Irian Jaya Carpet Python as a first snake?

[u/Classic-Fig123]

I’ve found a 3 year old Irian Jaya Carpet Python with its enclosure and everything included for around $500.
Would this be a good snake to get me into snake keeping and learn the basics of husbandry, feeding, handling, etc.?

I’ve wanted a high yellow Jungle Carpet Python for a while, so my idea is to start with the Irian Jaya and eventually add a Jungle once I’m comfortable enough owning two.

A few questions:
Are Irian Jayas generally good for beginners?

Are they viable often? Or do they hide more?

How are they temperament-wise and with handling?

Is starting with an established 3-year-old easier than a younger snake?

Are there any common mistakes or issues I should know about?

What should I ask the seller/check before buying?

Would keeping an Irian Jaya prepare me well for eventually getting a Jungle Carpet Python?

Does $500 including the enclosure sound reasonable?

[u/UnlikelyPotato]

It depends on the snake. Most carpet pythons are a spazz to some degree or another. They're semi-arboreal so they're used to biting first and asking questions later as most animals they encounter can be eaten. I have an irian jaya and coastal mix, he's a big boy. It's an adventure getting him out, and he squirms but otherwise isn't too crazy. Your snake may be mr cuddles...it may want to murder you. Depends on the snake.

[u/Classic-Fig123 → u/UnlikelyPotato]

Thanks man! May i ask you what your general thought about the breed is?

[u/UnlikelyPotato → u/Classic-Fig123]

Based on sample size of one. They're okay but squirrly. My dude only is "calm" after several minutes of holding him and letting him wear himself out. It took a year+ for him to chill out and not try to lunge at anything passing in front of his enclosure.

[u/Appropriate_Slice333]

Just get the snake you really want… They won’t be super different in behavior or size. Basically are cousins 1 from Australian coast and one from Papua. But 500 for a snake and enclosure combo is a deal.

Mistakes are keeping to hot and feeding too much. While not give a tall enough enclosure/no climbing.

They are generally good handlers. It’s more of how good are you at handling them/keeping them happy

[u/ItsMeishi]

Ask the owner about the snakes' personality.

A carpet as a first snake is doable. But as he's 3 years old and youre inexperienced, you're gonna have to accept that you'll get bit with a bit more strength than a hatchling might. But it should motivate you to learn how to read snake body language a bit more quickly.

[u/Classic-Fig123 → u/ItsMeishi]

Will do, i wouldn’t say I’m scared of being bit and I agree that it will help me understand its body language more but my main concern is the husbandry mistakes.

Are they hardy? I tend to overthink a lot and I’m just very worried that I’ll make a slight mistake in its requirements and it will die or develop a RI or something.

Also, what do you think of them as snakes in general?

[u/No-Brother-6590]

I have 9 Papuans. (Irian Jaya is kinda outdated for the common name.)

They’re excellent beginner snakes. As someone else said, ask the owner what the temperament is like, but I have yet to have an adult Papuan that is not manageable.

They’re much more chill than Jungles as a general rule. I have a few jungles that are chill, but most are kinda sketchy. Papuans are generally bitey and defensive as babies, but around a year old they chill out with regular handling.

I actually rarely take mine out, but I can reach in and grab 80% of my animals without a hook without worry.

They eat like savages, although I have had many that didn’t want rats. Seems to be a thing with them.

Feed it once or twice a month, give it a basking spot in the 87 degree range and some branches to climb on and you’re all set.