Having kept a number of different locality type GTP's, I fully understand your concern about weight and size. However, with that being said, you cant judge all GTP's by what the "book says"!



Some grow faster, some never attain the "normal" size for a locality. Some never seem to add weight. They are like people, everyone is different!



Question. Are you looking to breed? If not, then does the sex really matter? If you still want the animal sexed then 4 years of age is plenty old enough to have the animal "probed" by a Vet and/or breeder that knows what he/she is doing.



Weight: When you feed every 2 weeks, What are you feeding? I feed my males a medium rat about every 5-7 days when they will eat. (Most males go off feed every year at some point when the have reached sexual maturity).

Females get two (2) medium rats every feeding. Most would eat more! I feed them whe they start showing feeding behavior signs (ie: Hanging "S" curve posture). I don't worry if it's been 5 days, 7 days or 2 weeks. I feed them, regardless of the elasped time between meals!!!



Size: I know Greg Maxwell's great book on GTP's says they can reach 6 foot. I've had a bunch of locality type Aru animals. Still do and NONE are close to six foot!! Most are in the 5 foot range...maybe. They are indeed what appears to be one of the most "laid back" race/locality of GTP.



GTP's are truly fascinating animals. I've been keeping and breeding them for over 20 years. Enjoy your animal. They are generally long-lived individuals when given proper care. I have an Aru male that has been in my collection for more than 15 years. Still eats like a champ. And shows no signs of slowing down.



I wish you luck in your GTP keeping!!

Andy

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