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Need advise for first green tree python.

D

Didgeridoo333

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Ive been keeping boas and milksnakes for about ten years now and wanting to get into keeping and breeding green tree pythons and or emerald tree boas. I was first sparked by holding a very tame 6 ft adult biak locality female green tree python. I think its odd how much is written about how hard and nasty these snakes are but when i talk to owners and hold them they seem to be of a very different opinion. I was first thinking of getting a Biak green tree python but really love the blue on the Sorong type. Any advise on how to find a known breeder? I do not want a farmed animal or wild caught. Ive noticed 90% seem to say farm bred or cb. I really like emerald tree boas also but prices seem for now out of my range at least for cbb amazon basin ones who are supposedly by far the best to work with. And any one locality of gtp better for a beginner? Any advise much appreciated.
 
GMTIRRILL said:
Go to MVF you will find all the breeders you want That is the place to go Morelia viridis forum
Click to expand...

or people could offer advise and opinions here in this forum to try to help since that's what this fourm is for.

OP - sorry I can't be of much help. I had a jayapura and a locality mix for a short time, both were rather docile. I had heard the biaks tend to be more aggressive but I think as with any species, it's more of an individual thing. Going CBB is always going to be the best bet. don't forget to check out the breeders you want to buy from on the BOI (http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13)
;)

Good luck!
 
I would also read "the more complete chondro" book by Greg Maxwell if you have not already; after reading it I decided to hold off for a couple more years.
They did not seem too difficult to maintain but I wanted to get a permanent setup ready before I bought any.

Sorong and Aru are supposed to be the most blue and most docile while Biak are supposed to be the most nippy.
Emerald tree boas will probably be similar in husbandry and I bet they are similar in temperament (have not looked into it though); they are larger too if I remember correctly.

Get CBB animals from a good breeder, do your homework and you will be fine.
 
Thank you everyone. I'm looking into that book. Looks like a good read. Is it any less valuable to have one of mixed localities? Much of what I read does say biaks are about the biggest and most nippy, while others say it's individuals more than locality. Is any one locality more desirable? And is it wrong in any way or less valuable to get a mix? I've seen Aru for sale with some babies dark red while many say southern type all are born yellow? While northern types have reddish and yellow babies? Also many say the tailes on northern types are dark, longer and used for fishing so to speak. And southern are all green tails and a bit shorter? Is it wrong to mix localities? I like the darker tailed and the blue patterns on the back so I'm
leaning Sorong type? Are most cbb gtps mixed localities? Gets confusing when I read so much conflicting information.
 
Truth be told, most localities are whatever the original import was claimed to be, however that info has a tendency to be spotty. Many of the localities can't be proven to be a locality unless it was collected by a reliable source. most people collecting wild snakes are likely to call it whatever the buyer wants and some resellers do the same.
There is no reason not to get a mix but like in any hobby, there are purists. If there is a certain look you are after, the locality is only partly a factor. When you deal with a reputable breeder, they should be able to show you a family lineage; based on how the ancestors looked you can approximate how the baby will look when it gets older.
Also, reliable breeders will not sex GTP's until they are yearlings, so beware of those that tell you they can; it can hurt the snake's spine.
When it comes to temperament, GTP's are best left unhandled; prying them off their branch can stress them out. I consider them a display snake.
 
I've heard the same about Biaks.

I've seen GTPs both ways, with high value placed on locality (and you have to be able to trust your source and hope you're getting correct information) and high value placed on the look - high blue, high yellow, mite phase, etc. When people go more for a specific look, I don't think the locality matters much at that point. I wish I had more info to give you. Basically decide which you like more and pursue that avenue as there seems to be a decent market for both - locality purists and 'designer' type.

I also second Jon's recommendation on the book, I have it as well and it's great.
 
Thank you guys for all the info. I think ill try and read the book before making a final decision. Its winter here but hoping to have a set up ready and my research done for an educated summer purchase. Right now I'm leaning locality type. Probably a pair. I really like the ones with blue dorsal markings, a green or bluish body and a dark tail. Looks like Sorong and Jayapura type is what me and my wife are currently thinking. What is the youngest age they can be safely Shipped? I know first year they cant really be held as their bones aren't developed enough and are very delicate.
 
As far as I can tell, the sorong type has the best blue and a good temper; What you were describing was exactly what I was looking for in a chondro as well. I am leaning toward sorongs for myself.

As far as getting a pair, you would have to get older snakes if you want them sexed, otherwise just get a couple and hope for a pair. my plan was to get 3 or 4 neos and sell off any that are not needed after I sex them a year later. They should be fine to ship at a fairly young age; if you are getting them from a reputable breeder; a good breeder will not risk shipping if the animal could be harmed. the best breeders tend raise them up a little before they post them for sale.

I am glad you are not rushing into it, there will always be something cool that turns up when you are willing to wait for it.
 
here's list of breeders that will give you great animals, Jason Stevens of Colorado, Greg Schiavino, kieth tompson, Buddy Buscemi, Signal herps and also Ryan Burke of clockwork reptile. even though ryan gets his animal from bush master farms he keeps them till they are eating like champs I have two from him and they are awesome. if you want blue go with Sorong and Monokwari neos they throw a lot of blue....

April the reason I sent him to the Morelia viridis forum is because it is completely green tree python discussions something Fauna is not he will learn more there then he will ever learn here. it is an exclusive topic on that site
 
Thank you everyone. You guys are awesome. Thank you for the list. I'm now thinking I may shoot for sexed year old Sorong type or other similar localities mentioned. I've always wanted to get into green tree pythons or emerald tree boas since I saw my first ones as a child. I just never felt I was ready till now. I finally have that confidence and my excitement is building. Such beauty. I held a very tame 6ft female biak and ever since I've decided its a must have. I have yet to see a Sorong in person but I can't wait. It's too bad they can't be sexed by feeling like on baby boas. How often can adults be held without too much stress once older and established? I normally hold my boas and milksnakes while I clean their enclosures for ten to fifteen min two or three times a week or when I see they made a mess etc. Even if they are blue or shedding and have even helped them shed at times as long as they feel relaxed and not stressed or tense. I find it awesome that one of my boas at times when I go to put him back in his enclosure climbs right back onto my hands and arms if not ready to go back in yet. Normally after fifteen to 20 min he goes back in easily no fuss. It's odd to me but wonder if anyone has had similar experience with green tree pythons? I have milksnakes too but they have never done this behavior yet on a regular basis.
 
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