how agressive are gtp

juviniles_5 · 03-07-04, 03:03 PM

i am thinking of getting a gtp but are they as agressive of emrald tree boas and what would be the minimum cage hight for a gtp:grab:

Invictus · 03-07-04, 07:15 PM

Emeralds have an undeserved nasty reputation. Yes, some of them are quite aggressive. Most aren't though.

GTPs on the other hand, have earned the reputation a bit more. I've personally encountered ONE that was not a total psychopath. I don't have any in my own collection yet, but I'm going to be adding them soon enough, and every breeder I've talked to says the same thing - GTPs are bitey. Period. Others may have different experiences though.

Clownfishie · 03-07-04, 09:36 PM

It really varies -- some are total psychos as Ken mentioned, some are downright docile, and most fall somewhere in between. In general, I'd say if you're thinking of getting a chondro, prepare for the fact that you'll likely get bit at some point, if not on a regular basis. Chondros make great display snakes, but aren't really a snake that should be handled on a regular basis. I've never kept Emmies, but from what I've heard they fall into pretty much the same category for attitude -- and they've got bigger teeth

As for cage height, 2' should be sufficient for an adult cage

If you're serious about getting a chondro, I'd highly recommend purchasing The Complete Chondro by Greg Maxwell, and visiting http://pub28.ezboard.com/fchondroforumfrm1 -- both are great sources of information.

Hope that helps a bit

Jen

Jeff_Favelle · 03-07-04, 09:49 PM

On average, if you don't count Amazon Basin Emmies, I'd say GTP's are FAR more calm.

Jamie · 03-08-04, 01:54 AM

My new gtp is very calm...very alert but not aggressive and has never struck at me. I have found etb to be more aggressive in my experience

Memnoch · 03-08-04, 02:59 AM

All the ETBs I've seen are very calm. (Northerns and Basins) ATBs on the other hand are mean as hell.

As for GTPs, I think aggressive depends on the locality (as far as I've experienced). Biaks tend to be snappy whereas Arus tend to be very docile.

For teeth size, ETBs have relatively longer teeth than GTPs. But I think GTPs have more.

Finally, if you're concerned about getting bitten, getting bit by either ETB or GTP isn't the end of the world (unless it's a full grown one). They tend to tag and then let go. All you have to do is make sure you don't pull back or else you could tear tissue. If you stay still, their bites just feel like needle pricks (depending how many teeth land), and your sympathetic nervous system will dump so much endorphines (your body's version of morphine) you may even get a rush.

Docile snakes are great and all, but aggressive ones are on a completely different level. Afterall, snakes are predators. If you want something to pet and hold, get a dog.

Well thats my opinion...

marisa · 03-08-04, 11:47 AM

I don't have an opinion of GTP's overall since I haven't kept any but one for two months or so....lol but our guy/gal seems to be more defensive rather than aggresive.

We can easily change his water dish, remove him on the perch for cage cleaning, etc without even a strike. But if you start messing with him then he will try to move away and if you keep messing with him, he will strike and bite. But he is never striking at the cage when someone walks by, or my hand when I change water, spot clean.

Although, night time is a WHOLE different story. It's really like owning two different snakes,,one in the day and a totally different one at night.

Marisa

Holy Mackerel · 03-08-04, 03:13 PM

I think that the beauty of the snakes out weigh the potential harm that may be recieved. As noted above, the reputation that emeralds and green trees have been branded with is underserved. Snakes (not all) will defend themselves if required, and being a tree boid the teeth are considerably larger than the average given colubrid.

My experence with the green trees have been great, with my own being completly docile. However if you decide to purchase one, be prepared to take a few strikes.