GTP keepers, I have questions

I have always liked the looks of them. So I was trying to do some research as I know nothing about them. Didn't see a care sheet here, unless I missed it. I also know nothing about the "Biak" and "Aru" . Whats all that mean? I really like the green ones that have the blue in them. Do you know what color they are going to turn, by how they look as babies? Does it make a difference if they are yellow or red as juveniles, as to their adult coloring? Or is that just luck of the draw? I did see one care sheet that said an adult can live in a 2x2x2, how do you feel about that? Also, it said they like high humidity, but didn't give a %. Over all temperment? I've read they can be bitey little buggers. Any tips, or tricks to know with these guys? Share all the info you have about these beauties! TIA! :)


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If you want to get into GTP's this book is pretty much the best place to start. It has so much information it is unreal.

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

If you shop around you can usually find it for less than Amazon is in that link.

Its luck of the draw on color and attitude.

Biak and Aru are locals and there is a few others.

From what I have read and experienced the Biak I had bit me every chance it got. My current Aru will have his bad days but usually is very good. Once he is out he is great.

I have the pre made cage fromPCVcages its 24*20*24, i think. It has plenty of space. You can see a pic of it with my four foot male perched in it in my pics.

If you want a certain color its best to look for a more mature animal so you have and idea. This also helps to see their attitude. Aru gtp seem to have the most blue. Mine has a lot.

My humidity stays between 70 and 80. Mine had ri when i got him and i was keeping humidity at 70 but the vet recommended going to 80 while recovering and ever since then keeping it around this range has worked well.

Boy, can't believe how much the book is! Only $29.99 at Amazon for kindle though. Might have to put it on hubbys kindle. Thanks guys!

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Boy, can't believe how much the book is! Only $29.99 at Amazon for kindle though. Might have to put it on hubbys kindle. Thanks guys!

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KINDLE!!! When I got my copy i wanted the Kindle version for my tablet but it was not available. I shelled out the money for the hardback and my bulldog decided to try to turn it in to a soft cover. She gave me a custom "worn look" cover.

I will have to download it. Its got alot of details.


This is the cage I bought. Evenstar suggested them to me and ha one too. Only took two weeks to arrive.

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

There aren't a ton of them on KS. Any breeder recommendations? So I can go creep their website?

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Doolittles gettin a new snake, doolittles gettin a new snake! Heehehee

The two i bought were from local people not wanting them anymore. I can't help you here.

When I started liking for one I was told to go to a show. That way you can see and hold it and figure out what kind of temperament your getting.

The first one I bought was the Biak(known for binging more nippy) said to have never bitten him or strike at him. Before I got it set up at home it was striking. I thought maybe it was just stressed and left it alone but it never changed. I worked with it but it remained very cage defensive until it suddenly died. I'm much happier with my Aru. He has been a joy. Displays well, fun to watch at night, and fun to handle.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Doolittles gettin a new snake, doolittles gettin a new snake! Heehehee

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Haha, eventually, maybe... I've always loved the looks of them. Just doing research...;)

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Originally Posted by KMG

The two i bought were from local people not wanting them anymore. I can't help you here.

When I started liking for one I was told to go to a show. That way you can see and hold it and figure out what kind of temperament your getting.

The first one I bought was the Biak(known for binging more nippy) said to have never bitten him or strike at him. Before I got it set up at home it was striking. I thought maybe it was just stressed and left it alone but it never changed. I worked with it but it remained very cage defensive until it suddenly died. I'm much happier with my Aru. He has been a joy. Displays well, fun to watch at night, and fun to handle.

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We don't get squat for shows around here. I'm going to have to get one shipped. One tiny lame show (from what I'm told, never been) that's about 1.5-2 hours away.

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For what it's worth I got mine from Ryan at Clockwork Reptiles. He often has ads on KS. Great snake, great service and great price. As well, you may check out www.moreliaviridis.yuku.com , there seems to be alot of good information there as well as some breeders.

How in the world is a book going for $700+???

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Originally Posted by pigfat

How in the world is a book going for $700+???

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Just a guess but it's probably a combination of hard cover and a very limited release.

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Originally Posted by pigfat

How in the world is a book going for $700+???

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Maybe a snake and cage is included. ;)

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Doolittles gettin a new snake, doolittles gettin a new snake! Heehehee

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Ahahahhaa!! You're stuck now....... :P



Biak and Aru are localities of GTPs. There are also Sorongs, Merukes, Wemena (sp??), and several others. Then there are the designer morphs such as calicos, mite phase, blues, high yellows, etc. My own GTP is a PNG x OSHY which is partially locality and partially designer - it means he is a Paupa New Guinea x Ophiological Services High Yellow. ;)

There is no real difference in yellow or red neos other than price. The reds are generally more desirable because it is generally believed and accepted that the red neos have a higher percentage of turning blue which is insanely sought after. But you cannot tell what a neo will look like or what color it will be based on its baby colors.

