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Marggs

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My husband and I have been give a coastal python we have no idea on what to do. I have got some answers from this forum on how and what to feed him. But the guy that gave him to us said that it can live without food for 1 year! I just can't believe this. I this true?? How do you know when he's hungry?
 
Depends on how old, but in general yes it's true. However it's not a good idea, you should feed an adult about ever forthnight and under ones weekly

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With some more info on the snake, like size and possibly age it would be easier to answer. In general you can feed a carpet python 15-20% of their own weight food items. Make sure food item is warm, like 35-36 degrees. Most people stick to rats pre-killed. You also need to make sure that your snake has a warm spot, around 32-33 degrees and a cool spot, room temp, within its enclosure. Fresh water every day, hidespots in both hot and cold
 
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Purchase a book called The Complete Carpet Python by Nick Mutton. It will have all your answers.
 
My husband and I have been give a coastal python we have no idea on what to do. I have got some answers from this forum on how and what to feed him. But the guy that gave him to us said that it can live without food for 1 year! I just can't believe this. I this true?? How do you know when he's hungry?

I understand that you were given it, but if you have no idea on what to do why did you accept it? Or if you wanted it, a few minutes of research on the internet would have given you the answers you need.

Carpet Python Care Carpet Python Care Sheet - Aquarium and reptile online shop in Melbourne. Specialise in Baby Turtles, Lizards, Frogs and Pythons also for sale!

Coastal Carpet Python care sheet
 
I have wanted a a carpet snake for many yrs. I have done research and have lots of my Q answered. Thank you. There is hardly any answers to the Q I had on the internet this is the best place to ask and have learned a lot. I'm disappointed with ppl being so negative and just skeptical because someone wants to know something. I understand about ppl being worried about animal cruelty but trust me I'm the biggest animal lover there is.. I cry over any rd kill. I will stop n check the animal is dead if not I take it to the vet. So this snake is in good hands. I'm building him an inclosure in my lounge room so I can get him out of the cold.
Thanks for you input badsville
 
That 15-20% food sizing has got so many holes in that theory its not funny, for eg that would mean my carpet gets a 2.33 kg food item every fortnight and an 8 kg Black Headed Python would get a 1.33 kg rat every fortnight when a 150-175 gm rat does fine.
l believe a better equation would be the width of your snake by 1 - 1.25 times its body width so after the food item is consumed there is a "very slight" bulge....solar 17 ~B~
 
I have wanted a a carpet snake for many yrs. I have done research and have lots of my Q answered. Thank you. There is hardly any answers to the Q I had on the internet this is the best place to ask and have learned a lot. I'm disappointed with ppl being so negative and just skeptical because someone wants to know something. I understand about ppl being worried about animal cruelty but trust me I'm the biggest animal lover there is.. I cry over any rd kill. I will stop n check the animal is dead if not I take it to the vet. So this snake is in good hands. I'm building him an inclosure in my lounge room so I can get him out of the cold.
Thanks for you input badsville

You may find people are a little negative because reptiles are not like a cat or a dog in terms of husbandry and needs....no harder in my opinion....but different and it is usually wise to ensure that one understands the snakes needs both now and into the future and ensure it can be accommodated and cared for before making a commitment to get one. You may be surprised at the number of people who get a reptile for the 'novelty' factor without any idea of how to look after it properly. The people you see as 'negative' have likely seen dozens of animals that have suffered or been neglected as a consequence.

Being an animal lover is not of much value if you have no idea what the animal needs - I saw one animal recently that was owned by an 'animal lover' that had not ben given any heat for several months and was being underfed to the point of ill health. The person who owned it literally 'loved it' to death.

I strongly recommend you buy the reference text that has been recommended to you....and try to join a local Herp Society if there is one nearby so that you have some people around you as mentors....This type of assistance is invaluable when starting out, particularly if there has been no research done before an animal arrives as you are well and truly behind the 8-ball already.

I would also suggest that you gain the appropriate licensing for the animal if you haven't done so already.
 
