Looking for a new snake

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by millertime89

That's strange, because that's the exact opposite of my experience. I've seen some pretty big jungles and a few truly large coastals but my IJs are both under 6ft at 5 years of age (I picked up some proven breeders last year). And they both are almost exclusively ground snakes. So much so that I removed all but one perch from their enclosures.

Strange, different experiences for different individuals I guess. Both my IJ's are in the "canopy" of their enclosures right now...but at night I don't really see them in the hanging/ambush position like my jungles and coastals get into. But I guess 2 feet of height isn't really something to base my observations on haha.

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

Mikoh, so I've decided I'm going to convince the GF of a GTP, if she doesn't like it, she will eventually! So, what would be the best heating source? I hear RHP are best for ambiant heat, so I would think that would work best, but I've never used one so I'm not sure.Also I was thinking about just buying the adult size enclosure so it can grow into it. Would that be ok? I know some snakes don't do well in an enclosure that's too large, but all I have that are small are aquariums, and they don't retain ambiant heat too well.

Snakes don't do well in enclosures that are open, not in enclosures that are big. You can grow a baby gtp in it's adult enclosure but you'd really have to cram that thing with decor, plants, perches...etc. I think it's more convenient to start it out in a smaller enclosure and then move it in after it's gained a bit of size.

I use RHP's for my arboreal/semi-arboreal snakes. They're much simpler than heat lamps in my opinion. They come with two screws that you use to just mount it on the ceiling and nothing else. All you need after that is a thermostat.

[millertime89]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Strange, different experiences for different individuals I guess. Both my IJ's are in the "canopy" of their enclosures right now...but at night I don't really see them in the hanging/ambush position like my jungles and coastals get into. But I guess 2 feet of height isn't really something to base my observations on haha.

I use belly heat which may contribute to it. *shrugs*

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Snakes don't do well in enclosures that are open, not in enclosures that are big. You can grow a baby gtp in it's adult enclosure but you'd really have to cram that thing with decor, plants, perches...etc. I think it's more convenient to start it out in a smaller enclosure and then move it in after it's gained a bit of size.

I use RHP's for my arboreal/semi-arboreal snakes. They're much simpler than heat lamps in my opinion. They come with two screws that you use to just mount it on the ceiling and nothing else. All you need after that is a thermostat.

Great points. I'll add GTPs aren't the best animals if you want something that can be handled. They are very delicate as babies and most will never fully calm down. Sometimes you get lucky and you can get localities that are "better" but they're usually nippy all the time.

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by millertime89

I use belly heat which may contribute to it. *shrugs*



Great points. I'll add GTPs aren't the best animals if you want something that can be handled. They are very delicate as babies and most will never fully calm down. Sometimes you get lucky and you can get localities that are "better" but they're usually nippy all the time.

What's with all these different accounts! It's weird I've never come across a nippy GTP and I've handled several. All were very calm with no inclination to bite.