snakekeeping difficulty between breeds

[Manasha-Bogo]

Hello,

I have 2 ball pythons and had a shaky start but now it feels like the easiest thing in the world now that I know all the variables and how to keep things optimal for my snakes. The pvc cage arrived this week and I'm getting it together. But this is most DEFINITELY an addicting passtime, keeping snakes.

I have been looking into and reading care sheets for green tree pythons and I'm curious to hear from anyone who has both ball and green tree pythons which would you say is more difficult? Would getting a gtp now be too a big step in difficulty level for me? I can get one more snake (if I'm lucky) but no more than that. And the species that intrigues me the most right now is the GTP.

I know it can live in a T12 pvc cage with heat panels comfortably. I have read some people have misters for them. I'm not interested in any exotic morph. I prefer a solid green snake. Maybe an aru or Sorong (still not straight on the locale thing tho). I know they start out red or yellow as hatchlings. A hatchling may be cheaper than a juvenile or adult although it is more difficult because they can't be handled due to their delicate bones. But at least I could keep it in a tub for the first year or so, so there would be no expense for a viv right away.

I'm still learning a lot about them and the balls too so I won't be getting anything else for a while. I don't want a repeat of manasha, but I want to start the research process early *before* any opportunity to get one may present itself to me.

[The Serpent Merchant]

This book will tell you everything you need to know about GTP's.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Chond.../dp/0976733455

GTP's are undoubtedly a much harder snake to keep than a BP... only you can decide if you are ready for a snake with more advanced husbandry requirements.

[Evenstar]

Aaron knows I have a lot of respect for him and his opinions, but I have to disagree that a GTP is more difficult than a BP. In fact, when it comes to feeding, they are much easier! So often people over think GTP husbandry. They do need a touch higher humidity, but honestly, keeping one is no harder than keeping any of my boas.

But I totally agree that you should pick up that book - it's a GTP owner's bible!!

I think they do benefit from a slightly more elaborate set-up. I know many folks keep them in tubs, but they do have perches and usually vines of some sort in there too. A T12 is fine. I recommend a 2x2x2 or better yet a 3x2x2. PVC enclosures are best. Animal plastics makes good ones and so does Jim at www.pvccages.com. Use perches that are smaller than the girth of the snake and I like to provide at least 2 thicknesses so my snake has a choice. Live plants will also add to the asthetics and imporve air quality.

I highly recommend getting an older juvenile or young adult - not a neonate. Neos are very fragile and, for your first, you'd be best off with something a little older and better established. PM me and I'd be happy to recommend a few breeders. With GTPs more so than other snakes, it's vitally important to get one from a good breeder and not an unknown source.

Treat your GTP like you would any other snake and you'll be fine!!

[The Serpent Merchant]

Aaron knows I have a lot of respect for him and his opinions, but I have to disagree that a GTP is more difficult than a BP. In fact, when it comes to feeding, they are much easier! So often people over think GTP husbandry. They do need a touch higher humidity, but honestly, keeping one is no harder than keeping any of my boas.

But I totally agree that you should pick up that book - it's a GTP owner's bible!!

I think they do benefit from a slightly more elaborate set-up. I know many folks keep them in tubs, but they do have perches and usually vines of some sort in there too. A T12 is fine. I recommend a 2x2x2 or better yet a 3x2x2. PVC enclosures are best. Animal plastics makes good ones and so does Jim at www.pvccages.com. Use perches that are smaller than the girth of the snake and I like to provide at least 2 thicknesses so my snake has a choice. Live plants will also add to the asthetics and imporve air quality.

I highly recommend getting an older juvenile or young adult - not a neonate. Neos are very fragile and, for your first, you'd be best off with something a little older and better established. PM me and I'd be happy to recommend a few breeders. With GTPs more so than other snakes, it's vitally important to get one from a good breeder and not an unknown source.

Treat your GTP like you would any other snake and you'll be fine!!

I get what you are saying, but they do have stricter temperature/humidity requirements, and overall aren't as resilient as BP's are. If you have everything set up right then sure you'll find it no harder than keeping a BP... but they are far less forgiving if you do something wrong, that's all I was trying to say.

[Manasha-Bogo]

I found the book much cheaper on lllreptile. Thank you for the recommendation and advice. It will be a while yet before I can splurge on another pet and accommodations. But... I want to get GTP savvy before I get there.

[satomi325]

One thing that I find more "difficult" compared to a ball python is the handling. I find that most of the GTPs I've come across are more aggressive/less tame than the average ball. But then again, most of the GTPs I know were mainly purchased to become display animals rather than handling ones.

Other than that, I wouldn't say its more difficult. The GTP just has a more strict husbandry and not as hardy as a ball. By hardy, I mean they're not as lenient with incorrect husbandry.

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