JCP or GTP?

[ErikBush97]

Hi, there. I'd consider myself an intermediate keeper and I'd like to add a new addition.
I've been into GTP's and JCP's since I've heard about 'em. I like GTP's a lot more than JCP's, to be honest with you. However, I'd like to know how hard they are to care for. I don't want anything that's going to take tons and tons of energy. I am perfectly happy with putting in effort but I don't wanna break my back on this, because I have a lot going on and I don't wanna take bad care of my (maybe) new pet. I'm also going to checkout a few care sheets, bit for now, I'd like to hear your opinions and info.

[Mikoh4792]

I'd say jungles take a little more to take care of than GTP's. They require a bit more space and hotter temperatures. Not only that they eat bigger food.

So far my GTP has been the snake that I've had to put the least effort into. If you have a "real" snake cage and not a screen top enclosure, you won't have problems with humidity. In fact you might have trouble trying to keep the humidity down. I've had to drill a lot of holes in my setup to keep the humidity less than 65% without misting.

Although GTP's are more sensitive, so they are less forgiving of husbandry mistakes. But once you have husbandry down they are very rewarding to keep.

[ErikBush97]

I'd say jungles take a little more to take care of than GTP's. They require a bit more space and hotter temperatures. Not only that they eat bigger food.

So far my GTP has been the snake that I've had to put the least effort into. If you have a "real" snake cage and not a screen top enclosure, you won't have problems with humidity. In fact you might have trouble trying to keep the humidity down. I've had to drill a lot of holes in my setup to keep the humidity less than 65% without misting.

I absolutely despise mesh tops FISH tanks used for snakes. Which race is considered most tame?

[Mikoh4792]

I absolutely despise mesh tops FISH tanks used for snakes. Which race is considered most tame?

Well I don't have the personal experience to compare all the different races. But Biaks and Yapen definitely come to mind as the more aggressive races. But even then that has mostly to do with w.c. vs c.b.b, husbandry and individual personality.

I've handled cyclops/lerehs, sorongs, misools...etc and they were all very docile with no inclination to strike. I'd say you increase your chances of getting a tame one if you buy a captive bred and just talk to the breeder first.

[ErikBush97]

Well I don't have the personal experience to compare all the different races. But Biaks and Yapen definitely come to mind as the more aggressive races. But even then that has mostly to do with w.c. vs c.b.b, husbandry and individual personality.

I've handled cyclops/lerehs, sorongs, misools...etc and they were all very docile with no inclination to strike. I'd say you increase your chances of getting a tame one if you buy a captive bred and just talk to the breeder first.

How do you control your temps and what type of heating are you using? Sorry... Flooding you with questions lol don't some Thermostats have a night drop feature?

[Mikoh4792]

How do you control your temps and what type of heating are you using? Sorry... Flooding you with questions lol don't some Thermostats have a night drop feature?

I have the night to myself...I'll be here all night lol.

For which snakes? For my chondros I use a radiant heat panel hooked up to a thermostat. The probe goes on the highest perch set to 85F. From that spot the temperatures taper off. At night I give them a night drop of mid to high 70's.

for my carpets I use anything. I have one in a large enclosure for it's size so I use both RHP's and heat mats to create small basking spots, just small enough to let the cage cool down towards the end.

In the smaller enclosures I use either only belly heat or only overhead heat.


edit: Yes the herpstat gives you a night drop feature. Although I think the lower end models do not, you'd have to check with the site.

[ErikBush97]

I have the night to myself...I'll be here all night lol.

For which snakes? For my chondros I use a radiant heat panel hooked up to a thermostat. The probe goes on the highest perch set to 85F. From that spot the temperatures taper off. At night I give them a night drop of mid to high 70's.

for my carpets I use anything. I have one in a large enclosure for it's size so I use both RHP's and heat mats to create small basking spots, just small enough to let the cage cool down towards the end.

In the smaller enclosures I use either only belly heat or only overhead heat.


edit: Yes the herpstat gives you a night drop feature. Although I think the lower end models do not.
I think I want to go with a GTP. Maybe I'll go with Animal Plastics cage, Ceramic Heat Emmiter, Humidifier, and a Herpstat. Not 100% on whether or not I'll buy one for sure.

