Green Tree Python Habitat

The Green Tree Python which is native to Northern part of Australia, New Guinea and Indonesia belongs to the Boidae Pythoninae family. This Green Python is called so because it is green in color and is arboreal i.e. it lives on the tree most of the time. The adult Green Tree Python can be as long as 1.6 to 2.2 meters. Though most of the adult Green Tree Pythons are green in color, baby Green Tree Pythons are usually yellow and sometimes, even red in color. These babies acquire the green color before they reach two years of age. However, there are certain Green Tree Pythons which acquire a blue or yellow color, instead of green. Along with the green color, this Python species also have some blue and white spots on their bodies.

Though the Green Tree Python is regarded as a wild animal and is usually found in rain forests, nowadays, many reptile lovers like the idea of bringing this Python into their homes. Nevertheless, bringing a Green Tree Python home is a great responsibility and has to be done very carefully to ensure that the python lives for a long time. One of the most important things that people should know about the species is its habitat i.e., the place where the python should be kept at home. So, let us take a look at some crucial information on Green Tree Python housing. More on Green Tree Python facts.

Habitat of a Green Tree Python

Ideally, the simulated habitat of the species should looks similar to its natural habitat. Hence, one needs to spend a lot of time, money and effort to create a vivarium which reflects the natural habitat of the python exactly. One not only needs to think about the type of cage to be brought for the Green Tree Python, but also about factors like the décor of the cage, temperature, humidity, etc. So, before you bring the Green Tree Python to your home, here are some things that you have to know about its habitat.

Perfect Cage
Green Tree Pythons usually have a secluded life and hence, it is important to have a separate cage for each one of them. Though these python species like to have a large area to claim as their own, cages that are too big can scare the snake. The perfect cage for this python would be one that has 90cm length x 60cm width x 60 cm height. However, the baby python need not be given such a big vivarium. Rather, a 30 cm cubed vivarium would be just perfect for the juvenile python. Once it starts growing, it is important to shift it to a larger cage. Though aquariums with glass on four sides are fine, it is important to see to it that it has a tight fitting lid to prevent the snake from escaping from the enclosure. Some experts also suggest the use of cages which have screens on two sides to keep the air inside the cage fresh. Some people also use cages made of melamine coated wood on three sides and glass sliding doors in the front. Other than this, cages made of plastic or fiberglass are also fine.

Substrate
The substrate of the Green Tree Python's cage need not be something very elaborate as they tend to spend much time on the branches and very less on the ground. One of the cheapest substrate is the newspaper which is also one which can be cleaned easily. However, most people think using newspapers as substrates is not visually appealing. In such a case, it would be a good idea to use things like orchid bark, butcher paper, aspen, cypress mulch, artificial turf, bark chips, wood chips, etc. as substrates.

Interior Decoration
Once you have the perfect cage for your Green Tree Python, the next step would be to create the correct décor for it. The vivarium should be filled with plants and branches as this snake likes to climb on branches rather than stay in the bottom. Using some fake plants along with the real ones will also be a great idea as it creates a good visual appeal. As the Green Tree Python likes to stay aloof, providing few hiding places as well as sitting spots for it in the cage is very important. However, while decorating the vivarium, the safety of the snake should be of utmost important. It is crucial to make sure that the branches and the plants are secured correctly, so that they do not prove hazardous for the snake. It is also important to avoid adding stones, rocks and other sharp things in the cage to prevent the snake from getting hurt.

Temperature and Humidity
The ideal habitat temperature should be different during the different parts of the day. For instance, during the day, the ideal temperature should be between 24º to 28º C, while at night it should be between 22º to 24º C. Heat should be generated inside the vivarium with the use of spot bulbs, ceramic heaters, heat mats, etc. As the natural habitat of the Green Tree Python has a very humid environment, this should be maintained in the vivarium too. Some of the ways of maintain correct humidity is by misting the cage regularly, placing a large bowl of water and using a humidifier from time to time. Placing a drip system in the cage is also a good idea.

However, after creating the perfect vivarium for the snake, one should not forget to take proper care of this reptile. It is important to clean the vivarium regularly, so that the snake is not affected by bacteria which develops in unclean environment. This is extremely crucial to ensure that the snake has a healthy and long life.