Green tree Python questions

[Bcycling]

I can pick up a young green tree Python from a friend of a friend who is moving and has to get rid of it. It is like 4 months old and was a farm Python not captive bred. I would have taken in a heart beat at the price I can get it at if it was captive, but I am a little concerned with it being a farm bred animal. Anyone have any expertise with farm bred green tree pythons that can help me decide?

[redshepherd]

If this is your first GTP, it's always recommended to go with US captive born and bred. "Farm bred" labels, if you don't know the origin importer, most likely are just illegally wild caught and imported. With that, you'll more likely than not end up paying more for vet bills than you did for the animal, and especially at such a young age for a GTP, a possibility of the animal not making it in the end.

Experienced breeders might get a farm bred/imported animal to add new genes into their lines or for a rare locality type. But if not for these reasons, or you want a GTP who is healthy, it really isn't worth the effort.

More in-depth info on "farm bred" animals on this site, if we can link externally:
http://moreliaviridis.yuku.com/topic...s-and-Acronyms

[Bcycling]

i totally understand what you are saying and have read up on it, but the snake was originally purchased from a reputable breeder/importer. Don't want to mention names but someone who specializes in only gtp. I have never had gtp but way back in the day I had emeralds. With the price I would get it at just a checkup would cost more than the snake, and I get that, but was wondering if anyone had success with farm gtp or is it really more likely I will have a snake full of parasites?

[redshepherd]

I see, you might want to join this group on facebook for more answers, if you don't get many answers here? The group is called "Green Tree Pythons~ Buy,Sell,Trade & Chat", and you can find it just by searching "green tree pythons" in groups.

There are a lot of nice breeders there who no doubt have experience with farm bred. And I find that group more active with replies and discussion than the other green tree python groups on facebook. I've asked questions about farm bred/wild caught there before and it was pretty helpful.

[Bcycling]

Thanks for the info. To bad I am not on Facebook. I am an old school hold out. I see people in my profession getting themselves in trouble on there, so I have held out. I have been reading about them a bit, and I contacted the original seller of the animal to try and find out more history and the were as rude as could be. Well, that being said I am passing on this thing even though it's practically free. I have always loved their look, but I think I will probably just wait on getting another tree snake. Was debating between a tree snake and a brb and think a brb might just be what I get. It's just so tempting when the price is right.