Green Tree Python Housing

[Megg]

So I'm reading one of the reptiles magazine articles on housing GTP's, and it says juveniles can be started in an enclosure that's 12"x12"x12", and eventually moved to a 24"x24"x24" or 36"x24"x24". Can they really be started in a 12"? I'm obviously just beginning my research but do have a 12" cage available if that's large enough for a juvie.

[Thumpa]

They can "live," but is that really living? I read all the articles and housed my first GTP in a small cage for months. I kept telling people, "These snakes are beautiful, but boring - the snake never leaves his perch." Then I moved it to a 48x24x36 enclosure. I couldn't believe how active the snake was (mostly at night) once he was in the large enclosure. My opinion is that there is a huge difference between a "live" snake and a "happy" snake.

[Reinz]

They can "live," but is that really living? I read all the articles and housed my first GTP in a small cage for months. I kept telling people, "These snakes are beautiful, but boring - the snake never leaves his perch." Then I moved it to a 48x24x36 enclosure. I couldn't believe how active the snake was (mostly at night) once he was in the large enclosure. My opinion is that there is a huge difference between a "live" snake and a "happy" snake.

Good on you Thumpa!

This is the same reason I can never personally accept tubs for the other Morelia, Carpet Pythons.

[BigLou3]

Good on you Thumpa!

This is the same reason I can never personally accept tubs for the other Morelia, Carpet Pythons.

I agree 100% I think they serve their purpose when the shake is young but an adult loves to climb and explore to much to be confined.


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[Megg]

They can "live," but is that really living? I read all the articles and housed my first GTP in a small cage for months. I kept telling people, "These snakes are beautiful, but boring - the snake never leaves his perch." Then I moved it to a 48x24x36 enclosure. I couldn't believe how active the snake was (mostly at night) once he was in the large enclosure. My opinion is that there is a huge difference between a "live" snake and a "happy" snake.

No I definitely don't want to put one in too small of a cage- that's why I was asking. The article just didn't seem entirely right to me BUT I have no experience with GTP's so I wouldn't know. I mostly want to know what size a juvie should be started in and if a juvie would even be a good choice for a first time GTP owner or if I should start with an older one.. any info anyone has to share about tips or care info would be great. It's hard to figure out which online info is good for their care. If anyone has a link to a good care sheet or forum that would be wonderful.
I do also have a 36"x18"x18" cage available but I can buy a totally new cage once I find some good care info and figure out exactly what age is best to buy and what size enclosure they will need. I spent over 6 months making sure I had everything right before I got my first ball python and intend to do the same this time. I use tubs for my ball pythons but don't intend to use one for a GTP. I'm looking at either exo terra or Animal Plastics PVC cages unless I find another kind that will be more suitable.

[Thumpa]

The 36x18x18 cage would be adequate for the first year or two with no problem. Just give it some stuff to climb on. While a cage with a bit more height would be ideal in my opinion, I wouldn't have any reservations about housing one in the 36" cage for the first year or two. My 2 year old Jungle Jag is around 4 feet long now, but is fairly slender. You wouldn't think she's that big from looking at her.