If you like very green snakes with a little blue highlighting along their dorsals, I would suggest an Aru or a Sorong. The Sorongs especially are noted to have nice blue markings along the dorsal and they are very green with very little yellow.

You can keep a GTP in a 2x2x2. I do personally feel that is the minimum, but it can certainly be done. My GTP is a large male at 5ft so he is in a 3x2x2 and it is perfect for him. I've also created it as our living room focal point so it a naturalistic tropical rainforest environment for him so larger was better. I think the 3x2x2 is the best size for an adult. If you start with a neo, an exo-terra is a good choice to start with - like BPs, the neos can be shy and insecure in somthing too large.

High humidity is relative. I keep mine at 50-60% in the morning and mist lightly every 2-3 days in the evening to boost it up to 70-80. I mist nightly when he goes into shed, but that daily drop in humidity is important too - higher humidity = more mold growth, etc. These guys also don't mind slightly cooler temps. I keep Hunter at 76-77 ambient with a hotspot on his highest perch at 88. He usually picks his middle perch under a few leaves. ;)

If you're interested in getting one, I strongly suggest you start with a juvenile or young adult. Neos are incredibly fragile and their spines can break just by you picking them up. Handling is generally not recommended until they are about a year old. NEVER buy a GTP that has been sexed before 1 year of age and don't buy even an adult from someone who sexes that early. They are also fragile feeders. Hard to get started and hard to keep going. Neos can also be nippy. You will know what you're getting if you buy a young adult - temperament and color will be much more apparent and you'll know it's feeding history and have a well-established animal.

As far as temperament, GTPs can be more sensitive, and you do NOT want to stick your hand in an enclosure after dark!! LoL, that's just asking to get bit.... They are night hunters and will grab anything warm that moves at night. But many GTPs are completely docile. My Hunter is puppy-dog tame and will hang out on my shoulders or on my hubby's lap for hours at a time. He likes my computer and the tv.... :rolleyes: Biaks are known for being more temperamental, Arus and Sorongs are docile, but there are exceptions to all. Another reason to get an adult from a recommended breeder who'll tell you honestly what the snake is like.

I got my Hunter from Rocky Gravley, the Arboreal Enthusiast, http://www.arborealenthusiast.com/ and I cannot recommend him enough!! Rocky was truly fantastic to work with and Hunter arrived in absolutely perfect condition and settled in immediately. He has been 100% problem free and is our favorite snake! Rocky will be the first person I go to when we get another.

The best tip I can give you for GTPs is to treat it like you would any other snake!! GTP husbandry is too often overthought. Do get that book Aaron recommended, but don't worry, their care and husbandry is no trouble at all. You will thoroughly enjoy having one!! :gj:

What Kali said.

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Yes, I would be interested in a "greener" one, with blues, no yellow. Thank you guys! Kali, full of helpful info as usual! ;). We will see what happens, its not going to be anytime real soon. But they keep coming back up, and we both always say we would like to have one.

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Yes, I would be interested in a "greener" one, with blues, no yellow. Thank you guys! Kali, full of helpful info as usual! ;). We will see what happens, its not going to be anytime real soon. But they keep coming back up, and we both always say we would like to have one.

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Hunter has become my husband's very favorite. He now wants his own GTP. I never thought he would want a snake of his own - they were always my thing - but Hunter sure did cross him over, lol..... :gj:

And, just to make you drool a wee little bit........

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...ons/Hunter.jpg

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

Hunter has become my husband's very favorite. He now wants his own GTP. I never thought he would want a snake of his own - they were always my thing - but Hunter sure did cross him over, lol..... :gj:

And, just to make you drool a wee little bit........

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/...ons/Hunter.jpg

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God. He's gorgeous! Thank you for sharing him.

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

God. He's gorgeous! Thank you for sharing him.

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Thank you. He IS pretty amazing. :D

Thank you for this thread, Doolittle. You want EXACTLY what I want and asked pretty much everything I've wondered. Can't wait til I can get one! Or til you do!

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First let me say, you will probably never work with a more enjoyable and rewarding species that chondros. They are really amazing animals to watch and keep. Now to get down to the nitty gritty.

As a long-term keeper(17 yrs) of chondros, I would recommend an animal no less than 6 months old. In my opinion, juvenile chondros are the hardest snake species to get feeding, next to gray-banded kings. The little suckers just do not want to bite and you really have to pester them for a strike. Usually by 6 months, you should establish a normal feeding schedule and the animal feeding on small fuzzies at a minimum. The more documented feedings the better. Once they begin feeding they are bullet-proof. The seem to always be hungry. What better snake is there than one that only eats 2-4 meals per month and only poops once a month?

