tree snake

[peep]

I was thinking of getting a tree snake but cant find much info.
Anyone know what kind/s get no larger than 5ft. and are not very agressive?

[Damian]

Re: tree snake

is there any species you are particularly interested in? most of the species of tree boas and pythons fit into the size you are looking for however temperment is another issue. most of these arboreal snakes also tend to have strict husbandry requirements. for instance humidity is a very important part of a tree boa/pythons habitat and if not kept at the proper levels a host of problems can occur. this does not mean that your cage has to be constantly soaked. this simply means that for most of the day your habitat should have humidity levels from about 75-90% with a drying out over night period. this drying out period is very important to prevent any mold and bacteria from developing. with humidity levels this high it is easy to see that you will need a cage that can hold humidity well. glass aquaria in my opinion does not work well in this case. you will need either a custom made enclosure or a commercial cage such as a vision or boaphile cage.
      as for species i will name a few of the commonly seen species in the pet trade and give some info on them. first we have the amazon tree boa. they come in a variety of colors and have often been referred too as the "poor man's emerald tree boa". they are very hardy in captivity and can handle some minor mistakes in husbandry. the bad news about these snakes is that they are well known for a nasty disposition. however if acquired from a young age and handled regularly it is not uncommon to tame them down somewhat. amazons also tend to spend a lot of time on the cage floor.
     next we have the cooks tree boa which is extremely hardy in captivity. they are generally excellent feeders and grow to around 5 to maybe 6 feet. they basically have the same husbandry needs that amazons do except they may not need such high humidity levels. i personally know people who keep their cooks tree boa cages between 65%-70%. however also like the amazon they are noted for there nasty disposition.
    green tree pythons are excellent arboreal snakes. i currently own one of these and lovem. they do have the same high humidity requirements as the other snakes mentioned and have a beautiful coloration. babies can be born blue, yellow, or red, depending on locality and may retain some of this color as they grow older. they generally remain around 4-5 feet with a 6 foot animal considered rare. green trees can also be very aggressive but in my opinion seem much more willing to tame down. green trees also tend to spend all of there time perched on a branch in the upper areas of the cage.
   emerald tree boas are a beautiful boa which can grow to over 6 feet. in my opinion emeralds do not make suitable beginner snakes because they tend to get larger than the other snakes mentioned, and are generally very aggressive. as babies their color can vary from red, red/orange, and brown. they very rarely move during the day and become active after nightfall. they are very susceptible to a regurgitation sydrome and respiratory illness if humidity levels and temperature are not kept exact. emeralds in general are just not as forgiving of husbandry mistakes as some of the other snakes mentioned tend to be and should probably be left to the experienced hobbyist. however there is nothing more impressive than an emerald resting on a branch in there famous coiled position. Emeralds are best left as "look but dont touch animals" with little interaction with people to prevent unwanted stress.
   lastly you have the solomon island tree boas. these snakes are generally not seen in the pet trade but make great captives. they may be a little picky as hatchlings, only feeding on lizards or frogs, but once adults will readily take mice. they generally range between 3 and 5 feet and require humidity levels of about 65%-70%. in general most solomon tree boas tend to be relatively tame and are capable of drastic color changes. i currently own one and was amazed as the snake changed colors before my eyes. they also tend to spend about half of their time hanging out on the cage floor.
  in conclusion these are some of the common kept tree boas/pythons commonly kept in the pet trade as well as their care requirements. there are others but i figured i would just mention these few. if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

[stormyva]

Re: tree snake

Irian Jaya Carpet Python would also make an excellent choice.
They, like the Amazon Tree Boa, will spend time in the "tree" or on the ground. Most tend to split the time equally. They are very hardy, tend to be docile once they are past the "baby stage", and dont get too big. Their humidity and temperature demands are also a bit easier to manage than the ATB, Emeralds, or GPTs.
Good luck and let us know what you choose!

[peep]

Re: tree snake

Thanks for all your info. I'm currently leaning toward an Irian jaya carpet python and considering a green tree python. Gonna get a cage soon and then I'll have to make my decision. I like the look of the IJC but the green tree pythons are also very beautiful snakes.

[Damian]

Re: tree snake

sounds like a plan. either way i am sure you will be happy with either of the two snakes. let us know what you decide to get.

[peep]

Re: tree snake

Got an Irian jaya carpet python today. It's a beautiful male and pretty feisty when held. Anyone have a link to an extensive care sheet?

[Damian]

Re: tree snake

http://www.angelfire.com/wa3/SerpentineInSeattle/ijc.html

or

http://www.vpi.com/8VPICareSheets/Pythons/irianjayacarpetpython/IrianJayaCarpetPythonMaint.htm

try these two sites out. if you need anymore info just let me know.

[Damian]

Re: tree snake

hey peep,

i was just curious to see how the irian jaya carpet python is doing. some pics would be very nice. ;D

[stormyva]

Re: tree snake

Peep,
How is that IJ doing?