Talk to me about Green Arboreal Snakes!

[Badgemash]

I've been playing with the idea of adding another species to my little collection, preferably something that would be compatible with an awesome live viv (because I would then have an excuse to build said viv). Green has always been my favorite color so naturally I'm leaning toward GTP or Emerald Tree Boas (was toying with idea of Boelen's but I can't justify spending that kind of money on something that's so incredibly difficult to breed). I don't know much about the personalities of either species other than hearing that Aru's and Basin's are the politest representatives of the two (which considering how much other hearsay goes around is probably inaccurate) and that one should never attempt to remove them from their perches whilst coiled. Is there any reason to chose one species or subtype over the other (other than color/pattern)? Any big husbandry or personality challenges I should be aware of as I consider where to go with this? I'm generally averse to grumpy snakes, but I don't mind a bit of a diva* or an animal that prefers being watched rather than handled, so long as I'm not going to need stitches if we need to go to the vet or whatever. Thanks!

*I think it's cute that my hognose gets all hissy about her food, but I would be WAY less amused if she was six feet long and could reach my face in a strike because she's in food mode.

[_Victor_]

From what I have read, the GTP is much easier to care for. ETB's are more expensive, have more exacting care requirements, and have regurgitation problems. You might require stitches if an ETB bit you, they have largest teeth of any nonvenomous snake (proportionally). A GTP has more color variation, is a little less pricey, and in my opinion, more beautiful overall. this might be a bit biased, as the green tree python is my favorite snake. If you are serious about the GTP, i would purchase greg maxwells 'The more complete chondro'... it's quite expensive for a hard copy, but it is not that expensive if you choose to get it on your nook or kindle

[Raven01]

I have been considering importing False Mamba's ( a poor common name if there was one) aka Philomanthus semivarigatus, ETB's, Yellow tail Cribo or Spilotes pullatus as a display snake since, I cannot for for love or money locate captive bred Chinese false Cobra's.
Good luck with your display, unfortunately I cannot help with the GTP's since I have no experience with those.

[Neal]

From what I have read, the GTP is much easier to care for. ETB's are more expensive, have more exacting care requirements, and have regurgitation problems. You might require stitches if an ETB bit you, they have largest teeth of any nonvenomous snake (proportionally). A GTP has more color variation, is a little less pricey, and in my opinion, more beautiful overall. this might be a bit biased, as the green tree python is my favorite snake. If you are serious about the GTP, i would purchase greg maxwells 'The more complete chondro'... it's quite expensive for a hard copy, but it is not that expensive if you choose to get it on your nook or kindle

GTP's rock. I'm going to be getting one after I get some other stuff straight. I have that book he's referring to, and the one prior to that, though I borrowed from a friend. I can help you if you have a general idea what you're looking for.

As he said ETB have some insanely large front teeth versus the GTP. Though they both have enlarged teeth due to holding their prey while perched, the ETB will have larger teeth:




I know a guy who was bit on the hand and due to the nerves getting hit he didn't even realize it. I think it took close to a year for him to get full feeling back in his hand.

[satomi325]

Take a look at green arboreal colubrids too!

- Red tailed rat snake (Gonyosoma oxycephalum)
- Rough Green snake (Opheodrys aestivus)
- Green bush ratsnake (elaphe prasina)
- Rhinoceros ratsnake (Rhynchophis boulengeri)
- Asian Vine Snake (Ahaetulla prasina)

[eatgoodfood]

I have been considering importing False Mamba's ( a poor common name if there was one) aka Philomanthus semivarigatus, ETB's, Yellow tail Cribo or Spilotes pullatus as a display snake since, I cannot for for love or money locate captive bred Chinese false Cobra's.
Good luck with your display, unfortunately I cannot help with the GTP's since I have no experience with those.

Sorry to go off topic, but if you are referring to Pseudoxenodon macrops, its my understanding they all die quickly in captive care, are difficult to get to feed, and need to be cool and wet. Great looking snake though.

