Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been contemplating getting a few chondros for a while. I've kept blood pythons(some of the meanest wild-caughts to the sweetest C.B.s) and jungle carpets pretty successfully. Green trees have always been on my "want" list. I think the only things that are holding me back is time and what to get. I go to school and work both full time, while trying to keep myself sane and entertained. How much time do you guys afford to your chondros. I've spent hours with some of my captives in the past, but I'd just like to get some feedback. I know that each individual and captive is different, but I'd just like to see some input that will prevent me from making fatal mistakes.

Also, "what to get". I know that "localities are a big thing with chondros compared to some of the "other" pythons. I know that this has probably been discussed a hundred times, but what would you guys suggest as a good locality to get my feet into before I go swimming. I've heard Arus are generally a pretty popular choice, but something about the Mainland localities grab me. All in all, all green tree pythons are beautiful. How are Jayapuras & Sorongs compared to Arus as far as temperament and adaptability? Really, I'm looking to get into all the localities(once time and money show their faces), but I need to quench my chondro thirst that I've had since I first saw one 15 years ago. Anything helps....

Thank you guys for looking and sorry if you felt that I have wasted your time.

Hello, I wanted to respond to your questions on the time needed and “type” of chondro to own from my perspective.

The time factor in captive husbandry needed to adequately care for a chondro is not a huge factor. You have housed serpents that IMO are more time consuming and aggressive than an average Chondro, please keep in mind that Chondros are really not “holding snakes” and are more content to be left alone. There are always certain ones that show curiosity and seem to enjoy exploring outside their cage or being held by their keepers. I have removable perches that passive my need to hold them. Chondros are one of the best display animals and as adults deficate very infreqently with large semi hard stools, therefore cage cleaning is minimal and easy. Spraying the animal down every three days and when you anticipate a shedding event occurs is a practice you will have to perform, not very time consuming.

I recommend that you do not concern yourself with “what type” to obtain. All “types” have the ability to develop different amounts of green, yellow and blue. I would concentrate on a CBB, sub-adult that has documented feeding. Once a neonate has established a sound feeding reguime, the animal will thrive if provided the basic snake husbandry environmental conditions that I believe you have dealt with in the past. Good Luck!! Ken