautiful animal.

Lewis, I have a few Darwins myself and although I can't really comment on the MD's, I can honestly say that one of my females I have out of my 13 different variety of snakes would have to easily be my favourite. I've never had a snake that likes to seek it's owner as much as she does. Know matter were you put her down, she searches for me with radical flicks of the tongue until I'm in reach and than she stretches out for me to put my hand out were she gently makes her way back up my arm. I don't know what it is, but she just prefers to be hanging around with me than being in her enclosure or anywhere else for that matter. Such a content and gentle animal.

Although this doesn't speak for all Darwin's out there, the best bet you can make is to see them both in person for yourself, make sure it's healthy, watch it being handled by it's owner and if the owner agrees, hold it yourself...then you will know

Best of luck to you and make sure you send some photos through of the one you eventually choose.

[Lewnatic]

hi!
well, the good news is i have already been sent my license!! it came in less than a week of sending off the application, and from what i gather, that makes me quite lucky.
this means that this weekend i am going to a store and ill be buying my first snake. i have decided to take all of the above advice, and ill be asking to handle a few of both species, and making my decision based on which is most comfortable being handled, and how the react to me. then, whichever species i get, ill be happy with my choice!
i will be sure to let you know what happens, and ill post pics when i can,
Lewis

[Ishah]

Originally Posted by moosenoose

Because I can afford to be biased he is my most favoured snake in the collection

That is an Awesome looking darwin you have there! Stunning!

[Lewnatic]

well, the new snake has arived!!!
he's a male MD carpet...i've called him Basil, and he's a champ... first thing he did in his new home was find every way to climb to the top!! first he climbed the middle of the glass doors, then used the thermometer to get to the top corner, before settling on it, in a good spot for a nice photo. i have had him out tonight, and taken a couple more pics. he is so happy to be held, and not flighty at all!
the place i went had some of the feistiest darwins i think are going around, so as a first snake, i chose to steer clear of them! i'm so happy with him

anyway, thanks to those who provided advice, and here are a couple of pics of Baz!

cheers, Lewis

[TWENTY B]

congrats.. and enjoy