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lazarus · #1 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 06:30 AM

hey guys, i just wanted to know what you think about emerald tree boas. i have a beautiful redtail right now and i am thinking about getting an emerald. does anyone know where i can get one, or do you think there are any up for adoption? also are they socialble like my redtail, or are they the type you watch more than handle... i think they're some of the most beautiful boas out there.

Bry · #2 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 06:57 AM

Yes they are beautiful snakes. I would recommend getting a captive bred emerald from a breeder as they are easier to acclimate and generally come with less problems than wild-caught. However, before you get an emerald, I would suggest getting an Amazon tree boa first. They are more resilent to husbandry mistakes than emeralds. Both species have similar husbandry requirements and it is a good idea to get the hang of their husbandry before moving up to emeralds. Generally, neither species is really handleable, and make better display snakes. The others will be along soon to chime in on this subject.

I'm also moving this thread to the Arboreal Boids forum.

Bry

bensnacks · #3 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 07:13 AM

" I would recommend getting a captive bred emerald from a breeder as they are easier to acclimate and generally come with less problems than wild-caught."-Bry

I would suggest to NEVER purchase or obtain wild caught animals.
These animals do not deserve to be plucked from their homes to be stuck in a cage, for the most part they are already under enough pressure through habitat clearing and could do without the poaching threat. Also a captive bred animal have, as already suggested by Bry, a far greater chance of survival under your care.

Can I help you with the Q's you asked , no , sorry.

lazarus · #4 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 07:27 AM

thanks guys,
i definately would purchase a captive bred boa. i have no intentions of getting a wild captured - thats wrong. i am reading some conflicting info about emeralds on some sites though. Amazon basin emeralds seem to be the prefered choice campared to Surinam as far as temperment goes. who knows roughly what they would cost? i am aware of extra needs such as high humidity levels. just tryin to get as many facts about them as possible.

DKiM128 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 07:42 AM

1500-5000

LdyDrgn · #6 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 07:45 AM

Who says Amazons aren't handleable. We have 3 and.... 2 out of 3 ain't bad!

and that third one is getting better about it... albeit sloooowly!

Emeralds are NOT beginner snakes. Their husbandry has to be so exact that one little goof can cause problems. Once you have experience with other high humidity snakes that are more forgiving of mistakes (atb's, anything liasis...etc) then look into getting the caging setup before thinking about buying an etb. Once you can keep the enclosure at optimum temps and humidity for a couple of weeks to a month you can put something in it. My suggestion: Contact CraigC about his neo etb's. He and I may disagree on many points, but he does produce some nice babies.

LdyDrgn · #7 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 07:47 AM

DKiM128, HUH??? If you think that's the price, you aren't even warm. I have seen cb gtp's in the $1250-$1500 price range and they cost more than etb's.

XzyluM · #8 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 09:54 AM

So many different breeders and sellers with varying price ranges it's hard to get an average cost. And for some reason I still see WCs going for $2250. That's whack.

CraigC · #9 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 01:29 PM

Lazarus,
Although emeralds can be very docile once they get used to the surroundings and your husbandtry routine, they really aren't good candidates for excessive handling. We only handle ours when it is necessary. They get an overdose of stimulation from your radiant body heat which I'm sure can be very confusing to them. LOL This can be very stressing to them and could result in a "mistaken identity" bite. Although I have never been bitten except when helping with bad sheds, the possibility still remains.

As LdyDrgn says, we don't see eye to eye about emeralds being a good starter arboreal and I will only say that I started with them "cold turkey" and have been successful. ALWAYS START WITH CBB!

Prices range from $300.00 to $750.00 on northern cbb neos and for amazon basins from $800.00 to............... what ever the market will bear. If someone tells you that I'm wrong about the $800.00 for a basin, I will gladly direct them to the person I sold it to for that price. Prices are generally based on the quality of pattern and color, with even cbb patternless northerns having asking prices in excess of $1000.00.

CraigC

lazarus · #10 (**permalink**) 11-20-2003, 09:40 PM

thanks, i am going to wait till i at least get out of school and even can afford an emerald. i will definately take your advice in making sure i have the humidity, climate, and surroundings just right before introducing the tree boa. there are fogging and misting sytsems out so im sure i would get one... i found a pic of an Ecuardorian Emerald that is kinda close-up but shows its awesome heat sensing pits and incredible color! does anyone know of any reptile shows in the hartford area?

Drax · #11 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 05:10 AM

You may not need a misting system or the other gadgets, if you get the right enclosure. I have a ATB in a 12"x12"x16" Barr's cage (www.barrs.com) and the humidity stays about 50% during the day. I mist him at night and it jumps to about 80-90% and slowly drops over the night. If were to misted him twice a day (morning and night) the humitiy would stay 60-90%. i'm still saving my money for an ETB or GTP. I haven't decided which yet.

impermanentrage · #12 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 07:32 AM

www.corallus.com

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