Aspiring Emerald Tree Boa Keeper

[BoaFanatic]

Howdy all,

I'm interested in keeping an Emerald Tree Boa,this has been a long aspiration of mine, and is my ultimate goal in snake keeping. I would love nothing more to have a beautiful emerald perched on a branch to showcase. I find them extremely fascinating and I love a good challenge when it comes to species specific requirements, and replicating such in an ideal captive habitat.

Let me first say, if you've read my intro you understand that I've kept snakes before and have experience in their care and maintenance. I've also done some extensive reading into emeralds and understand the basic challenges in keeping them, which I hope you guys will be able to help explore in more detail.

Please keep comments like "You don't have enough experience to keep these snakes" or "These snakes are only for the most elite" to yourselves. I'm a very scientifically and biologically minded individual, I'm not Joe Shmo that saw an emerald somewhere and said "I want that" and am going throw it in a tank. I believe if you have an understanding of an animals biology, ecology, and care requirements, you can keep it happy and healthy given the resources to meet those requirements. Yes, I've read the FAQ's sticky.

My eventual goal of this thread is to be able to create a summary of tips and guidelines detailing caging, maintenance, and husbandry requirements.

So here's what I understand so far

About the snake

-Requires higher humidity during the day, with it dropping some at night.
-Can be aggressive especially when specimens are wild caught.(Mine will be CB)
-Requires heating in the form of ambient temperature(no Heat rocks or pads)
-Has a slow metabolic rate(requires meals on its own schedule, no larger than the girth of the snake)
-Is prone to problems with regurgitation especially when stressed or when fed large prey.
-Frequent problems with wild caught/imported specimens include worms, mites, and parasites.(which is why I'm starting with a young captive bred specimen)

About the Enclosure

-Height is more important than length when choosing housing.
-Should have multiple perching levels allowing the snake to thermo-regulate
-Hygrometer and thermometer are necessary to monitor temperature and humidity.
-Should be decorated with plants to give the snake some sense of privacy and safety.
-Should have a variety of perch sizes,with perches being the diameter of the snake or slightly larger a main importance.

I more than welcome any corrections to the above assumptions, and please explore any of them in more detail if you can,

My Questions

1. What have you found to be the most hassle-free and beneficial floor covering?

2. Have you had any success with foggers to maintain humidity levels?

3. Do you use artificial or live plants? Are they both suitable, why?

4. I see that many like to use PVC as perching material, and some I've seen have what appears to be Camo Tape wrapped around them, how does that work out?

5. When you have a young snake, do you find maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity is easier in a smaller enclosure?

6. Should I just buy the snake it's adult size enclosure first, or start it in a smaller tank and upgrade later?(in relation to the question above)

7. I plan on buying an Exo-Terra glass terrarium, would one of these work well?

Thanks for looking guys, I appreciate any feedback!

[jarich]

Glad you are taking on the responsibility with that research in mind. I do not actually have ETBs but from keepers that have both ETBs and GTPs, the set ups are pretty identical. Ill try to answer your questions by number.

1) Bioactive substrate seems to be easiest for me. I use a mixture of sphagnum moss, coconut coir, topsoil, charcoal and orchid bark if I have it around at the time.
2) Initially I tried using a fogger, but it kept breaking down or running dry or any number of other problems. In the end I went with a high quality mister that I have on a timer. It sprays a couple times a day for a few seconds and keeps the humidity levels much better than the fogger ever did.
3) I use all live plants on the inside, and a couple of fake ones stuck on the outside to add some further cover for it to feel secure. Because the enclosure doesnt have much in the way of ventilation, I use only live plants inside to keep the air fresh.
4) I think the camo look you are referring to is not tape but just burned PVC. If you take a torch and lightly burn the outside of the PVC is gets that brown, mottled look. Its a little more 'branch' looking then
5) Depends on who you ask. There are some who swear by having them in smaller tubs to begin with and others who say that if you properly furnish your larger enclosure then there is no need to keep upgrading. I belong to the latter group. I think that as these guys dont require a large heat gradient like other reptiles, keeping the heat and humidity in a small enclosure is just as difficult as a large one. A sense of security for the snake is more the issue, so making sure that they have lots of plant cover and perches that they feel secure in is essential in both.
6) Same as above
7) Which one are you looking at? The issue with some of those front opening cages is that the top is screen. Not difficult to fix, just something to be aware of.

Hope it helps.

