Tree Boids?

Arboreal · 08-07-13, 06:18 PM

Hi guys! I haven't posted as much as I'd like t on this forum, so I decided to become a little more active! I have a a couple questions if you don't mind!

I have never had a snake (taken care of them before), and I only have room for one. I do not want to get a ball python or a corn snake and not be happy with it, so I decided to get the snake I wanted initially (within reason). I am torn between three species of snakes, and I would like some guidance. I am stuck between choosing these snakes. Emerald Tree Boa, Green Tree Python and Amazon Tree Boas. From what I have read Emeralds tend to be more expensive, largest, but arguable most "docile". Green tree pythons are more expensive, smaller, and docile, but the price turns me off (I have a 600 budget for the snake and supplies which doesn't include vet bills), and finally the ATB which is least expensive (if i make a husbandry mistake, god forbid something happens it won't be a heavy financial loss), nice size, but least "docile". Is this true? Can an ATB be "tamed down", or is the aggression a misconception as it was with GTP and ETBs? I personally think ATBs have a lot going for them,I love the yellow phase! GTP's are a favorite too! I think ETB's look a little "bland", but that doesn't mean they aren't drop dead gorgeous! So, which of the three would make the best captive? Thanks for the help!

Corey209 · 08-07-13, 06:22 PM

If you can afford a GTP, they're easily the best looking out of the three. I don't care for the ETB head so if you're looking for cheaper I'd go with an ATB. They can be tamed out from a young age, they're not all chainsaws.

I know a guy who just got a litter of ATB's with a lot of red/yellows. PM me if you want his info.

Mikoh4792 · 08-07-13, 06:24 PM

Personally if I had to choose between one of them it would be between an emerald tree boa and green tree python. I like the head of a ETB, looks like lamborghini.

poison123 · 08-07-13, 06:32 PM

ETB all the way!

Arboreal · 08-07-13, 06:43 PM

Okay I ruled out the ETB because of the price, and I personally don't like the head LOL. I think the ATB or GTP would be more for me. So ATB or GTP? I'm setting up a nice naturalistic terrarium, so I'm leaning more toward ATB, so I can spend more on a terrarium.

poison123 · 08-07-13, 06:47 PM

Yeah I would go with an atb.

Mikoh4792 · 08-07-13, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arboreal

Okay I ruled out the ETB because of the price, and I personally don't like the head LOL. I think the ATB or GTP would be more for me. So ATB or GTP? I'm setting up a nice naturalistic terrarium, so I'm leaning more toward ATB, so I can spend more on a terrarium.

It's your choice, but if you are letting money be the deciding factor, you may end up doing what you did not want to in the first place(when you said you will buy something you really want instead of getting a snake and end up not liking it).

If I were you I would give it a longer thought, decide what I want and save up enough money to buy what you like/need in the end. Afterall, this will be a long term pet.

How old are you btw?

Arboreal · 08-07-13, 07:11 PM

I will give this long, hard thought, but just to be clear, money isn't a deciding factor. It is more of a "guideline".

If i needed to go off budget for the animal's sake, I would. That being said, I think an ATB would be my best bet. It is more "forgiving", in terms of husbandry, can be "tamed" down (however, I do like their attitudes!), and comes in a dazzling array of colors. With leftover monies, I would be able to buy/build a much larger terrarium, with more to offer in terms of husbandry for the snake.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

How old are you btw?

I am 18 young

Mikoh4792 · 08-07-13, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arboreal

I will give this long, hard thought, but just to be clear, money isn't a deciding factor. It is more of a "guideline".

If i needed to go off budget for the animal's sake, I would. That being said, I think an ATB would be my best bet. It is more "forgiving", in terms of husbandry, can be "tamed" down (however, I do like their attitudes!), and comes in a dazzling array of colors. With leftover monies, I would be able to buy/build a much larger terrarium, with more to offer in terms of husbandry for the snake.

I am 18 young

What do you mean by tamed down? Because green tree pythons and emerald tree boas can be tamed down just as well. If anything, I heard ATB's are the hardest to tame down.

But I understand where you are coming from. Pay less for the snake, and more for the husbandry to take care of it.

poison123 · 08-07-13, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

What do you mean by tamed down? Because green tree pythons and emerald tree boas can be tamed down just as well. If anything, I heard ATB's are the hardest to tame down.

But I understand where you are coming from. Pay less for the snake, and more for the husbandry to take care of it.

From talking to the breeders on this forum, they say that atb's tame down just as easy an a corn snake if handled from a baby.

smy_749 · 08-07-13, 07:18 PM

I wouldn't say any of the arboreal species tame down to the level of a corn. They will always feel uncomfortable off their perches to some degree. And don't usually get a vicious corn who won't calm down, but you may end up with a ATB that never does, even with regular handling. They just don't enjoy it

Mikoh4792 · 08-07-13, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poison123

From talking to the breeders on this forum, they say that atb's tame down just as easy an a corn snake if handled from a baby.

same thing could be said for gtp's or etb's. Look at cutegayjasons videos on youtube. All his green tree pythons and emerald tree boas are "tame". And by all I mean he has a lot of them.

Arboreal · 08-07-13, 07:47 PM

It's more of a display animal. I will not be taking it out casually like a corn. I would like it to be "tame" enough for me to easily spot clean etc. Also, I do like to occasionally handle my pets, so maybe every once in a while I could take it out of it's cage for a "crawl". I will be "bottling" the snake. If you don't know what I mean, watch a couple "ViperKeeper" videos, and you will see him squeeze water droplets near the snakes mouth for them to drink. This assures the animal is drinking, and helps the animal understand you aren't a threat. (I will still mist the cage daily/have a water dish). That is why I'd like my animal to at least tolerate gentle handling/interaction.

Mikoh4792 · 08-07-13, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arboreal

I will be "bottling" the snake. If you don't know what I mean, watch a couple "ViperKeeper" videos, and you will see him squeeze water droplets near the snakes mouth for them to drink. )

I've always thought about trying this with some of my snakes but I always forget.

Arboreal · 08-07-13, 08:15 PM

You should try it on some of your more aggressive snakes and tell me how it turns out, but also have a water dish as well in case you forget!