I always liked the standard argument, in all it's falicy, that if you are interested in emerald tree boas to start with an amazon tree boa. They have entirely different dispositions. I have heard of more bites from amazons than from emeralds by a long shot. The standard argument states that atbs are more forgiving of husbandry errors. IMO, that's hog wash. After some discussion it really boiled down to "better to lose a $50.00 animal than a $500.00 animal". I would put any of my emeralds up against any "easy to keep" species as far as hardyness goes. Once the environmental parameter are met and you are dealing with a healthy animal from the get go, smooth sailing ahead! LOL

Craig