That 15-20% food sizing has got so many holes in that theory its not funny, for eg that would mean my carpet gets a 2.33 kg food item every fortnight and an 8 kg Black Headed Python would get a 1.33 kg rat every fortnight when a 150-175 gm rat does fine.
l believe a better equation would be the width of your snake by 1 - 1.25 times its body width so after the food item is consumed there is a "very slight" bulge....solar 17 ~B~
Sorry. Should have said "up to 15-20%" Mine typically gets 20% of body weight during warmer months, over Xmas period every 10-14 days, then every 21 days until cooler weather when all my adults stop feeding. My diamond boy who's 5 will typically feed 3-4 months a year, then stop. He feeds more frequent when he takes food and large items. A % is just an estimate and people can feed as often as required, ie the snake will feed.
looking back at my post I didn't say yo have to, but that u can feed that size. If your snakes feed through the year the 15-20 might be excessive, but can't imagine the will hurt to much with lots of food. If you snakes looks healthy, moves around and everything works, as in it eats pees poos moves you are on a good track.
 
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15-20% is probably fine for juvenile snakes but like most animals the feed requirements reduce once maturity is reached. Adult snakes will normally not feed for 4-6 months over winter when their metabolic rate reduces with temperture. When feeding adults you need to decide why? If you are breeding a female then the egg mass can be 30 % of its bidy weight so that obviously requires some nutrition. Males on the other hand have a lot lower feed requirement. You will find a bit of information on feeding at Home - Rodent Farm
 
I have wanted a a carpet snake for many yrs. I have done research and have lots of my Q answered. Thank you. There is hardly any answers to the Q I had on the internet this is the best place to ask and have learned a lot. I'm disappointed with ppl being so negative and just skeptical because someone wants to know something. I understand about ppl being worried about animal cruelty but trust me I'm the biggest animal lover there is.. I cry over any rd kill. I will stop n check the animal is dead if not I take it to the vet. So this snake is in good hands. I'm building him an inclosure in my lounge room so I can get him out of the cold.
Thanks for you input badsville

Let's see... Your other posts!

I have just (yesterday) been given a coastal python and he or she is about 4 yrs old. I have no idea on how or what to do with it. He came with a home made whatever you want to call it. Cage or pen??? He is outside and it's really cold out there and I'm worried he will be cold. I have a heat lamp and a heat rock but don't know if I should leave these on or not. Don't know how often he needs to eat. I'm so worried. Do I leave the lamp on all night. Do I bring him inside or is it ok for him to be out side.. I live in rural QLD and it's getting cold out there at night. So many Q I need to ask. I hope this is the right place to post.
Plz help
thank you
marggs

Thank you for your input. :D he does have a heat lamp in the pen but I will bring him inside because in winter it get to 8 to 10 minus degrees. I'm located in Millmerran qld. I know he will freeze. How do you know when he's hungry? The guy that gave him to me didn't even have water in his cage! :cry:
i don't know when he was fed last! When I go near the cage he moves towards me sticking his tongue out so I do know he's smelling!! I don't have any feed as yet n I've had him for 2 days. I've tried to give him dead mice from the mouse trap that I cought over night he took it but then spat it out. Are they that fussy???? I don't think the owner was looking after him much! Can he eat steak or sausages. Or even eggs like the goannas?. And have wild goannas that I feed they eat anything lol.
And in say HIM! How can I tell if he's male or female???
I love this little feller he is just adorable. It feels funny having a snake for a pet!!

Mind you I have chihuahuas too so I hope he doesn't decide to eat them lol....
the previous owner fed him Guinea pigs. 8-( he's bring some over today.

thanks again.

If I'm not equipped to handle him I will Learn!! I'm not going to hand it over to anyone. I will do all I can to make sure he is we'll looked after more than ill do for my husband lol... I will post some pics later.. So how do I know he's male or female?? He's about 6 ft but a bit thin..

