GTP keepers, I have questions

[Evenstar]

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

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



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.... 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!!