I'm completely awe-struck by both of these species, absolutely beautiful, and want to start doing research to own one. Prolly will be doing research, planning, and prep for 3-6 months, as I've only been owning snakes for ~ 7 months and I know neither are beginner snakes.
To start off, which would you recommend first? From what research I've done, the GTP seems a little easier to start off with because of the ETB's regurgitation problem? Or did I get info from a bad source?
Any specific sites/books that give really good information? I'm fully capable of typing it in to google, but if anyone knows anything that's pinpoint accurate or surpasses other information sources by far then it would be a great help
Read on here a few times of people recommending "More complete condro" by Maxwell, is it worth the $45?
Arboreal Cages... I have no clue how these work really. Should I build my own and add PVC pipes to climb on? How many pipes are needed? How far spaced? Does it need a basking spot? What's the easiest way to keep the ambient temperature / humidity up? Any recommendations on which brand of heat source, thermostat, humidifiers, or thermometers to use? My plan was to build/set up the cage, make sure the temperature and humidity can stay consistent with what's required, then move a snake in...
Temperament... Everything I've read says these snakes are bad tempered. Same was also said about JCP yearlings, and neither of mine have even attempted to feign a strike at me. Is it more "They will randomly strike at you, unprovoked, and are very hard to calm down" or "They will strike at you if you don't treat them with the utmost of respect"? I haven't been bit yet *crosses fingers* but I know it will happen eventually, especially since my dwarf retic is very cage aggressive (amazing snake when you get him out of the cage, but he is always striking at the glass). I know the basics of not coming in in front or above the snake, don't act like prey, and movements slow but with confidence...