Amazon Tree Boa vs Emerald Tree Boa vs GTP

[The Serpent Merchant]

I am trying to decide on an arboreal snake to add to my collection. I will very likely have at least one of each eventually but am unsure which to go for first. I am not overly concerned with handling them (but it would be an added bonus if I could!) and will be doing lots of research on each before I buy. (I am currently reading "The More complete Chondro")

So I want your opinion which should I go for first? I am leaning towards GTP's at the moment but that can change. If you have pictures feel free to post them and any advise/resources would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[tcutting]

GTP > All
and i would say an ARU because of the blue, white, and green colors tend to look the best in my opinion.

[Foxtuning65]

I would say GTP. I have one now and also looked into ATBs and ETBs am found that people are having greater success with GTPs and also are having good outcomes with handling them. And Aru's are gorgeous. I have a Biak and he's amazing and taming nicely.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Yeah, I've been drooling at the GTP's they have at this site.

http://www.finegtps.com/

The black ones are really cool but not in my price range at the moment. If I get a GTP I would definatly like some blue on it

Anyone else want to chime in?

Thanks

[rebelrachel13]

I'm an ATB person. Their colors always amaze me as well as their incredibly thin bodies. Also I'm very attracted to their attitude I think they'd make great display snakes, especially with a fancy custom setup.

I'm not sure how forgiving they are in compared to GTP/ETBs, I always got the feeling that they were all about the same fragility-wise.

Anyway, I know that my first arboreal will be an ATB. Go with whatever snake you want, of course. Good luck and I hope there are pics of whatever you decide to go with!!

[RobNJ]

I don't have any experience with arboreals, but based on appearance alone, I'd love to have either a GTP or an ETB...some of the most beautiful snakes in existence, IMO. I'll get one some day, and probably would lean towards a GTP, based solely on the fact that seeing them in the wild has stuck with me.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I don't have any experience with arboreals, but based on appearance alone, I'd love to have either a GTP or an ETB...some of the most beautiful snakes in existence, IMO. I'll get one some day, and probably would lean towards a GTP, based solely on the fact that seeing them in the wild has stuck with me.

I completely agree, these 2 GTP's from "Fine Green Tree Pythons" are my 2 favorite snakes bar none.





And this Emerald Tree Boa is also a close contender for me

[bioteacher]

I'd say get an ATB to start. I've had ATBs and GTPs, and ATBs can handle more lenient conditions. Plus with a boa you don't ever have to worry about incubating eggs if you breed them.

If you were looking to spend more money, then I'd say a melanistic/calico GTP or a basin Emerald. I think the higher-end GTPs and ETBs are nicer, but for a lesser priced animal nothing beats the variability of ATBs. GTPs are usually more handleable though and I think make better displays than ATBs.

Here's some pics to help with the decision. Keep us up to date and post some photos when you decide and pick one up!

Baby Biak GTP


Same GTP at 2 years old



An Aru x Hormonal Blue Cross





Some ATB variability (all different individuals)







And if you like the dark GTPs, here's a couple possible het leopard ATBs

[Wiggles92]

ATBs all the way! They have a far wider variety of colors than the other two species while being easier to care for and typically having a lower cost overall.

Just to show you some more color variety, here's the adult orange patterned male ATB (~5') that I recently acquired:



And here's my ~1.5 year old red garden phase female ATB (~3'):



And lastly this is my four month old gray garden phase "male" ATB (~2'):

[Rob]

There's just something about the look of a snake wrapped around a tree waiting, that is simply awesome. Love these guys, whatever you decide on getting I'm sure your going to love it.