GTP vs. ETB

[Brad91]

So I'm looking at getting a tree snake and can't decide between a Green Tree Python and an Emerald Tree Boa. I want something active, low temperament, about the size of a Ball Python (maybe a little bigger), and something that eats well. Any suggestions?

[MisterKyte]

I've never kept either personally, but from working in a place that required me to care for both, I'd definitely go with a GTP if one of your concerns is temperament. The place I volunteered at had some very tame animals (they were used for educational purposes) but their ETBs were either very aggressive or very nervous/twitchy compared to GTPs who had been at the facility for similar amounts of times. The ETBs also didn't seem to eat as well as the GTPs. I could just be biased though since I lean towards pythons over boas in general.

[Evenstar]

Green Tree Python all the way!! ETBs are pretty, but they can be temperamental, and husbandry must be absolutely just so. Sometimes, ETBs can just up and die for no apparent reason even if husbandry is perfect. They are known for having feeding issues too.

My GTP is puppy-dog tame, NEVER misses a meal, and is very forgiving of minor husbandry errors. You will be very happy with a GTP!! But I do suggest that you get a yearling or young adult for your first. You will not be sorry. Neonates can be extremely fragile - just picking them up can break a spine - and are much less forgiving of husbandry until they are older. And you can be more assured of temperament with a better established animal.

This is my adult male GTP, Hunter....




And being handled by his breeder's 8 year old son....

[DooLittle]

I'm going to have to vote for a GTP as well. Just got my first one, and I am smitten. Can't wait until I can handle him, I wound up with a neo, because I couldn't find what I wanted as an adult or juvie. But he is so freaking cool. And he definitely is a whole different ball game from balls or boas.





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[chaseg22]

I'm actually in the process of making the same decision. I keep going back and forth and can't seem to make up my mind. From the research I've done and people I've talked to, I eliminated the ETB. I'm debating between a GTP and ATB. You should also take a look at the ATB for your first arboreal snake, they seem to be the most forgiving of minor husbandry mistakes. If I do go with a GTP, I'm gonna go with a yearling or adult.

Keep us updated on whatever you decide and post some pics! Good luck!

[Evenstar]

I'm actually in the process of making the same decision. I keep going back and forth and can't seem to make up my mind. From the research I've done and people I've talked to, I eliminated the ETB. I'm debating between a GTP and ATB. You should also take a look at the ATB for your first arboreal snake, they seem to be the most forgiving of minor husbandry mistakes. If I do go with a GTP, I'm gonna go with a yearling or adult.

Keep us updated on whatever you decide and post some pics! Good luck!

Actually, husbandry for GTPs is often overthought. I find them no harder to care for than my boas or balls. In fact, thanks to their feeding response, they are easier than my BPs. With the proper cage, humidity is a non-issue. And we use an RHP for the heat source since these are arboreal snakes and a UTH is less appropriate. They also prefer a more horizontal cage rather than vertical - they will move side to side on their perches to thermoregulate rather than up and down. But their care is really a piece of cake!

[KMG]

I second a young adult gtp. My first gtp was a young biak that suddenly died. It was incredibly nippy and would bite me every chance it got. It was in no way a friendly snake. My current I got as a young adult Aru and though he will still have grumpy days and has tagged me he is a dream compared to my first. As long as mine is fed and not startled I can reach right in and pull him out. Once he is out I completely trust him and he will crawl all around my neck and head.

I Am lucky in the fact I work nights so on my nights off I get the chance to watch my snakes actually move around. He never disappoints and uses his whole cage. I Usually have to straighten his plants because he crawls through them and turns them sideways most nights.

I too do not find the husbandry hard as long as you set the cage up right. Evenstar turned me to pvccages.com and I love the cage I got. I went with the 24/20 which came assembled and ready out of the box. It also took less than three weeks to get from the order date. I ordered it with a light, perches, and rhp.

http://www.pvccages.com/new/?wpsc-pr...-20d-assembled



With every shed he reveals more blue, which I love.

[Marrissa]

Some day I want one. For now I live vicariously through the pictures you guys post. Gorgeous snakes! And I have the water bowl for my BP KMG.

Whatever you decide to get, bombard us with pictures please.

[ruthless rah]

awesome gtp's guys!!

[wendhend]

I have an Aru chondro that is super mellow, easy to handle, feeds super easy on frozen / thawed and poses for photos better than any other snake that I have owned. He is an amazing pet and display animal! My Jade line chondro is also mellow, gorgeous and easy to feed frozen / thawed, but she is an oddball that usually prefers curling up on the floor of her cage to perching. Oh well! Still a joy to have in My collection! Mine are both captive bred, and I think that is an important thing to look for in whichever species you choose.