GTP questions about behavior..help?

Sharlynn93 · 01-12-14, 03:40 PM

my new baby (whom I was told was hatched in June) is 12 inches long (didn't weigh)..my question is, is it normal for them to be kinda wobbly and not seem to have a lot of control over their head? She seemed to be content to hang out on her perch for the first 18 hrs an now is roaming the ground instead...temp on the perch was about 85 when she left it...I put my hand in and she crawled into it and I offered the perch to her, she immediately crawled over the perch and right back to the ground...she is now curled up behind her water dish...but she was quite actively exploring for over 2 hours..

shortly before she descended

roaming

size comparison...standard size business card...

Mikoh4792 · 01-12-14, 03:56 PM

Could you capture the behavior on video?(head wobble).

My green tree pythons would go to the ground from time to time. It's normal. Some will want to go on the floor more than others.

Sharlynn93 · 01-12-14, 04:04 PM

I can try, but now she is camped out behind the water dish...I will watch for her to come out...I emailed the breeder last night because I noticed on the ride home she went to readjust herself just as we hit a bumpy spot in the road and she partly came off the perch...she didn't seem to be able to get herself back up to the rest of her body..I had to tip the cup so she had less distance to go...could be she just hasn't developed much muscle mass since they usually stay put on a perch?

Mikoh4792 · 01-12-14, 04:12 PM

Can't really comment. I've never had a green tree when it was a baby. From your last thread though I think it looked just a bit skinny. Maybe it needs a few more meals to develop some strength.

Sharlynn93 · 01-12-14, 04:14 PM

they said it was eating 2 pinkies a week...she is due to feed, but wanted to wait a few days to give her time to settle in...hoping she goes back on the perch before then...

Mikoh4792 · 01-12-14, 04:19 PM

Could also be that she's insecure and wants to use the water bowl as a hide. Her enclosure is a bit open with all that space.

Lankyrob · 01-12-14, 04:19 PM

Mine was fairly young when i got him, he was rather unsteady moving around until he gained some size, hArd to say without seeing yours whether it is similar tho.

Mikoh4792 · 01-12-14, 04:22 PM

Yeah even though GTP's are thin and lean snakes, in this pic he looks like he could use just a bit more weight.

Lankyrob · 01-12-14, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Yeah even though GTP's are thin and lean snakes, in this pic he looks like he could use just a bit more weight.

Possibly, doesnt seem too bad tho, couple of meals should be fine

LarryS · 01-12-14, 05:46 PM

Agreeing with Mikoh, Most Green Tree keepers use smaller habitats for animals that size. A shoe box sized tub is not uncommon for the first year.

If you don't have a copy of "The More Complete Chondro" on hand, I would suggest picking one up.

Nice looking snake!

Sharlynn93 · 01-12-14, 06:03 PM

I tried looking for that book...but they are $40-$100...

LarryS · 01-12-14, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharlynn93

I tried looking for that book...but they are $40-$100...

Yes, in the $50 range on Amazon I think. Money well spent.

There was a Green Tree/Amazon book available from Signal Herp for 10.00 but I don't think he carries it any more.

Otherwise go over to the MVF forum and search the archives, more information on GTP's there than you could ever imagine.

Edit - PM me, I'll make you a deal on my copy of the book that you can't refuse. Always willing to help out a new keeper.

smy_749 · 01-12-14, 08:03 PM

If there is a tiny bit of 'wobble' when she is reaching for stuff which is somewhat far away, you may just be panicking over nothing. If its significant wobble when she is not using a significant amount of effort, then there may be an issue. Going to the ground is nothing unless she refuses to go to the perches, then you should be alarmed. Make sure you have different perches at different levels so shes not forced between 'hot perch or down to the ground' for thermoregulating options. Get a smaller enclosure, maybe add a bit more cover.

Sharlynn93 · 01-12-14, 08:12 PM

the wobble is when she tries to reach for things mostly...I may try lowering the perches for now...if she is still grounded in a day or 2 I will try going and getting her a small tub and see how that goes...I'm just concerned about heating a small tub...will be difficult to have a cool and hot side with the equipment I have...

**lady_bug87** · 01-12-14, 09:10 PM

Then get new equipment. You chose this animal it didn't choose you.

Your enclosure looks massive and there doesn't seem to be much cover. That is probably contributing to the grounding issue. My green tree will ground herself periodically usually its due to changes like ambient temperature, humidity and barometric pressure. The last 4 major storms we had she hunkered down.

You're over reacting about the instability it'll grow out of it as it gains muscle strength

From the pictures it doesn't look big enough for 2 pinkies I'd start with one every 5-7 days. Make sure your husbandry is correct.