Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have some ball python experance. I would now like to get into ETB (baisins) or GTPs. The questions are these-- what is the size differances?, If there is any differance, how is there hardiness ( strength of health)?, BIG QUESTION is one more mellow then the other?, What are there cage requirements?,IS CB, CBB, WC better. What would be a good $ to spend for a HEALTHY animal ( you get what you pay for)? Im not Bill Gates.. I would like to get some good referances as well as some pictures if possable. Thanks for the help to all. ARE they all DEMONS from hell?

I also herd they are pron to regerg, is this true?

Huge tip: Bear in mind that any snake when handled from a young age will be docile and tolerant of handling. I have ETBs, Amazons and GTPs that seemingly enjoy being handled.

Sorry, I forgot your other questions...

Generally, an ETB Amazon Basin will have a pretty mellow temperment. Most GTP's will be mellow, save the Biak locale. Aru, Sorong and Jayapura are probably the most well noted in the way of natural mellowness. Northern ETBs tend to be more high-strung and need a lot more work to tame down, but it's not a HUGE deal. Amazon tree boas a very rare to find that can be tamed down good to the point that I would trust it.

ETB basins "can" get up to 8 feet, but I'd look more at 6 feet. I've never seen an 8ft. one...but I've heard about it. GTPs generally stay between 4 and 5 feet, but may get 6.

ETBs overall are more sensitive to care requirements, so if you're looking for hardy....you may not want a GTP either. lol. They're both very fragile snakes that NEED daily misting and temperature monitoring.

Regurg is really only a problem with Emeralds, which is one reason they may be harder to keep. You have to be very careful not to overfeed. It is better to under feed than over feed. Remember, 3 meals max between defecations.

Price is relative. As long as the dealer/breeder is reputable and the snake is CB or CBB, you should be fine, but I'd rather go with CBB. NO WC EVER!!! These are very prone to dying. Frantz and Signal are my favourite people to deal with, but there are many others. Just avoide Spruce Nubble Farm...they have a good history at ripping people off.

These are awesome snakes to keep, and very rewarding. Hope you can get one soon! They are easy once you do your homework.

Thanks for all the info. I tried the tree snake when I was younger and not as patient. That was a BIGGG mistake. I want to find out every thing I can now, no big hurry. I really want to do it RIGHT and possably have a more rewarding experance. Do they grow fast ( you said poss. 6' on the python and 8' on the boa.). What typy of cages do you recamend to keep humidity up and tempature in the clear? Most of the humidity escapes through the top. Is it better to buy a baby to learn with as I go or take the bull by the horns and 3'-4'? ouch!

There are a lot of really good cages out there. I've had good experience with exo-terra cages. This is basically the caging I like to use for most of mine:
http://www.d-g-s.com/daemons/TNS/html/Single.html

However, I'm not sure that they still make these...

Just keep in mind that though high humidity is important, good ventilation is also important. Stagnant air leads to respiratory infections and allows bacteria a good place to grow.
You want to keep air circulating. Keeping good humidity and ventilation can get tricky, but just work with it and you will figure it out. I use a large glass cake pan for water, and spray three times a day to keep the humidity up for my snakes. For heat, I use 150w ceramic heat emitters.

For best results for ease of taming down, go with a baby to a yearling. Mainly, ask who you buy from...it has the biggest factor.