[Mikoh4792]

I think I want to go with a GTP. Maybe I'll go with Animal Plastics cage, Ceramic Heat Emmiter, Humidifier, and a Herpstat. Not 100% on whether or not I'll buy one for sure.

Why not a radiant heat panel?

[ErikBush97]

Why not a radiant heat panel?

I've heard that they're a pain to setup. How hard was it to get yours up and working?

[Mikoh4792]

I've heard that they're a pain to setup. How hard was it to get yours up and working?

They are easier than a light bulb/CHE in my opinion. Just screw it to the top of the enclosure using two screws and that's it. With a bulb or CHE you need to get a guard and a socket.

Both are easy I guess, but RHP's take less work and don't dry out the enclosure as much.

I would ditch the humidifier. It will make things too humid and create an environment for bacteria and mold.

I only mist my chondro cages once a week.

[ErikBush97]

They are easier than a light bulb/CHE in my opinion. Just screw it to the top of the enclosure using two screws and that's it. With a bulb or CHE you need to get a guard and a socket.

Both are easy I guess, but RHP's take less work and don't dry out the enclosure as much.

I would ditch the humidifier. It will make things too humid and create an environment for bacteria and mold.

I only mist my chondro cages once a week.

Awesome. What brand and model caging are you using?
I think I'll just copy your setup lol ;)

[Mikoh4792]

I use a 3x2x2 from PVCcages.com. Great enclosures for chondros. They normally ship out one week after ordering which is probably the quickest turn around time compared to other caging manufacturers.

Depending on whether you use paper or substrate, the size of your water bowl...etc you may have to drill some holes like I did using a power drill. Those cages are crazy good at keeping in humidity and heat....maybe too good.

You can also order a radiant heat panel from the site that they actually screw onto the cage for you.

[ErikBush97]

I use a 3x2x2 from PVCcages.com. Great enclosures for chondros. They normally ship out one week after ordering which is probably the quickest turn around time compared to other caging manufacturers.

Depending on whether you use paper or substrate, the size of your water bowl...etc you may have to drill some holes like I did using a power drill. Those cages are crazy good at keeping in humidity and heat....maybe too good.

You can also order a radiant heat panel from the site that they actually screw onto the cage for you.

Still a little iffy. One thing that is a little bothersome is the fact that all the care sheets, and most people say that they shouldn't be handled frequently. Interaction is one of the best things about owning snakes, imo. :/

[Mikoh4792]

Still a little iffy. One thing that is a little bothersome is the fact that all the care sheets, and most people say that they shouldn't be handled frequently. Interaction is one of the best things about owning snakes, imo. :/

Well people keep snakes for different reasons. Green tree pythons can be handled, but they are not the type to handle as frequently as other snakes. I personally don't handle mine unless I need to for maintenance. I like to appreciate them from afar and enjoy observing them in their habitat instead of interacting with them.

[ErikBush97]

Well people keep snakes for different reasons. Green tree pythons can be handled, but they are not the type to handle as frequently as other snakes. I personally don't handle mine unless I need to for maintenance. I like to appreciate them from afar and enjoy observing them in their habitat instead of interacting with them.

I still think it'd be awesome to have and observe one, but they're like the most beautiful snakes ever. It's like having a Ferrari, and looking at it in your garage.. But not driving it lol
Anyways, I'm still thinking about it. Still amazing animals. I did get to hold a few and they're super awesome! Should Hide spaces be offered to them, being primarily Aboreal?

[Mikoh4792]

I still think it'd be awesome to have and observe one, but they're like the most beautiful snakes ever. It's like having a Ferrari, and looking at it in your garage.. But not driving it lol
Anyways, I'm still thinking about it. Still amazing animals. I did get to hold a few and they're super awesome! Should Hide spaces be offered to them, being primarily Aboreal?

I think the majority of keepers just put perches and a few plants in their setups. I haven't seen a GTP enclosure with an actual hide.

[ErikBush97]

I think the majority of keepers just put perches and a few plants in their setups. I haven't seen a GTP enclosure with an actual hide.

Me, neither, now that I think about it. Just curious!