Back on topic, I vote ETB, I like their head shape and overall look better.

[Neal]

I also vote for the GTP. Def more popular so if you want to ever breed you'll be able to move the babies.

Satomi pointed out another good point of arboreal colubrids.

Out of those I'd say the Rhino Rat as they're freaking awesome in person. I had the chance to hold one a few months ago. Unfortunately as soon as the guy said to be careful because he just got him from another person where it was underfed, it had already latched onto my finger. That sucker was resilient and wouldn't let go either. Not for a spray bottle or water. Here is the picture if you want a giggle. Overall, beautiful snake though.

[John1982]

, preferably something that would be compatible with an awesome live viv (because I would then have an excuse to build said viv). Green has always been my favorite color

Rough green snakes are slender little serpents that glide gracefully through foliage without leaving a wake of destruction. They're an excellent candidate for elaborate, live vivarium setups. Feeding time is a hoot and a half too - bonus.

[Badgemash]

From what I have read, the GTP is much easier to care for. ETB's are more expensive, have more exacting care requirements, and have regurgitation problems. You might require stitches if an ETB bit you, they have largest teeth of any nonvenomous snake (proportionally). A GTP has more color variation, is a little less pricey, and in my opinion, more beautiful overall. this might be a bit biased, as the green tree python is my favorite snake. If you are serious about the GTP, i would purchase greg maxwells 'The more complete chondro'... it's quite expensive for a hard copy, but it is not that expensive if you choose to get it on your nook or kindle

I'll go download an e version (I'm supposed to be de-cluttering and not buying more books lol)

As he said ETB have some insanely large front teeth versus the GTP. Though they both have enlarged teeth due to holding their prey while perched, the ETB will have larger teeth:
I know a guy who was bit on the hand and due to the nerves getting hit he didn't even realize it. I think it took close to a year for him to get full feeling back in his hand.

Oh my, those are some freaky scary teeth, I find myself suddenly leaning strongly toward GTP. It's funny, I actually held an ETB in my local reptile shop the other day, they have a male in the store from a family with kids, apparently the kids handled that poor snake so much over the last two years that he's completely hand tame now (which is reflected in his price lol). But I think I'd have been a bit less bold with him if I'd known what was lurking in that jaw.

Take a look at green arboreal colubrids too!

- Red tailed rat snake (Gonyosoma oxycephalum)
- Rough Green snake (Opheodrys aestivus)
- Green bush ratsnake (elaphe prasina)
- Rhinoceros ratsnake (Rhynchophis boulengeri)
- Asian Vine Snake (Ahaetulla prasina)

Ah, I'm unfamiliar with these guys, thank you for the list, I'll start researching them as well. Actually my local reptile store has several of the asian vine snakes, I do like their funny heads, but don't they eat anoles?

I also vote for the GTP. Def more popular so if you want to ever breed you'll be able to move the babies.

Out of those I'd say the Rhino Rat as they're freaking awesome in person. I had the chance to hold one a few months ago. Unfortunately as soon as the guy said to be careful because he just got him from another person where it was underfed, it had already latched onto my finger. That sucker was resilient and wouldn't let go either. Not for a spray bottle or water. Here is the picture if you want a giggle. Overall, beautiful snake though.

That kind of makes me not want one of those lol, although it is quite attractive in a weird way.

Rough green snakes are slender little serpents that glide gracefully through foliage without leaving a wake of destruction. They're an excellent candidate for elaborate, live vivarium setups. Feeding time is a hoot and a half too - bonus.

Why is feeding time a hoot and a half? That makes me nervous after all the mega teeth pics!

[John1982]

Why is feeding time a hoot and a half? That makes me nervous after all the mega teeth pics!

Just fun to watch swaying in their plant, mimicking a branch in the breeze or chasing down a cricket or tackling a huge caterpillar! They're insectivores and 100% harmless.