So to say you've done your research is kind of laughable at this point.
I'm not trying to attack you here in any way, but you're gonna send your snake to a swift grave at this pace.
Reptiles are fairly different in that they aren't as forgiving with husbandry as most domestic pets are, one little mistake can very quickly spiral into big trouble.
Being stubborn about things is no help either, at this point you are grossly unprepared for the needs of your animal and they're really not things you can 'learn along the way'.
Beign in rural QLD I doubt there's a specialized reptile vet nearby either should problems arise.
Also you need to be licensed to own reptiles in Australia, if you're not licensed, here's where you go to get one Wildlife permits and licences (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection). If you're not going to get a license I'm sure there's plenty of people here willing to dob you in for it.

If you feel like you're being treated negatively by this forum its because we have the animals welfare in our interests over your wants and needs. Theres many people here who have dealt with many instances of people keeping snakes incorrectly simply by not being prepared BEFORE they get an animal, and having to deal with the consequences.
 
I have a license... And I understand what your saying. I have seen these sort of ppl that say they love there pets but to the contrary..

This is why I asked all the Q so I can have the right things for him. I will continue to gain knowledge of the reptile world and enjoy every minute.

Thanks Bart :cool:

Let's see... Your other posts!

So to say you've done your research is kind of laughable at this point.
I'm not trying to attack you here in any way, but you're gonna send your snake to a swift grave at this pace.
Reptiles are fairly different in that they aren't as forgiving with husbandry as most domestic pets are, one little mistake can very quickly spiral into big trouble.
Being stubborn about things is no help either, at this point you are grossly unprepared for the needs of your animal and they're really not things you can 'learn along the way'.
Beign in rural QLD I doubt there's a specialized reptile vet nearby either should problems arise.
Also you need to be licensed to own reptiles in Australia, if you're not licensed, here's where you go to get one Wildlife permits and licences (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection). If you're not going to get a license I'm sure there's plenty of people here willing to dob you in for it.

If you feel like you're being treated negatively by this forum its because we have the animals welfare in our interests over your wants and needs. Theres many people here who have dealt with many instances of people keeping snakes incorrectly simply by not being prepared BEFORE they get an animal, and having to deal with the consequences.

1st --- When I got him he came with everything he needs.
2nd--- I have a license
3rd--- how am I sending to an early grave?
4th--- how am I being stubborn and being grossly unprepared for his needs...
You say these are not things you can learn on the way!!! Well how do you learn them then????
How did you learn them?? Was you born into it?
Another thing when I said I done some research I meant the basics ok so laugh as much as you want,, I think I'll forget this site. Even though there are some that want to help there are ppl like you badsville that just want to put ppl down for wanting to learn about how to look after reptiles..
 
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1st --- When I got him he came with everything he needs.
2nd--- I have a license
3rd--- how am I sending to an early grave?
4th--- how am I being stubborn and being grossly unprepared for his needs...
You say these are not things you can learn on the way!!! Well how do you learn them then????
How did you learn them?? Was you born into it?
Another thing when I said I done some research I meant the basics ok so laugh as much as you want,, I think I'll forget this site. Even though there are some that want to help there are ppl like you badsville that just want to put ppl down for wanting to learn about how to look after reptiles..

1st. But you don't know how to use it, you need to know that. And get rid of the heat rock they're timebombs waiting to go off.
2nd. That's great.
3rd. Reptiles, when sick go downhill amazingly fast. Not having correct setup, feeding ect. will quickly harm your animal.
4th. "If I'm not equipped to handle him I will Learn!! I'm not going to hand it over to anyone." is pretty stubborn.
I helped you plenty. I gave you links to care sheets, told you how to get it sexed, and showed you the website for DEHP if you ever need it.
 
That 15-20% food sizing has got so many holes in that theory its not funny, for eg that would mean my carpet gets a 2.33 kg food item every fortnight and an 8 kg Black Headed Python would get a 1.33 kg rat every fortnight when a 150-175 gm rat does fine.
l believe a better equation would be the width of your snake by 1 - 1.25 times its body width so after the food item is consumed there is a "very slight" bulge....solar 17 ~B~

I actually found that equation very good as a new snake owner with a hatchling snake but as you said the theory is not perfect because as a snake matures they are more trying to maintain condition rather than grow. It was useful because I wasn't very good at judging width so went down the more clinical approach with a routine. Now my adults are fed a large meal every 3-4 weeks depending on how hungry they are and brumate so do not feed for over 4 months.


