GTP or ETB???

[Tommyboy]

I am new here, and really like the Green tree pyhtons, but then I saw a pic of a Emerald Tree Boa (I think thats what its called). And I'm no expert so I can't tell, but whats the differance between the two? They looks the same, but there has to be a differance.


Also what of the two kinds are more handable? I would love to get one but I want to handle it, you know to show it off, and everything like that. If anyone could answer these questions it would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks
Tommyboy

[BoidKeeper]

First thing that you should know is that you get what you pay for when you buy either of these animals so to avoid possible disappointment you should buy CBB only.
Well the obvious difference is one is a Boa and the other a python. The Boa has live babies the python lays eggs. Emeralds are from South America and Green Tree Pythons come from Pupa New Guinea and Cape York Australia. Both live in trees.
I have had an ETB and right now I keep ATBs and a GTP.
The GTP is a little hardier because you can feed more often and can keep it a bit hotter. Emeralds have a very slow metabolism and adults should be feed only ever 3 to 4 weeks. If you feed it too often you are putting new food on top of half digested food. This can cause a regurge. Also if kept too hot the food will decompose faster then it is digested also causing a regurge. These two problems don't exist with GTPs.

Also what of the two kinds are more handable?
Some ETBs are fine, some aren't. Same goes for GTPs. It is not recommended to handle GTPs under one year of age because they are very fragile and their spines can be easily damaged.

you know to show it off,
In my opinion, this is the wrong reason to want any snake. Both of these animals you are asking about are expensive and not recommended as a first snake. You could be throwing your money away if you are not ready for either of these.

Caging is also important for these animals and may cost you as much as the animal its self.
Cheers,
Trevor

[jparker1167]

i agree with boidkeeper, what snakes do you keep tommyboy

[Kimo]

Tell you the truth, i disagree with this snake or any other snake for that matter as a bad first snake...as long as Research research RESEARCH is done, and you 100% fully understand this snakes needs, and are willing, and able to provide all that it needs, you shouldn't have a problem with it, but research is the key, personally if this is the kind of snake you want to get into...i'd print off as many caresheets as you can, read as much as you can, find a vet that has dealt with these snakes before, set up the enclosure first, and see if you can maintain the proper temps, and humidity, and do this all BEFORE you get the snake...as far as handling goes...think of these snakes more as a "Display" animal than one you can handle frequently. I handle my 2 emeralds atleast once every 2 weeks, and only after a good week after they have fed. But Babies, you should not handle at all in my opinion, stresses them out to much.

Josh

P.S. the above info was taken from www.corallus.com and summed up in my own words :p

[BoidKeeper]

The thing is with "good first snake/not good first snake" is that some snakes are more tolerent to husbandry mistakes that new keepers sometimes make. These two snakes are not as tolerent to some husbandry mistakes. They also cost a lot of money and if it dies they are out a lot of money and are less likely to get back into something else. Also keepers like to hold their first snake and enjoy it as a pet. If you handle a GTP under one year of age you can very easilly damge its spin. That is a fact, not an opinion. Who wants to be worried about breaking their pets back every time they take it out? As for ETBs they calm down most times but the ones that do, do bite a lot in the begining. Not too many new keepers would not be discouraged by this.
You can read about getting bit all you want but it does little to prepare you for the reality of it.
Cheers,
Trevor

[rocketjawa]

I kept a GTP as my first snake....
And I made a few mistaked but when I did, I had the $$ to fix them instantly..

SOmetimes this meant buying a cage and then a month later findout out its not good for humidity, so I had to runout and spend 150 on a new cage ASAP..

These are things you need to think about at a GTP owner and snake owner in general.. If you are the type of person who thinks along the lines of "Im not going to spend 300 on a cage for a 500 animal" then this may not be the right snake. And for the most part, the GTP isnt a "hold it and let your friend hold it" kind of snake.

Also, ETBs have HUGE fangs as adults.. GTPs do not have as big.

I prefer the GTP head to the ETB.. that made my decission.

[bistrobob85]

Well i prefer the ETB's head, thats also what made my decision!!!

[rocketjawa]

Originally posted by bistrobob85
Well i prefer the ETB's head, thats also what made my decision!!!


*sigh.. welll I guess we both cant be right ;)

[BoidKeeper]

ETBs have HUGE fangs as adults
Sorry but I'm anal, they are not fangs they are K-9s. Only venomous snakes have fangs. I'm not trying to be funny or sound smart, just stating a fact. I think it is important to use the correct terminology
Cheers,
Trevor

[leoncurrie]

Originally posted by BoidKeeper
Sorry but I'm anal, they are not fangs they are K-9s. Only venomous snakes have fangs. I'm not trying to be funny or sound smart, just stating a fact. I think it is important to use the correct terminology


Trev, I totally agree with you with regards to using the proper terminology.

Originally posted by BoidKeeper
If you handle a GTP under one year of age you can very easilly damge its spin.

Speaking of which, how do you spell spine again? :)

[rocketjawa]

You're right..
I should have said K9s.. I still call everything FANGS.. not so good when trying to educate a first timer though I suppose.

[BoidKeeper]

Hey Leon,

I may not be able to spell the words I use but at least I know what they mean.lol
Cheers,
Trevor

[Artemis]

Tommyboy-

A spot of advice for you. Advice only. If you truly want one of these snakes, commit to spending a number of months researching their care requirements before you even start to look for one to buy. This would make an exceptionally difficult first snake, as it has a lot of VERY specific husbandry requirements, as opposed to some other snake species which require much less specialized setups and maintenance.

If you have your heart set on one of these as a first (or only) snake, then put in the research time first. Look up their biology, husbandy, wild habitats and native locations, learn about snake diseases, and get all the info you can. Then you have to admit honestly to yourself whether or not you think you can handle it. Only you really know the answer to that.

Bottom line though, if its something you really want, then it will be worth the wait. Take the time to do your homework. Snakes have pretty long lifespans and are a big commitment of time, and money. Not a good sporadic purchase. If you are picking these snakes because they are the prettiest, thats not a good idea. They are also more fragile and more bitey, too. Look up some pics of the inside of an ETBs mouth, and then you might reconsider your choices.

Best of luck-

Artemis