[Purchasing] Dumerils Boa vs Carpet Python?

[HypoKK63]

Ok, I'd like to say sorry if this isn't the right section so just move it if necessary.

Anyways, as of right now I own a hypo red tail boa female among a bunch of other animals (non-boa). I've been itching to get another snake for a while and I think I might take the plunge very soon. Problem is, I cant decide on which one to get. Ive always found Dumerils boas fascinating, so instinctivly I considered getting that. BUT, upon looking around, Carpet pythons really intrigue me. I tried making a pro/cons list but still cant decide.

-Both about the same price
-Both grow to about the same length with the Dumerils being more heavy bodied

*Dumeril boas are known to be finicky eaters, but have very tame behaviors.
* They grow slowly which is good and would need the same size enclosure as my hypo boa (~4x2')
* Can be kept in a plastic tub as babies and juvies.

^Carpet pythons are known to be nippy, but most grow out of it by the age of 1-2 years old
^Most of them are monster eaters
^Need a slightly smaller cage than a Dumerils, BUT they need more vertical
^Most likely a baby can be kept in a bigger tub but would need to be moved into a different cage more quickly.
^For some reason, highly intriguing animals

Any opinions?

[bebowebb]

I don't have personal experience with either, so I'd have to say go for both.... lol

[HypoKK63]

BAH! I wish

[pookiebuttons]

Ooo that's tough. I don't have personal experience with them either but I've seen both at shows. Well you could always get one for now and than next year or so get the other. Choosing one is just the hardest thing ever. If you keep snakes you won't be able to avoid getting more in the future so just put one on your wishlist. For now I would say go with the Dumerils because sound better temperment wise.

[monkeywrench133]

Well, I've got a JCP and a pair of Madagascar Ground Boas. (MGBs are larger cousins to Dumerils).

Go with the Dumeril. My JCP has always been a hugely picky eater, and generally a PITA.

My MGBs are great eaters, and very docile and easy to handle.

[DtRooster]

I recently picked up a dumeril. He's got a great temperment, and eats really well. I don't think you could go wrong with the dum.

[snakefreak89]

was there a specific carpet you where looking at? cuz some of them get bigger than boas like 14 ft or so but stay much thinner. personally i like the carpets too but the last time i went to a hurp show i knew i wanted one going in and still couldn't help but buy a boa. i think the best idea is to try holding both snakes even if its at a local pet shop. the carpets are very thin and flighty when there young where as the boas are thicker and not at quick to bolt out of you hand.

[chaosboa]

Maybe i can make your decision alot easier. I am giving away a male dumerils, 2 years old, great temperment, good eater F/T, healthy, no problems. I got him for free with a adult female that I bought about 2 weeks ago. You can look up my post about it. If you are in the Nashville TN area you can pick him up. I can't ship right now and already promised him to another guy once shipping becomes an option. Let me know.

[HypoKK63]

Hey, sorry that I wasn't specific. I was looking at the jungle carpets.

Unfortunately I can't take snake. I live in NY and would nonetheless like a 6-9 month old. I'm just confused, one forum is saying boa and one is saying carpet lol. I DO wish the dums were more active though, everyone tells me they're like logs lol

[monkeywrench133]

Originally Posted by HypoKK63

I DO wish the dums were more active though, everyone tells me they're like logs lol

Neither is very active. They're both only about two steps up from "pet rock" on the activity scale.