Green Tree Python Care

The Green tree python is unarguably one of the most beautiful snakes in the world. They are exotic, stunning and savoring their appearance is indeed a pleasure. They are arboreal pythons that exhibit many marvelous colors like green, blue and yellow, that change as they get mature. They are a fascinating species having scientific name Morelia viridis. Green tree pythons are referred as chondros, which is an abbreviation of name of their genus Chondropythons.

They are also labeled and sold by their origin or from where they were found originally, which we can refer to as races of the green tree pythons. There are a few 'races' of them very popular amongst the green tree python lovers, including Aru, Biak, Sorong and Merauke, etc. These are the local names given according to the place where they were found. They are said to be really a hard reptile species to pet, maintain and also reproduce when in captivity. Which, let me tell you is the half truth! They are easy to pet, once you are aware of the proper techniques.

Green Tree Python Care Guide

There are a few things that one must be well aware about, before bringing home a green tree python as pet. Once you get to know some physical characteristics of them, you may easily recognize one and take some educated guesses about its age and 'race'. Mind you, it's not that easy. There is a huge difference of size amongst the adults. But, as a rule of thumb, a mature green tree python adult may be up to 3 feet to 5 feet in length. The species live the longest amongst all of their counterparts. A well 'taken-care-of' green tree python can live for more than 15 years. For better results, here is some information that may lead you towards step-by-step care of your new pet reptile.

Building its Home
As we know, green tree python habitat is the tropical parts of the world and hence, adequate ventilation, heat and humidity is the key, while you are thinking about giving it a home. You may buy the traditional sort of terrarium that comes with locked screen lids. It is often also suggested that they must be stored in the proper and dedicated cages, so that it could get easy for you to admire them and to protect them (as well as yourself!). Hence, it is best to put the baby green tree python in a smaller 10 gallon terrarium (use separate ones, if you want more than one pet green tree pythons). But remember, as they grow old, they ought to need a bigger dwelling, so it's better to ensure them slightly larger quarters.

It is a common misconception that they need those taller cages. But, by doing that, the snake tends to select the highest part of the cage, which leaves their food bowls on the ground. There are chances that they might forget to run into the food and water and suffer dehydration. Whatever sized cage you buy, make sure that there are enough of firm branches and perches in it for the green tree python to move freely. They get active at night and try to explore their surroundings. Hence, it is helpful if you put several multiple climbing branches of various sizes and fix them properly. They are really fragile and any sort of injury could be life-threatening for them.

Giving Warmth
Needless to say, I am talking about providing them with suitable temperatures and light. It is very essential for the green tree pythons to maintain high temperature during the day and warm temperature during night. Maintain the temperature of the enclosure at around 80ºF during the day and around 75ºF in the evening. Make sure that it never exceeds above 90ºF. The under tank heat pads that are normally used are actually ineffective for the green tree pythons, as they spend most of their time on the trees. Hence, you may try using infrared heat bulbs, ceramic heat emitters and basking bulbs, or a radiant heat panel.

The temperatures must always be monitored with a quality thermostat and at least, two highly efficient thermometers. Put one thermometer at the warmest place and one at the coolest place of the cage. As a rule of thumb, make sure to provide their photoperiodism between 12 hours of day and 12 hours of the night. As a matter of fact, usage of UV lighting can cause several positive changes in the green tree python temperament.

Forming a Base
A good quality substratum is very essential for your green tree python. It must be effective for the humidity levels of the cage, and be antifungal and anti-mold. Commercial substratum or the reptile bark that is available, is actually a good choice. You may also use coconut husk, cypress mulch, etc. which are also some useful choices as far as the cage substratum is concerned. As a rule of thumb, try and maintain as much natural environment as possible for the green tree python to thrive. This way they won't feel out of place and discover their own hideout for comfort. You may also introduce the sphagnum moss as a substratum because it acts like a sponge, after getting wet.

Providing Water
Search for a sturdy and large water dish ideal for providing water to the green tree python. This reptile drinks water from the water droplets that typically get formed on its coils, when you spray some. But, it must always be provided with extra water, just in case it feels the need for having some. It is an essential part of your green tree python care routine. Try and provide it with routine water sprinkling, at least twice a day. Spray room temperature water on the cage wall, substrate, barks and your green tree python as well. Always make sure that the cage is totally dried out, before you spray it another time with water.

There is an easy test that can determine your efficiency as a pet owner and health of your green tree python. It lies in its manner of skin shedding. If it sheds the skin in a single piece, then it's getting proper levels of water, humidity and light as well. If the snake is found to be shedding pieces of the skin, then it's high time for you to increase the humidity levels in the cage.

Providing Nutrition
Food and nutrition is the most essential part. Green tree pythons are fed on a large array of preys ranging from rodents, birds to several other vertebrates and reptiles. When feeding a baby green tree python, you may have to provide it with a small newborn mouse, while the adult needs a larger mouse or rat. If the prey is visible inside snake's stomach, in form of a lump, then you have managed to feed it, quite well. They have quite slow metabolic rate and hence, they must be fed to the fullest, once in a week to 10 days gap. Never feed your 'however adorable' green tree python by hand. Always use long forceps, to feed it with a freshly killed or thawed food.

As a strict rule, never handle your green tree python, they come really hard on anything that comes in their way. An occasional snake may 'tolerate' being handled by you for one or two times, but it won't take him long to bite you, if he feels threatened. If you must handle them, use a small snake hook that you can find in the market. That would be suitable for both you and the snake. You would also need to take care before handling the snake with the hook, as it could damage the skin of your green tree python, so, be careful and follow all these green tree python care measures!

They are some exotic and precious types of snakes and they simply need to be treated likewise. Anything extraordinary would simply annoy your pet and damage your idea of having these pythons as pets.