As far as color, locale, and temperment.....I've experienced everything from kitten tame, trust them with a 4 year old.....to eat your face off demonic. In my experience, even with imported adults, Jayapura and Sorong locale seem to be the easiest to handle and most reluctant to bite. Every Biak I have ever owned has been defensive and will not hesitate to bite. The one Aru I had was the absolute nastiest chondro I've ever witnessed. She would chase you across a room to get a bit on you. With mix locale, it is all in the genetics. The SCZ line I have worked with since 1999, has produced some of the sweetest animals I've ever owned. I could trust my male with absolutely anyone capable responsible handling. If you want bright green animals with nice blue markings, Sorongs, Jayas, and Arus are the best bet.....Aru can be hit and miss though.

Cage size is subject to opinion. In my experience, animals have done better in small to medium size cages. I keep my adults in 20x20x20 and have had success in doing so for many years. I switched to 30x20x20 and 40x20x20 and had more trouble with humidity and heating. It mainly depends on what works for you and more importantly your animals. I have kept and bred them in Rubbermade tubs, so as long as your animals needs are met, you will do just fine. Humidity is an overly concerned topic for people that haven't kept chondros much. High humidity can have negative results if not done right. Warm and humid conditions can cause bacterial and fungal growth. As long as your cage isn't dry within a few hours of a good misting you're set....but always allow for a drying out period between "rains".

Now on to what makes them so great!
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF2258.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF9693.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...ondros/195.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF6539.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...ondros/196.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...dros/bo-12.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...dros/bo-11.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2.../Velveeta2.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...mmer011905.jpg
and can you believe all those beautiful HY critters were produced by this girl?.....
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...04pics0015.jpg

Now some locale animals.
Biak
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...19pics0030.jpg
Aru
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2.../WebAru018.jpg
Cyclops Mountain
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...s/DSCF7919.jpg
Jayapura
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...nnerCanary.jpg
Kaufia Island
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...esaug15011.jpg

I would post some designer stuff, but I figured you are probably tired of the pics by now. If you want a quality animal worth your money, anyone of the breeders on moreliaviridis.com should treat you right. As mentioned, Rocky has some great animals. Rico Walder is the king of chondros and usually has a wide variety of locale and designer animals available. Shows, unless there are breeders there, are usually imported farmed hatchlings or wc adults. The best way to know is to ask for pictures of their breeders. If they don't have them, they more than likely didn't breed them......chondro owners are a proud group of people that love to show off their collections.(see above;))
Don't setting for an animal because of price. That CBB baby is worth the extra $100-250. Get the book "The More Complete Chondro". I think it runs about $50-60 and is an excellent reference source. Good luck with your search.

First, thank you so much for your post. That book is crazy expensive to get a printed copy. I did download it to a kindle, and have started reading it. Yes, I have decided I would prefer to get one that is around a year old. Thank you for the website as well. One more place to check out. Now we are at a matter of when, not if...;). Need to find the right one. Have it narrowed down to a Sorong, Aru, or the Jayupara (sp?).

And I could never get tired of pictures!! Post more...:)

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the only forum you will EVER need for whatever questions you could possibly think of regarding chondros.
http://moreliaviridis.yuku.com/
one of the most responsive caring helpful communities
utilize the search bar, EVERYTHING is there.
hopfully its okay to say this and i dont get kicked off ha

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Originally Posted by Brandon Osborne

.........If you want a quality animal worth your money, anyone of the breeders on moreliaviridis.com should treat you right. As mentioned, Rocky has some great animals. Rico Walder is the king of chondros and usually has a wide variety of locale and designer animals available. Shows, unless there are breeders there, are usually imported farmed hatchlings or wc adults. The best way to know is to ask for pictures of their breeders. If they don't have them, they more than likely didn't breed them......chondro owners are a proud group of people that love to show off their collections.(see above;))
Don't setting for an animal because of price. That CBB baby is worth the extra $100-250. Get the book "The More Complete Chondro". I think it runs about $50-60 and is an excellent reference source. Good luck with your search.

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Originally Posted by zumTod076

the only forum you will EVER need for whatever questions you could possibly think of regarding chondros.
http://moreliaviridis.yuku.com/
one of the most responsive caring helpful communities
utilize the search bar, EVERYTHING is there.
hopfully its okay to say this and i dont get kicked off ha

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Totally agree with this!!! Can't believe I forgot to mention the morelia viridis forum..... That's what I get for being on so many pain meds right now, lol! :D

Also, for temperament and possible blue color combined in one animal, stick with a Sorong or Jayapura (see Brandon's Jayapura above - what a gorgeous snake!). Jaya's are fantastic animals and have some of the most mellow temperaments, plus they tend to all have that spectacular blue dorsal.

