By The Green Tree Python (GPT) is a stunningly beautiful and unique snake species that has captivated reptile enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its vibrant green color and arboreal lifestyle, the GPT is increasingly becoming a popular choice for pet owners who are looking for a distinctive and visually appealing snake. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the various aspects of GPT care, including housing, feeding, handling, and health concerns. Additionally, we will provide a detailed species profile to help you better understand and appreciate this remarkable snake.
Table of Contents
Overview: About the Green Tree Python
The Green Tree Python (scientific name: Morelia viridis) is a non-venomous arboreal snake native to the tropical rainforests of Eastern Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Cape York Peninsula of Australia. The most striking feature of the GPT is its vibrant green color, which it develops after 6-12 months of age. Juvenile GPTs are born in various shades of red, bright yellow, or red-brown, making their color transformation even more fascinating.
The GPT has a slim body, a long tail, and a strong, muscular head, making it a visually appealing display snake. Its nocturnal nature and striking appearance have contributed to its popularity in the reptile pet industry.
Green Tree Python as a Pet
Owning a Green Tree Python as a pet can be a rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts, given its stunning colors and fascinating behavior. However, like any other pet, a GPT requires proper care and attention. In the following sections, we will discuss how to adequately care for your pet GPT, focusing on housing needs, feeding, health concerns, and other essential aspects of GPT care.
Housing Needs
Choosing the Right Size
Contrary to common belief, the Green Tree Python does not require a tall enclosure. Although they are typically found perched on branches in the wild, the height of the branch from the ground does not significantly affect the GPT’s wellbeing in captivity. Since GPTs are highly nocturnal, they will remain mostly in one spot during the day, only moving to thermoregulate between basking and cooler areas.
When selecting or constructing an enclosure for a GPT, aim for a cage that is 2-3 feet tall. A 3’x3’x3′ enclosure would be ideal for an adult GPT, as it allows for easier temperature and humidity maintenance while providing sufficient space. A smaller enclosure is suitable for a juvenile GPT.
Enclosure Design
In addition to the enclosure’s size, consider its design and opening mechanism. An enclosure with a front-opening design will make cleaning, feeding, and handling your GPT easier than a top-opening enclosure.
Furnishings for the Cage
Provide your GPT with multiple sturdy branches or perches for climbing and resting. Ensure these are securely fastened to the bottom of the cage to prevent accidents. Additionally, you can add rocks throughout the enclosure to offer various perching or resting surfaces.
Including live plants in the enclosure not only enhances its aesthetics but also provides a natural source of camouflage and cover for your GPT. Furthermore, live plants help maintain humidity levels in the cage.
Substrates for the Cage
A substrate covers the bottom of your GPT’s cage, and various materials can be used, including coconut husk, paper products, and dampened mulch. Avoid excessively dusty substrates, as they may irritate your GPT if inhaled. Opt for a substrate that is easy to clean and does not retain excessive moisture, as excessive wetness can cause scale irritation or rot.
Temperature and Lighting
GPTs require consistent temperature and lighting conditions throughout the year, similar to their natural habitat. Provide 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night using a UV lamp equipped with a timer. Monitor the temperature in your GPT’s enclosure using two thermometers placed on either side of the cage, ensuring one side is warmer and the other is cooler to offer your snake options for thermoregulation.
Maintain the desired temperature using one or more heat sources, such as a ceramic heat emitter, basking light, or heating mat. Ensure your GPT cannot come into direct contact with the heat source to prevent burns.
Humidity Levels
GPTs thrive in warm and humid environments, so aim to maintain humidity levels within the 40-70% range in the enclosure. During shedding, higher humidity levels may be necessary for your GPT’s comfort. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and adjust them as needed with daily misting, a larger water bowl, live plants, or by partially covering the cage with a towel.
Keeping the Cage Clean
Spot clean your GPT’s enclosure whenever waste is visible, and perform a thorough cleaning at least once a month. Replace an inch of substrate weekly to maintain a clean environment for your snake.
