GTP a good second snake?

[SDballp]

i dont plan on getting one any time soon, but next to ball pythons i believe a GTP is something id really love to have in my collection and im curious if they are something people would suggest..

Im very good at checking and rechecking everything i can to make the habitat as good as i can for any snake.

Not worried about any extra costs that would go along with correct care for one

curious how they are tempered to handling? or if they will just be something to look at and enjoy

been reading what i can on this site and http://moreliaviridis.yuku.com/ to learn more about them

any info you care to share is greatly appreciated thanks !

[vangarret2000]

They can be nasty and have very big teethe so they are more of a display snake. Not really something for handling. SOme people have handlable GTP but that isn't the norm.

If your only experience is a bp it is probably not a good second snake. THey are usually more recommended for experienced handlers becuase of their temper. THeir teeth can cause some big damage.

http://www.seanthomas.net/oldsite/gpython.jpg

[SDballp]

oh wow haha, nice teeth..

id be fine with it being a display snake, i think they are beautiful

[Wh00h0069]

When I first got my GTP, he was pretty nasty. Once I moved him / her from a 6 quart tub to a 2x2x2 cage, he calmed down right away. I do not handle him, but I'm sure I could if I tried. You just can not handle them at night. You would get bit for sure. There are a few users on this forumn that have a few GTPs, and handle them.

[Lucas339]

also you never want to handle a GTP under a year of age. handling when young can lead to spinal kinks. during the first year, their spines are really fragile.

[avdnco]

Keep in mind that even if it is a display animal , you still need to feel comfortable in taking care of it.
I keep both Ballpythons and borneos. I have no fear of handling the Big borneos which many people find to be temperamental.

But I once on a whim bought an beautiful amazon...I knew it was a display animal. The little bugger struck at me any time I even walked by his cage. He terrorized me to the point I was nervous when doing any maintenance. Then he had a bad shed ...I ended up giving him to a friend of mine who is more experienced. My friend still laughs at me about having no fear of the bloods and being 'wimpy' with a puny little amazon. I go visit 'Nippy' every once and a while but I swear he still gives me the evil eye.
Here is "Nippy"


When choosing to keep an animal that can be difficult, you really need to be very sure that the risk of getting bit will not scare you out of taking proper care of the animal.

BTW I am waiting for a new carpet python that my friend's daughter just hatched.

Best of luck

[SDballp]

alright, thank you all for you information.. will definatly come into consideration in the future when i get closer to deciding !

[mainbutter]

I just wanted to chime in and say there is no reason you'd be incapable of providing perfect husbandry for a GTP, especially with some previous snake experience.

I'd say if you really want one, there's nothing that is going to stop you from giving one a loving home.

[hud556]

I just wanted to chime in and say there is no reason you'd be incapable of providing perfect husbandry for a GTP, especially with some previous snake experience.

What he said. Certain species are more forgiving of husbandry mistakes than others, but if you provide your Chondro with all the requirements it needs then it will thrive and be a rewarding captive. There are no begginer snakes only begginer keepers.

[Colin Vestrand]

agreed, they are not any 'harder' to keep than balls or carpets. making sure it has proper caging is paramount so that you can more easily provide for it's needs.

by the way, you don't ever have to 'handle' them... you just need removable perches. treat them like a hot if you're worried about being bitten.