Chondro Assistance

[Neal]

Okay, so after wanting one for several years I've finally decided to get one. I have so many different options but I've narrowed it down to three. The thing is while I know how to care for one, I don't know much about the genetics and that stuff. I know about the localities if you want to call them that, but aside from that I'm in the process of reading The Complete Chondro book to get up to speed more. As of right now I'm just wanting to get into it for a pet but may do some breeding in the future once I understand everything or know more about the genetics. So in the mean time here are some ones that I'm looking at:

These are both males:



Now the next one is a very expensive one, but due to the tail is kinked from when the female attacked him and he fell he is recommended to just be a pet, because there is no guarantee about him breeding now. This is the one:


I personally like the one with the kinked tail because of the blue and yellow the best for some reason, and he's also an '08 baby. So those three are my options, and I'm just wanting some advice or some opinions as to which you would prefer and why, that way I know more of what to look for.

Also the first two males, the parents lineage can be traced back which is nice.

This is the father of the two males above:


This is the mother of the two males above:


Now these are the parents of the two above parents:
Male:

Female:


Now the parents to the parents above:
Male:

Female:


Now this last female was a WC Aru. That's the lineage of the first two males, and I didn't ask about the male with the kinked tail that I like, but I'd assume he has that lineage traced back as well. So any advice is welcomed and appreciated.

[DooLittle]

My first question is how old is the yellow neo? Typically they say that gtps shouldn't be sexed until a year of age due to their fragility. So not sure I would buy from someone who did that. Another thing is that alot of people will recommend not even buying until they are a yearling. Then they arent as fragile, are established, and you should be able to judge temperament. When I got mine, I wanted to find a yearling. I was looking for Sorong, Aru, or Jaya. Couldn't find what I wanted as a yearling, so I went with a sex unknown neo. I was so worried with him at first. But he has been easy, and luckily seems to have a docile temperament, and is just coming up on a year in December.

With gtps there is no guarantee that a good looking one will throw good looking babies. It seems to be more about trial and error finding the right pair/combo from what I've read.

I would check out Rico Walder. Although with his health I'm not sure how things are going over there. Also, look at Clockwork. Thats where I got mine. There is another guy whose name escapes me at the moment. But if Kali chimes in, she will know.

Also, as far as picking one, what are you looking for? Blues, yellows?

[Neal]

My first question is how old is the yellow neo? Typically they say that gtps shouldn't be sexed until a year of age due to their fragility. So not sure I would buy from someone who did that. Another thing is that alot of people will recommend not even buying until they are a yearling. Then they arent as fragile, are established, and you should be able to judge temperament. When I got mine, I wanted to find a yearling. I was looking for Sorong, Aru, or Jaya. Couldn't find what I wanted as a yearling, so I went with a sex unknown neo. I was so worried with him at first. But he has been easy, and luckily seems to have a docile temperament, and is just coming up on a year in December.

With gtps there is no guarantee that a good looking one will throw good looking babies. It seems to be more about trial and error finding the right pair/combo from what I've read.

I would check out Rico Walder. Although with his health I'm not sure how things are going over there. Also, look at Clockwork. Thats where I got mine. There is another guy whose name escapes me at the moment. But if Kali chimes in, she will know.

Also, as far as picking one, what are you looking for? Blues, yellows?

I like the Blue and when the yellow comes up high, but the down side is they're too pricey for me. I think I'm just going get me a pair for $450 and grow them up and admire them because they're awesome anyways. Maybe one day I'll get a third to add in.

[DTK]

I like the Blue and when the yellow comes up high, but the down side is they're too pricey for me. I think I'm just going get me a pair for $450 and grow them up and admire them because they're awesome anyways. Maybe one day I'll get a third to add in.

I got a young one about the size of the yellow for my first and only chrondo so far. It was a lovely snake but I couldn't get it to eat anything at all. live, frozen, anoles, nothing. It lasted about 3-4 months not eating. I force fed it twice, and the second time I think I unfortunately stressed it out too much and it passed away. I had all the temps, humidity everything right, he/she just wouldn't eat. It was very sad.

Moral of the story is that, while I love those snakes, and plan to get one again someday, it will definitely be an established yearling.

Best of luck!

[crazypythonlady]

Whatever you do above anything get a chondro from a breeder with a great reputation, it makes a world of difference. Also I am sure you are aware of this but morelia forum ( http://moreliaviridis.yuku.com/) offers a lot of great breeders to choose from and if you have questions along the way they will answer them. I second dolittles comment no chondro should be sexed under the age of 1 no if ands or buts about it. That being said Chondros are awesome I got my first one in august and I could not be happiers with it.

PS : I am partial to the second one it looks remarkably similar to my little baby who is now starting to show hints of blue in the dorsal and is just an overall great jade color

[mikoh4792]

Are those John Leckie's babies? I hear good things about him. I was actually going to buy one his.

[crazypythonlady]

X2 on that Mikoh4792 I have one of John Leckie`s Jade Line chondros ( thats why I love the second pic) and I could not be happier he is absolutely great, He answers any questions I have. Also while he is expensive you get what you pay for in the world of chondros you cant go cheap.

[tikigator]

X2 on not getting a sexed neo, they should never be sexed before 12 months (that is how they get kinks). Also, Ryan Burke and John Leckie are good friends of mine, both I would highly recommend. I personally would not recommend getting any snake before you have gotten and read the More Complete Chondro book. You really need to make sure you are prepared before getting any chondro.....make sure you have the proper enclosure, the proper setup, thermostat, etc. If you were to get a neo, do you have a 6qt tub/rack with backheat and thermostat ready for it? If you were to get an adult male, do you have a 20-24" cube with a radiant heat panel and thermostat ready to go? That is the biggest issue I find with new chondro owners, husbandry is EVERYTHING and you must be prepared with your setup. #1 buy book, #2 get setup, #2 buy animal. Chondros are also not a cheap investment, you definately get what you pay for and you cannot cut corners on investing in your setup/enclosure. A good thermostat is a must, and a proper enclosure suitable for whichever animal you decide to get is imperitive for successful keeping. Good luck