which to choose...hmmm

[iBaman]

So, because Aaron finally said yes to me getting a new snake (albeit in a year or so), I'm trying to decide which to get. I'm stuck between a GTP (DREAM SNAKE!!) or a Moonglow Boa. I know GTP's can be a little..uh..feisty, and have very particular care, but they're so gorgeous and entertaining. Boas on the other hand are very active, get a lot bigger and lets face it, moonglows are gorgeous as well...so...opinions?

[alessia55]

A GTP is typically more of a display snake, whereas boas are more tolerable of handling. Do you want a snake that you can look at, care for, but not handle? or do you want a snake that you can handle frequently? Size, care requirements, etc. are also a factor. Read up on both and see which one fits the kind of care you're willing and able to give. Both are great snakes :)

[iBaman]

See, and I don't mind that the GTP would primarily be a display snake. Not worried about size (have a retic, for cripes sake xD), just really want some personal experiences with both =3

[red ink]

Apart from what Alessia said already about the GTP personality. They tend to need a bit more attention in their husbandry requirements. Don't know anything about Boas unfortunately.... I don't even know what a moonglow boa looks like so no help there sorry.

If you want to find out more about GTP care I suggest having a read of "The More Complete Chondro" by Greg Maxwell.

[iBaman]

a Moonglow is this:
http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k486/HerpHobbiest/BOA%20COLLECTION/05-04-12%20Moonglow%20Litter/100_8312.jpg

I love that they're white, but have a pattern at the same time. I'll def check out that book!

[BarelyBreathing]

I'd get the moonglow. That's one of my favorite morphs.

[iBaman]

same here! And because I have to wait, I can save up to get it =3 same for the GTP

[Rogue628]

Although I love both snakes, I think I'd go with the moonglow first. Actually, both are on my want list but the boa first. Mainly because they're a bit easier to keep and can be handled.

I keep pushing the GTP down my want list because they are mainly a display animal. I'd love to have one, but I like to handle my snakes.

[shaunyboy]

as Redink said.....

the More Complete Chondro,by Greg Maxwell

is the green tree bible

personally i would take a GTP over a boa anytime:)

cheers shaun

[Gungirl]

I am with Shaun. I would get the GTP far before I would get a boa. My GTP is a jerk but that is what I love about him. He is gorgeous and watching him move around his viv at night is awesome! I never minded that I can't handle him I kind of like that he is just a display snake. Also if you go with a GTP it will be cheaper to feed in the long run so you could have 2 GTP's eating for less than you would have to feed 1 boa..

[Tekpc007]

I'd get the moonglow because this...

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/111226teeth!!!.jpg

[Gungirl]

Oh please.. Look at this face, does it look that mean? Lol

http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee454/KAMacie/Blitz/DSCF1200.jpg

[Xanafein]

MMM dose Gripping teeth, Pulled one of those out of my finger last week

[Hurrok]

You are definitely stuck with a tough decision! Glad your other half was willing to let you get another snake (I'm sure it will happen again in the future :P) I personally would get the Moonglow, for one they are gorgeous! And plus you can handle them more often :) Don't get me wrong though, GTP are gorgeous as well. I'd surely like to get one myself one day.

[Kavyrie]

As pretty much everyone is saying, go for the moonglow. I adore moonglows, it would be awesome to get more pictures on here of one!

[Akuma223]

I'd go with the moonglow.

[exwizard]

Those are interesting choices. Myself, I will go with a GTP in a few months. You need to get what you want most. This way you will be happiest with whatever you get. *coughs "GTP"* ;)

[DragonsEye]

Both are gorgeous snakes, but I would have to say get the GTP. Afterall, there is no telling if or when your man may be agreeable to yet another addition to your snake collection after this one. For that matter, no telling what the future finances or space might allow. Since a GTP is you "dream snake", get that as your next snake ... otherwise as circumstances change with time, it might forever be regulated to "just" a dream.

[exwizard]

^^^^ this exactly^^^^

[lalanz]

I vote for the gtp. My aru is fine with being handled (daytime only ;) ), and it has never bitten me before. Just realize the fact they are motion hunters so being calm and moving slow helps. My boa hides all the time, so its nice to always be able to see them. I would try getting a juvenile gtp that you can become familiar with over time. Husbandry can be something to get used to, a schedule always helps! But I believe if its your dream go for it. One downside about chondros is its too hard to just have one.

[bcoop1234]

My vote is for the Boa, I just got a Sunglow which I have always wanted and he is just beautiful. The Moonglow is really beautiful.

[MoreliAddict]

Honestly, if you like the looks of the GTP, go with the GTP.

Some GTPs are perfectly docile and trustworthy. You just need to handle the snake before you buy it...

[gareth.hooper]

I would say GTP for the challenge factor but for an all rounder snake, I would say Boa. So my vote will be the.... Boa.

[exwizard]

It's all matter of opinion anyway so I say get what you really want the most because that's what you will be most happy with. *whispers "dream snake"*

[Tekpc007]

take into account , how will you feel if you get bit by the GTP with those teeth? not so much an if , but a when you get bit... or the boyfreind getting bit? will you still want it? those bites can be severe , and no joke and may need stitches. Also they can damage the snake as well , thus risk expensive vets visits. think carefully on it ... and go look at some adult GTPs to see just how big that head can get...

[exwizard]

Yeah well I'm facing the same thing and I accept all the implications that come with this acquisition.

[iBaman]

Very true...didn't think about that.

[rudders]

I would go with the moonglow. They look absolutely stunning. The teeth on the GTP put me off a bit. I like to handle my snakes as well so no GTP for me.

[CK SandBoas]

I would also go with the Moonglow, not only because it is truly a stunning snake, but i also like to handle my snakes, so that's another reason i would choose it over the GTP:D

[lalanz]

The picture that was posted showing fangs actually looks like an emerald boa to me, just saying. And I think with her having a retic, I'd worry about a bite from that over a gtp anyday ;) either way they are both gorgeous snakes and I hope your happy with whichever you choose.

[Tekpc007]

Not trying to scare anyone , all snakes have teeth but ETB and GTP have the largest teeth of all non venomous snakes I believe . I would love to have both types myself , but even though im careful , im not risking a bite from these...not just due to damage to myself but the snake also.

another GTP
http://prickeared.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/gpython.jpg

GTP skull

http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy201/LCOWSILL/gtp-1.jpg

ETB skull ... not much difference

http://i792.photobucket.com/albums/yy201/LCOWSILL/etb.jpg

[Will0W783]

ETB teeth are insane. I have two males at home, and their teeth when they yawn look almost as long as some of my vipers.'

[Hillsberry]

I would go with the moonglow. I thought that I would be able to tame down my GTP but he HATES being handled. He likes to aim for the face. lol Handling GTPs is really recommend because it really stresses them out. GTPs husbandry is a lot more challenging also. If you really want a great handling snake, that is just as beautiful and is easier to care for I would pick the Boa. But that is just my opinion. Best of luck!

[Will0W783]

All of my GTPs were docile animals, and my two emeralds are absolute puppy dogs. But I've seen a lot of aggressive ones as well....really temperament is individual. I think that you need to go with whichever snake you personally like more. I LOVE moonglow boas; they are stunning creatures, and way more expensive/valuable than a GTP. However, I love arboreal snakes and really enjoyed my GTPs when I had them.