[BarelyBreathing]

1-I keep my emeralds on bio-active.
2-I use foggers occasionally, but NOT for humidity levels. I mostly use them for the aesthetics.
3-Live plants. They not only provide hides and give your snake something to drink off of, but live helps with humidity levels.
4-No idea. I use actual branches.
5-Nope. Maintaining good heat (or lack there of, with an emerald) and humidity is pretty much the same no matter what size enclosure you have.
6-You can do either, but I always recommend a new keeper have their adult enclosure before bringing home the snake. You have no idea how many times I hear "oh, this is just a raise up enclosure, the adult enclosure is coming soon" with an adult snake.
7-An adult will need a very large Exo Terra, but yes, they work well.

Here's a care sheet I wrote up a while ago. The only difference is that now, with more experience, I have increased the sizes of my enclosures.
Care of the Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus) - *BambooZoo

[BoaFanatic]

Jarich, I sincerely thank you for your time and answering my questions, I indeed found your response helpful.

That is an interesting mixture for a floor covering, How do you go about cleaning and replacing it? I imagine it's excellent for moisture retention.

I was looking at the Exo-Terra glass terrarium medium-tall to start with. On the screen issue I thought that ventilation was an issue, being the reason I chose this model. However I could cut some Plexiglas inserts and put some holes in it to retain some humidity.(Not under the light of course)

Thanks again-
Mark

[Gungirl]

Pvc perches should NOT have tape on them. No tape should be allowed inside of the enclosure. Most people Take the PVC and lightly scorch it with a torch to give a more branch like look.

[BoaFanatic]

Originally Posted by BarelyBreathing

1-I keep my emeralds on bio-active.
3-Live plants. They not only provide hides and give your snake something to drink off of, but live helps with humidity levels.
4-No idea. I use actual branches.
6-You can do either, but I always recommend a new keeper have their adult enclosure before bringing home the snake. You have no idea how many times I hear "oh, this is just a raise up enclosure, the adult enclosure is coming soon" with an adult snake.

Thanks for the response Barely,

I will have to look into this Bio-Active alot of people seem to like it.

Do you use potted plants in your enclosure, or have you figured a way to maintain them in the substrate?

What species of wood do you use for your branches? Where do you buy/collect them, and how do you affix them in your enclosure?

I know what you mean about the "Don't worry a larger cage is coming" syndrome, I've seen it many times through the years as well. I've seen that keeping juveniles in little tanks and tubs is a common recommendation in many care sheets, hence why I asked.

Originally Posted by Gungirl

Pvc perches should NOT have tape on them. No tape should be allowed inside of the enclosure. Most people Take the PVC and lightly scorch it with a torch to give a more branch like look.

Thanks for clarifying this Gungirl, after some more searching and reading I found the scorched PVC tutorial. I may consider doing this depending on what kind of natural wood alternatives I can find.

Again guys, Thanks a bunch for your help!

[jarich]

Originally Posted by BoaFanatic

Jarich, I sincerely thank you for your time and answering my questions, I indeed found your response helpful.

That is an interesting mixture for a floor covering, How do you go about cleaning and replacing it? I imagine it's excellent for moisture retention.

I was looking at the Exo-Terra glass terrarium medium-tall to start with. On the screen issue I thought that ventilation was an issue, being the reason I chose this model. However I could cut some Plexiglas inserts and put some holes in it to retain some humidity.(Not under the light of course)

Thanks again-
Mark

Thats the nice part about that substrate, you dont clean or replace it. I take out the shed skin right away, and any large chunks of waste. However, if you plant the plants right in the substrate, and then add things like earthworms, springtails, isopods, etc there is no need to ever take the substrate out to clean. It becomes its own ecosystem, and grows on its own.

As for the screen, ya that would work with the plexi. I would say though that you might want to reconsider the light on top. It becomes much more difficult to control humidity with that light sucking all the heat and humidity out the top.

[BoaFanatic]

Originally Posted by jarich

Thats the nice part about that substrate, you dont clean or replace it. I take out the shed skin right away, and any large chunks of waste. However, if you plant the plants right in the substrate, and then add things like earthworms, springtails, isopods, etc there is no need to ever take the substrate out to clean. It becomes its own ecosystem, and grows on its own.

As for the screen, ya that would work with the plexi. I would say though that you might want to reconsider the light on top. It becomes much more difficult to control humidity with that light sucking all the heat and humidity out the top.

Good points, I would like a showpiece terrarium setup and having a bio-active substrate would be more fitting, and from the sounds of it it's definitely convenient.

Are there any concerns I should be aware of regarding parasites in substrates like that? I assume that it's not much of an issue with you guys keeping your snakes with it, but it's always good to ask.

What would you recommend in lieu of a thermostatically controlled heat lamp as a main heat source?

I'm also looking for suggestions on reputable breeders/dealers for the snake itself. I'm not really looking to spend $2-4,000 on a snake from the "best bloodlines", just someone who will send me a juvenile captive bred snake, that will arrive hydrated, parasite free, and healthy. I looked around on sites like kingsnake.com all I could find is large volume pet dealers with sketchy reviews.