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apart from all the negatives on this thread the "basics" are
1/ hot/heat area 32 - 35c
2/ cool end @ room temp.
3/ "fresh" bowl of water. (not to be under estimated)
4/ food once every two weeks about one to one and a quarter times his body width
done deal
5/ shedding/sloughing if his eyes appear to be getting a "smokey look" to them a shed is coming up and he "may not" eat until after his shed, now just prior to his shed his eyes will appear to clear, this "generally" happens just prior to his shed taking place, its generally considered if you are feeding a correct sized food item your friend will shed every 7 - 9 weeks (adjust accordingly). solar 17 :)
 
If you would like to pm me your postal address I can express post you a copy of the book I mentioned in your other post. Here are some links I have found that may be helpful to you also and may also help you locate a good reptile vet in or near your area. Unfortunately reptile vets can be few and far between and you should always be prepared to drive a fair distance to reach one, I would also suggest getting your new snake to them as soon as possible for a basic health check. In WA the average consult with a reptile vet is between $80 and $100 but is well worth it, they can weigh and sex your animal and give you details on it's condition and help you with most questions. It is also good to go atleast once so that you know where they are and how to find them, getting after hours emergency contact details is good to have on hand too.

https://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/reptiles
http://www.acreptiles.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=81&Itemid=140 (this link is a report written by an experienced carpet python breeder and is about what works for him, will be helpful but don't take it as concrete as every animal is different. Just some great general pointers)
http://www.exoticsvet.com.au/CarpetDiamondPython_dvella.pdf (Another caresheet by Sydney Exotics and Rabbits Vet)

These texts should prove invaluable in different ways but I still strongly recommend finding and reading as much more as you can, you will have to judge what is accurate and not just hearsay made up by wannabe enthusiasts or Passenger-seat Professionals.

Fixed an issue with the links, they should all work fine now although the acreptiles link doesn't want to do what I want it to it works if you paste it into your URL bar :)
 
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[MENTION=40294]Marggs[/MENTION], I do not currently own a snake but have been researching every day for the last 3 months and plan to buy my enclosure with everything I need and set it up, keep it running for a week, testing temperatures and conditions daily to make sure it is PERFECT for my snake before I get it.

You are rushing and definitely putting your snake in danger. You shouldn't have taken it until you knew EVERYTHING you needed to know. Everything should have been set up and ready before you accepted it. This is sad :oops:

You probably aren't trying to be irresponsible but you are being irresponsible. You should give it to someone who knows snakes and when you're ready, get it back off of them or buy yourself a new snake.... when you are ready and have researched!
 
I have a license... And I understand what your saying. I have seen these sort of ppl that say they love there pets but to the contrary..

This is why I asked all the Q so I can have the right things for him. I will continue to gain knowledge of the reptile world and enjoy every minute.

Thanks Bart :cool:


1st --- When I got him he came with everything he needs.
2nd--- I have a license
3rd--- how am I sending to an early grave?
4th--- how am I being stubborn and being grossly unprepared for his needs...
You say these are not things you can learn on the way!!! Well how do you learn them then????
How did you learn them?? Was you born into it?
Another thing when I said I done some research I meant the basics ok so laugh as much as you want,, I think I'll forget this site. Even though there are some that want to help there are ppl like you badsville that just want to put ppl down for wanting to learn about how to look after reptiles..

Badsville is just a very blunt person. But the information he gives is solid and it would be foolish to ignore the vast knowledge within this forum because of your opinions on one person.
 
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With a 4 year old snake just get the temperature right and everything else will follow. Like Baden said - access to 32C and to ambient temperature. If it hasn't got access to heat dont feed it.
 
Badsville is just a very blunt person. But the information he gives is solid and it would be foolish to ignore the vast knowledge within this forum because of your opinions on one person.

Blunt as a sledgehammer, but I am always willing to impart information that will help anyone.
 
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