Ok, ok, finally found what i want - a GTP - need some advice!

[Unravel]

Hello,

lately ive been looking for an invert to add to my collection and after thinking about a brazillian boa, a chameleon, or even a dwarf monitor i finally found what i really want... a green tree python (or possibly a tree boa)

just seems like a perfect display animal for a planted tank with high humidity.

i just love the exotic look, and the way their faces are sculpted is incredible. They are rather costly pets but luckily my local craig's list has some options. Give me some pointers on how to spot a healthy vs an unhealthy snake please! Also any input on GTPs will be appreciated (so far i know that i really don't want to get bit by it...)

found this girl so far for $150

Looks like an ARU (?) locale, i like, am a bit worried about the fold/scar on the head. Seller is a bit slow to respond but hopefully i can take a look at it in the next couple of days!

Thanks guys!

 

[CFleming]

I would not buy this GTP. The skin folds worry me, plus it looks like there is a bunch of stuck shed on the poor thing. Probably is an import, and probably will not last long in your care. GTPs are amazing snakes. They are one of my favorites. If you are serious about getting one, please do yourself a favor, and buy one from a respected breeder. Yes it will cost a lot more, but I promise you you will be much happier with your experience. You can find them cheaper from importers, but most of the time they are riddled with problems. Also GTP care requirements make them a more advanced snake. They dont tolerate improper conditions for very long. Also they have a nasty bite and typically attitudes to match. But the cbs are getting easier and easier to handle. If you are looking for an impressive aboreal display animal may I suggest an Amazon Tree Boa. They come in a wide variety of colors, make excellent display animals, and are much more tolerate to errors in husbandry. Many potential GTP and ETB owners keep amazons first, I am, before drop $500+ on a snake I may kill in six months. But in the end it is really up to you and what you want and like. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or anything. My main passion is snakes especially Amazons other aboreals.

 

[Unravel]

very interesting, thanks for the advice! I did worry about the folds, but where do you see the stuck sheds, sorry im not very good at spotting them, from a picture anyway.

 

[CFleming]

I you look at to top out line of the snake you see pieces sticking up off of it. Also if you look at coils on the right at the top close to the head you can see a section that is duller in apperance. It looks like this snake has had trouble shedding for at least a couple of sheds at least IMO. It also looks thin, which would explain the skin folds.

 

[Unravel]

ah i definitely see it now. Interesting, looks like its in pretty horrible shape. Owner said she also had mites but he's pretty sure she's rid of them now. But for the sake of arguement lets say she does have mites. He says he will adopt her out for $100, i can probably make that $75 after saying that i see skin pieces stuck. Do you think she's a lost cause or should i try it anyway. I am comfortable with making her a proper enclosure, only problem id have is interacting with her in the healing process as to not get bit (but the owner claims she's very docile). I do like the idea of a hands off healing process better however. He also told me she's captive bred, but trusting people off CL about things like that is shakey.

Basically, i wouldn't mind helping out an amazing animal and trying to rehab it. I dont mind putting money into it but i don't have an endless purse so to speak. What do you think i should do?

---------- Post added at 10:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:11 AM ----------

btw he claims that in that picture she JUST shed, i asked for more pictures. he only lives 10 minutes away so i just might take a look. Anything i should do to "test" the health of the animal?

 

[CFleming]

Funny you said she had mites. I thought I saw a speck, wasnt sure thought it might have been a random black scale. If it were me I would pass on this one. The condition this snake looks to be in I am almost positive it is a WC or the person has no idea how to properly care for this species. If you do go look at it. Change your cloths and wash your hands throughly before entering you home again. If you have other herps you dont want to bring mites into your collection. Also it would be nice to see it eat and not regurg after a few hours to a day or so. But that is asking a lot I know. Personally, looking at you other posts about a new invert. I would pass on this one. If you really want a GTP save this $100 and put it towards a cbb juvie from a good breeder. Also if this one really is CBB then there should be some proof. Ask them who the breeder is or where they bought it. If they dont know or it was a pet store the I would assume that it is really a WC.

And it probably did just shed or try to because of the mites.

 

[Unravel]

i hear ya, and i agree, i'll just take a look anyway since he's so close and report my findings to you. maybe take a picture or two myself. Thanks so much for all the help!

 

[CFleming]

I really hope that its really not as bad as the pic looks. I hate to see such a beautiful animal in despair. I have rescued my fair share of herps. So good outcomes, some sad. Interested to see what you discover.