[BarelyBreathing]

Originally Posted by BoaFanatic

Thanks for the response Barely,

I will have to look into this Bio-Active alot of people seem to like it.

Do you use potted plants in your enclosure, or have you figured a way to maintain them in the substrate?

What species of wood do you use for your branches? Where do you buy/collect them, and how do you affix them in your enclosure?

I know what you mean about the "Don't worry a larger cage is coming" syndrome, I've seen it many times through the years as well. I've seen that keeping juveniles in little tanks and tubs is a common recommendation in many care sheets, hence why I asked.

I buy potted plants but remove them from the pot to plant right in the enclosure. Always wash your plants before introducing them to an animal.

For wood, you can use anything but pine and cedar, but I would advise against using grape vine in a humid enclosure unless it's been treated. I LOVE mopani wood. I also use cork and vines. I either buy them from Welcome to Black Jungle Terrarium Supply - The Natural Choice! or I collect them outside.

Yeah, you can definitely keep smaller snakes in smaller enclosures, just make sure you have the means to get that larger enclosure later down the road.

[BoaFanatic]

Originally Posted by BarelyBreathing

I buy potted plants but remove them from the pot to plant right in the enclosure. Always wash your plants before introducing them to an animal.

For wood, you can use anything but pine and cedar, but I would advise against using grape vine in a humid enclosure unless it's been treated. I LOVE mopani wood. I also use cork and vines. I either buy them from Welcome to Black Jungle Terrarium Supply - The Natural Choice! or I collect them outside.

You know, I've been using mopani in my aquariums for years, I would have never thought of using it for a snake! lol

Some real good info here guys, keep it coming!

[jausi]

I do not own any ETB, but I do have a ATB, now:
1. I use bio active substrate aswell (coconut fiber, crush real charcoal, spagnum moss all mix together and on top I added tree ferm), I also inclueded a colony of Isopods, they will keep the substrate clean and fresh.
2. dont use fogers I hand mist twice a day
3. I use real plants (poted orchids, photos directly planted to the susbtrate and other small ones that are growing well)
4. I also use branches keeps you enclosure more natural (nothing plastic for me), bu its your choice
6. I had my enclosure ready before I got my ATB and she was only one year old (still a baby.. at least for me... lol)
7. exo terra is fine, just meke sure you cover the top with glass to keep humidity, I have a exo terra medium wide for my ATB

[BoaFanatic]

Sweet guys, I appreciate the feedback.

Just to ask, do these same parameters apply to Green Tree Python as well? I'm. Kind of on the fence right now, and I've read they are a little less fragile... and just as beautiful. Perhaps some insight on this matter?

[Aaron_S]

I'd just like to point that that height is not the most important factor when considering the enclosure size.

It's easier to achieve proper temperature regulation horizontally than it is vertically for these species.

The reason being is that these snakes are arboreal. They generally pick the highest perches anyway. If you decide to keep it small like some breeders do (roughly 4 feet wide) then you can place a perch right across the entire enclosure with one end being hot and one end cool. This will allow the snake to feel secure no what matter what on it's preferred perch. You don't need any height for them and still make a beautiful enclosure.

Fine Green Tree Pythons | HOME

This is a great site for GTP enclosures and care. ETB's would require slightly larger enclosures due to their size.

[BoaFanatic]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I'd just like to point that that height is not the most important factor when considering the enclosure size.

It's easier to achieve proper temperature regulation horizontally than it is vertically for these species.

Fine Green Tree Pythons | HOME

This is a great site for GTP enclosures and care. ETB's would require slightly larger enclosures due to their size.

Thanks Aaron I appreciate the input, I will take that into consideration.

As that websites name suggests there are some fine specimens out there. I am thinking that this is the species that I'm going to choose. They are available at a little less expense, less finicky when it comes to regurgitation issues,grow to a slightly smaller adult size, and quite frankly I love the look of the specimens that have black patterning on the dorsal..quite a sight to behold!

I sincerely thank all that replied to this thread, your answers to my questions are exact and therefore extremely helpful.

I will be buying the enclosure and setting it up this weekend. so you will likely see a thread in the Green Tree Python sub forum pop-up, and I hope you all will come over and direct me some more.

Mark

[jausi]

Originally Posted by BoaFanatic

Sweet guys, I appreciate the feedback.

Just to ask, do these same parameters apply to Green Tree Python as well? I'm. Kind of on the fence right now, and I've read they are a little less fragile... and just as beautiful. Perhaps some insight on this matter?

If your thinking to go with GTP, I highly recomend you to read the most complet chondro, best book ever for GTP's, I got mine for a reasonable price from another person for a really good price, good luck !!!!!, keep us updated