[Terranaut]

Well no offence to Mikoh here but I certainly would not base my judgement with only one opinion. Both snakes have teir ups and downs.
Imho a couple things mentioned here as negatives are not.
Bigger snake (jcp) and bigger prey is not a negative and one just goes hand in hand with the other. Mine also do not eat most of the winter so costs drop right there. Also yes a bigger snake needs a bigger home but this to just means more snakey coolness to look at.
Carpets are some of the hardiest/easiest snakes you can keep. No real humidity needs and typicaly good feeders. Other than nippy when young I see no negatives with JCP's. I am biased as these are my favorite but I thought you should have both opinions.

[Lankyrob]

Having owned both i would go for a jcp in future.

The GTP was beautiful but not handleable due to their fragility, was finicky when it came to feeding at times and you bzrely saw it move.

The JCP was nippy even at four years old but was VERY active, easy to handle, ate like a champ.

Even tho i would like to own a GTP again a carpet would be my choice if i could only have one or the other.

[ErikBush97]

Well no offence to Mikoh here but I certainly would not base my judgement with only one opinion. Both snakes have teir ups and downs.
Imho a couple things mentioned here as negatives are not.
Bigger snake (jcp) and bigger prey is not a negative and one just goes hand in hand with the other. Mine also do not eat most of the winter so costs drop right there. Also yes a bigger snake needs a bigger home but this to just means more snakey coolness to look at.
Carpets are some of the hardiest/easiest snakes you can keep. No real humidity needs and typicaly good feeders. Other than nippy when young I see no negatives with JCP's. I am biased as these are my favorite but I thought you should have both opinions.

I love both, and I've handled both as adults comfortably. Eh... Hard decision. Maybe I'll just wait until I have enough money + knowledge and get both ;) Joking. But it's definitely not going to be an easy decision, if I did end up buying either one of these snakes.

[Terranaut]

Long , lean and handlable. Let this tempt you a bit.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/IMG_2317_zps29f761fb.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/IMG_1059_zps55301f38.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/IMG_1137_zps24a5df37.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/IMG_1428_zpsa2301d4a.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-2077.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-2213.jpg

[ErikBush97]

Long , lean and handlable. Let this tempt you a bit.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/IMG_2317_zps29f761fb.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/IMG_1059_zps55301f38.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/IMG_1137_zps24a5df37.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/IMG_1428_zpsa2301d4a.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-2077.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-2213.jpg

Dang it!! Your JCP's broke my ADORABLE radar!! Now what am I gunna do? Lol

[Mikoh4792]

Wow terranaut. Always like seeing your jungles. Is the first one a palmerston by any chance?

And your right that jungles can go off feed during the winter but so can green tree pythons.

[thinkbig317]

AWESOME pics Terranaut.

[Terranaut]

The first 3 shots are the same snake. I have no ideal what local she is and doubt she is of a single line or anything. She was a rescue. The prvious owner had her in a 2x2x2 at 7'long and wondered why she struck at him constantly. I had her home for 3 days before my son got a hold of her. Funny how a 10 yr old can be a better keeper/handler than an adult. She had trust with us right away. Such a great snake to have.
The 2pics below are Mick. He is our social snake who loves climbing from person to person. Last is a year old pic of Dutch. He is cage shy but getting much better.
I did not know gtps would fast as well. Thanks for the tip and the compliments.

[Mikoh4792]

The first 3 shots are the same snake. I have no ideal what local she is and doubt she is of a single line or anything. She was a rescue. The prvious owner had her in a 2x2x2 at 7'long and wondered why she struck at him constantly. I had her home for 3 days before my son got a hold of her. Funny how a 10 yr old can be a better keeper/handler than an adult. She had trust with us right away. Such a great snake to have.
The 2pics below are Mick. He is our social snake who loves climbing from person to person. Last is a year old pic of Dutch. He is cage shy but getting much better.
I did not know gtps would fast as well. Thanks for the tip and the compliments.

That's terrible. Probably took up the whole cage in that size enclosure.

[marvelfreak]

All i have to say is you can never go wrong with a Jungle.

[ErikBush97]

Still stuck... I'm stuck between
JCP's
GTP's
&
ETB's
Having a REALLY hard time deciding lol

[Mikoh4792]

I bet you one day you will own all of those. Just pick one now, won't matter. lol.

[ErikBush97]

I bet you one day you will own all of those. Just pick one now, won't matter. lol.