Any chance you're thinking of attending NARBC at Tinley Park in March?? If so, the "Chondro Coalition" will be there. They are a group of chondro breeders who ALL have stellar reputations and are a part of the morelia forum. They work together to breed some truely spectacular individuals and often have a lot of really nice animals available. Just thought I'd mention Tinley because then you can actually see and handle some GTPs and talk to several great breeders at once.

BUT I purchased Hunter sight unseen from Rocky and totally trusted his judgement and I'm so glad I did - what a great guy and a great animal. Hunter was absolutely everything Rocky said he'd be. And that's the kind of service you'll get from nearly anyone who's a part of the Coalition. :gj:

Here are a couple other breeders that I know are part of the Coalition. There are more, but I know about these off the top of my head:
http://www.arborealenthusiast.com/ (Rocky Gravley)
http://www.signalherp.com/ (Rico Walder)
http://www.finegtps.com/
http://www.iherp.com/Public/ShowUser...0-9efff6c13d40
http://www.southernchondros.com/
http://www.moreliacreations.com/

I wish I could go to a show. I'm on the west coast though. :-(

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No worries!! There's a NARBC in Anaheim, CA in September. Just go to www.narbc.com for more info! :gj:

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Originally Posted by Evenstar

No worries!! There's a NARBC in Anaheim, CA in September. Just go to www.narbc.com for more info! :gj:

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:( That's still to far. We don't get any good shows in Washington.

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Oh bummer. Shoot - thought I had it there. :(

There aren't many good shows up here in MI either. The best is Tinley in Chicago, but from where we live we still have a 6 hour drive for it. Can't wait for October.....

What do you think about keeping young ones in a tub? One guy (I just found out he was actually in Australia) that I've been emailing, and seems knowledgeable, and has beautiful animals, keeps his youngsters in tubs and said they do very well. I'm thinking temporarily during qt. Hubby wants to build enclosure. And tub would make qt easier, as I already have a set up. I'm trying to find the locale I want, and not finding many that jump out at me. Underground reptiles in Florida has some Jaya babes. I emailed to see how old they are, ad says strong eaters. But if they are so delicate, how do they do during shipping??? Thanks for putting up with all my questions guys!

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Oh tubs are fine for juvies and even some smaller adults if the tub is large enough. These are not difficult snakes to keep and they adapt well. The tub just has to be deep enough to offer a couple of perches - and the perches need to be the correct size for the specific animal you get, so you may want to have a few sizes available but not install them until you've choosen your new GTP and know what size you'll have to use. A tub for q/t and a custom-built enclosure for its permanent home is perfect. :gj:

I would NOT, however, purchase a chondro from Underground. I don't have anything against them, but I can nearly garuantee that any chondros they sell are going to be farmed babies and not CBB. Stick to someone from the Coalition for your first GTP. It may take a little more time, but I'm sure you can find a Jayapura if that's what you want. I know Rocky would help you find one and so would nearly any other breeder from the Coalition if you ask. You will be far more satisfied and get a much healthier and better quality animal!

Personally, I would call Rocky or Rico and just tell them up front what you want - a nicely tempered yearling with some Jayapura background or pure Jaya - and see what they say. Most of these guys LOVE to talk chondros and will be glad to help you out. My first phone call to Rocky, I was on the line for over an hour!! He was sooo helpful!


***** Found the perfect animal for you!!! Check this out!

http://www.arborealenthusiast.com/dh.../000000086.htm

Maybe not quite as blue as you'd like, but keep in mind that the more blue, the more money, lol. And Rocky will do time payments!!! Let me know what you think! If this was a female, I'd be all over it.... :gj:

I saw him! He is pretty. I contemplated calling. Sounds like they don't know locale though? I just need to be patient and wait, till I find a nice pure Jaya, from a good reputable breeder. Problem is, I want one, and I want it now! Lols, but I will wait till its right. So you think a yearling would be fine in a tub for a few months? That's good to know. What are guidelines for determining perch size? I want to finish that book too, before I get one here.

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Well, just because he doesn't have paperwork on the animal or know specific lineage doesn't mean it's not a good, or great, animal. I really trust Rocky - if he says the snake is easy to handle, then it is, no question. Hunter came out of his shipping bag gentle as a kitten. And with an animal that size, you can be pretty sure of color - he may change a little more, but not too drastically.

And the perch should be slightly smaller around than the snake. And I like to offer at least 2 different sizes so the snake has a choice. Another good reason why natural perches are better than pvc, in my opinion - variation. ;)

Enjoy the book! I am always flipping through mine....