Some GTP pics

[kristan]

I do not find these guys harder to care for than any other snake. Their spines are very fragile under a year of age so most people do not recommend handling them until they hit that one year mark. They also have thinner skin than other snakes so stuck sheds can be a little more of a challenge, and they need higher humidity (easily obtained by a daily misting) than a bp. However, I have not found any of these issues to be problematic..I consider this species to be much hardier than people give them credit for. As far as cage size, some keepers prefer larger cages because they promote exploration/movement, which can help with muscle tone, bowel movements, etc. However, I've seen larger breeders, who are housing several gtps, keep them in small tubs with no ill effects - it's just a preference.
You could get one as a "display only" animal but I guarantee you're going to want to handle it Most individuals I talk to have handle-able animals, they just chose not to do so.
I would recommend picking up The More Complete Chondro by G. Maxwell and joining the morelia forums (moreliaviridis.yuku.com). I honestly didn't do any research, aside from a few google searches, before getting my first gtp (lereh female). I had talked to a friend of mine (who has worked with several reptile species and runs an educational program) about wanting to get one, in response to which he said "eh..you don't want one of those, they die pretty easy". So..I figured if I read about all of the possible health problems that could arise, I would end up talking myself out of it. My lereh was about 8 months old when I got her and she has never had any health problems. However, at that point, I had been keeping blood pythons for about 5 years, which have similar humidity requirements.
PM me about breeders and caging options if you start looking around, I think I can help you out.

These are my current enclosures, converted from thrift store furniture. The cages in the corner stand are 31" W at the widest point, 24" D, and 11" H - I would prefer these to be larger but they're working okay for now. I will need to upgrade this coming spring. The cages in the barrister bookcase are 34" W, 12" D and 13" H. I would ideally, in a year or so, like to have 24" cubes for use as adult caging.