I'm sure I will, too. Lol

[rhiannon79]

Hi I am probably going to sound really stupid to you but I didnt realize how dumb I was to taking care of a ball python I mean my snake is great but he bit me the other night and then last night I walked by its cage and it jumped back in like I was going to hurt it so after reading ur post I really want to ask u some questions cause I want my snake to be happy first I did by from pet smart and they told me absolute ly nothing about how to care for it remember dont be mean but you keep post about the the lights rhps or che I even think some one said uhi I know im really ridiculous but I dont know what ur talking about and people say take them out to feed in different box some say feed them where they are has I have read the two of ur post the most I was wondering if u would clear this up for me I want my snake to be happy and until two days ago it was I hold my snake almost everyday for atleast twenty min and since it has gotten deffensive I have given him a break any thought will be helpful

[rhiannon79]

Btw ive had my snake for seven months and was feeding him way to little just found that out yesterday from this sight going to s5art feeding it more now

[ErikBush97]

Hi I am probably going to sound really stupid to you but I didnt realize how dumb I was to taking care of a ball python I mean my snake is great but he bit me the other night and then last night I walked by its cage and it jumped back in like I was going to hurt it so after reading ur post I really want to ask u some questions cause I want my snake to be happy first I did by from pet smart and they told me absolute ly nothing about how to care for it remember dont be mean but you keep post about the the lights rhps or che I even think some one said uhi I know im really ridiculous but I dont know what ur talking about and people say take them out to feed in different box some say feed them where they are has I have read the two of ur post the most I was wondering if u would clear this up for me I want my snake to be happy and until two days ago it was I hold my snake almost everyday for atleast twenty min and since it has gotten deffensive I have given him a break any thought will be helpful

This random aggression could really be caused by a lot of things.
Just give him a week or so and see how he is acting then. He may be going into into a shed.
My snakes always get grumpy when they shed.
And for lights, rhp's, Che's, and Uth's.
RHP = Radiant Heat Panel. CHE = Ceramic Heat Emitter. UTH = Under Tank Heater.
I would recommend a UTH for a Ball Python. As for feeding, I have always fed my snakes in their cages. I think it's better for them, honestly. If you're nice and slow when you take your snake out, it gives them time to flicker their tongue and smell you and say "hey, you aren't food." Which makes you less likely to get bitten. Like I said, though. You should probably justgive your snake a week or two to relax before you try to pick him up again. My Male Ball Python is usually really calm but some times he acts like that too. When he does that I leave him alone for a little and he's fine again. Keep giving your snake food and water, and cleaning, etc, just don't hold your snake for a little bit. If he's still acting like that in a week or two, it will be easier for us to help you, but since we don't really have a lot of info, it's hard to help. :/ I do hope that he calms down for you, though. Just let me know, and the rest of this community know if you need more help. There are a lot of reptile experts here who can help.

BTW: feeding him too little could also be causing him to bite you like that. Just like an under fed dog is usually more aggressive than a healthily fed one.

[rhiannon79]

Yeah when he bit me it was my fault people told me to move him and then I was distracted when I went to put him back and thinking back he was still real tense he stays in his hide all day and comes out to explore all night I do have a uth and I have a sun lamp 50w for the day going to get a night one probably today didnt know I needed one until yesterday thank you so much u have been so helpful u also helped me yesterday with the feeding ?do u think I should feed it again since I havent been feeding him enough or still wait a week friday night I feed it a little white mouse

[ErikBush97]

I bet you one day you will own all of those. Just pick one now, won't matter. lol.

Since you know I hoard snakes like there's no tomorrow, I think I'm going with a GTP, and then I'll look into JCP's and/or Emeralds later on!

[ErikBush97]

Yeah when he bit me it was my fault people told me to move him and then I was distracted when I went to put him back and thinking back he was still real tense he stays in his hide all day and comes out to explore all night I do have a uth and I have a sun lamp 50w for the day going to get a night one probably today didnt know I needed one until yesterday thank you so much u have been so helpful u also helped me yesterday with the feeding ?do u think I should feed it again since I havent been feeding him enough or still wait a week friday night I feed it a little white mouse

You probably don't need any lights if you have a UTH :)
And what size mouse are you feeding him?
You should feed him 1 rat pup or 2 adult mice.
If you're feeding him hoppers, you should probably try like four.
It's going to be hard on you and your wallet to try to fill him up on hoppers.