Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone....A friend of mine is getting married next week and wants to give me his green tree python... Cool with me!

I only have ball pythons and a dumerils boa right now though, and have a quick question...

Would I be able to keep him in a 40 breeder? I have the top completely sealed except for a hole for a lamp, and 2 small holes for ventilation on either side. I don't use it any more, but when I was using it, it held humidity like a charm. Would it be okay for the snake to have a lateral thermal gradient, or is it necessary to have a vertical one? I know that the dimensions are a little sideways, but was wondering if it'd be okay if plenty of climbing structures are provided....40 breeders are 36X18X18.

I'd like to use it just b/c I have it, but if necessary I can build one out of melamine...

Thanks for the input!

That would be an ok size cage for an adult. Horizonatal gradients are better and easier to control for chondros. As for the material, glass tanks aren't as easy to manipulate as say, wood or plastic. They don't hold heat as well, and I'm not sure about the humidity part, but chondros need fresh air flow with a relative humidity of about 60-80%. Durning shed cycles, humidity should be raised to avoid a stuck shed or problems associated with it. Overall, the size would be fine. Just be sure to place the perches in the upper 1/3 of the cage, as most do not use lower perches. Good luck.

Brandon Osborne

Thanks Brandon! I'm not too fond of glass tanks either... I switched over to rubbermaid rack systems for my other snakes, and I do like them a little more. I'll see if I can't get this tank set up with the proper temps and humidity this weekend...and if it won't work, then I'll just use something else.

Thanks for the letting me know the size was okay....that was a big question mark for me!

No problem. Just be aware of the chondro disease. If you don't know what it is, you soon will. Be prepared to get more. These snakes have been the most addictive for me and I haven't stopped yet. Good luck with the new aquisition.

Brandon Osborne

I've always wanted a chondro but just never had space! My new rack holds all of my other snakes in the same space that one tank and stand took up...I have 2 40gal breeders that need some use now, and I think I may have found a new flava...lol...we'll see!!

Which snake is that?

Robert, that's an old pic of your baby.

Why not rework the top and then put the tank on its end standing up ?? You can then use the top as a full access door to get into the cage. I am not a GTP keeper, just browsing the forum for insight for my own interest in them, but have done this before on chameleons, and other vertical loving herps.

Matt L @ the REAL Mystic Herps in Southern Missouri