Feeding a Green Tree Python
Diet and Feeding Schedule
Green Tree Pythons are not picky eaters, and a diet consisting of appropriately-sized rodents is sufficient. Feed juvenile GPTs a small mouse every 5-7 days, older juveniles every 7-10 days, and adult GPTs a medium-sized rat or mouse every 10-14 days. Avoid overfeeding your GPT, as their sedentary nature can lead to obesity and related health complications if they consume too much food. Be mindful of the rodent’s size, especially for younger snakes, as a meal that is too large may cause regurgitation issues.
Juvenile GPTs typically maintain their feeding schedule throughout the winter if adequately warmed, while adult GPTs may refuse food during this time. Monitor your snake’s body weight and wait for it to resume feeding. Avoid handling your GPT immediately before or after feeding, as this can cause stress and potential regurgitation.
Water for Your Green Tree Python
GPTs often drink water droplets from the side of their enclosure. Simulate their natural rainforest habitat by using a misting system or spray bottle to gently spray the enclosure daily. Ensure the enclosure can dry completely between mistings to prevent bacterial growth.
Additionally, provide fresh, clean water in a bowl for your GPT. Elevating the water bowl near a perch may encourage your snake to drink more frequently.
Behavior, Temperament, and Proper Handling
Although GPTs have a reputation for being aggressive, this is primarily true for wild or imported individuals. Captive-bred GPTs tend to be more even-tempered, with juveniles being shy and nervous around humans but relatively easy to tame.
Proper handling is crucial in building trust with your GPT. Approach your snake slowly and calmly, supporting its lower coils and allowing it to move freely. Offer your arms as a perch and let the snake explore your arms and shoulders at its own pace. Always handle your GPT with both hands to provide ample support. Regular, gentle handling can help your GPT become more comfortable and trusting of you.
Safety
As a non-venomous snake, the GPT is not considered dangerous once properly tamed. However, it is essential to handle your GPT gently to avoid stress and potential bites. Although the bites are not venomous, they can still cause infections that require medical attention.
Like other reptiles, GPTs may carry Salmonella bacteria. Consult a reptile veterinarian to determine if your snake carries this bacteria, and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your GPT to prevent infection.
Lifespan and Health Concerns
Purchasing a GPT from a reputable seller ensures that your snake is healthy and well-cared for. Once home, it is your responsibility to maintain your snake’s health and wellbeing. Proper feeding, water routines, temperature and humidity maintenance, and regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent many common health concerns, such as dehydration, water blisters, tail-hanging, rectal prolapse, ventral dermatitis, spinal kinks, necrotic stomatitis, and respiratory infections.
If you notice any concerning signs, such as refusal to eat, wheezing, mouth rot, blisters or bumps on the skin, or lethargy, consult a specialist reptile veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. GPTs have an average lifespan of 15-20 years, depending on their care and overall health.
Price/Cost
The cost of a GPT can vary depending on factors such as age, locality, and breeder reputation. Commonly available GPTs, such as the Biak variety, range from $275~$350, while rarer types may command higher prices. Always research your chosen breeder and avoid participating in illegal reptile trading.
Fact Sheet Summary and Fun Facts
- Common Name: Green Tree Python, Green Python
- Scientific Name: Morelia Viridis
- Family Name: Boidae
- Genus Name: Morelia
- Habitat: Tropical rainforest
- Range: Islands of Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia
- Average Length: 4-7 ft
- Average Weight: 2-5 lbs.
- Sexual Maturity: 3 Years
- Lifespan: 15-20 Years
- Diet: Small rodents (captive-bred), mammals, lizards, birds (wild)
- Fun Facts:
- Hatchlings display red, blue, and yellow colors before turning green as they mature.
- Albinism in GPTs is extremely rare.
- GPTs have a highly visible spine.
- In the wild, GPTs spend most of their lives coiled around branches in trees.
In Conclusion
The Green Tree Python is an enchanting and captivating snake species that can make a rewarding pet for reptile enthusiasts who are willing to put in the effort to provide proper care. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure your GPT enjoys a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.