Beginner tree snake?

Bettina · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2002, 06:21 PM

So, my brother wants a tree snake. Don't ask me why, but he's got his mind set on a tree snake. He's never kept snakes before so I'm actively discouraging him from even thinking about atbs, gtps, or etbs, but I was wondering if there's any other type of snake that would be ok for a beginner that's mostly arboreal?

Bettina
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mirabelasunshine · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2002, 07:57 PM

Just talking out my behind here, since I've never kept arboreals myself, but... maybe a jungle carpet python? Maybe Bry or somebody will come along and comment on this. It seems to me they spend a good bit of their time in branches, at least the ones I've seen do. And the care stuff I've read suggests they aren't as complicated to keep as some of the species you've mentioned. Although they don't sound as easy as a nice straighforward boa, either. It sounds like some of them tame down reasonable well. In my opinion, they are very pretty. Anyway, good luck with your search.

_________________
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SteveP · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2002, 09:57 PM

I once had a Cal king that liked to climb on the branches in his terraium alot! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] I'd continue to discourage him on the GTB's and ETP's...not exactly beginner snakes! Most arboreals get pretty pricey too! I'd suggest he get a species that's simple and easy to start...and place the vivarium on a high shelf so it "feels" arboreal! In all seriousness, I'd hate to see him get an animal that's challenging for a beginner and then get discouraged...we need more snake people around!
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Ravnos · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-2002, 10:24 PM

First I think your friend needs to realize that arboreal snakes, generally, have a pretty nasty disposition. They are largely just display animals, you don't hang them off your arm, you don't set them in your lap while you're watching tv, you don't pull them out to show to friends. They just don't do that... at least not without putting a few holes in the owner in the process. Those that don't have a nasty disposition are usually very squirmy and fast animals, and don't appreciate being handled anyway.

That being said, I would suggest an amazon tree boa. They come in an array of colors, they aren't overly demanding to care for, as long as you give them some branches and keep up the humidity. And most aren't priced overly ridiculously. Just always expect to get bit, so that way when you don't, its a pleasant surprise. =)

Rav
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trinitywolf · #5 (**permalink**) 07-13-2002, 11:25 PM

I have to agree completly with Rav here. I think that an ATB would be the way to go. You might luck into one that does not bite you, but always expect it. I only have one...and he bites me at least once ever time I take him out.
ATB's are hardy and easily cared for IMHO. You can feed them almost any rodent and it's rare that you hear of one being a problem feeder like you sometimes see in GTP's or ETB's. I don't know much about JCP's so I can't really give advise on them.
Good luck!

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Bry · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2002, 12:37 AM

Mirabelasunshine is right for the most part about JCPs. They can tame down with handling, but not always. I expect a bite every time I go in to handle mine. I'd continue to steer your brother clear of arboreal snakes. Carpet pythons are generally arboreal when young, but turn terrestrial with age. Jungle carpets are probably the most nippy of all the carpet pythons. You could encourage your brother to look into Irian Jayas, they do tend to be more easily tamed than the other arboreal snakes. From the sound of it, tame Irian Jayas are easier to find than tame jungle carpets. On top of that, they are probably most like amazon tree boas in their arboreal habits. They do come down to the ground occasionally like amazon tree boas do, but they seem to have a preference for staying up high their entire lives. On top of that, they are the smallest, usually no larger than 5'.

Bry
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