Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I picked up an ATB at a local pet store (one of the better ones in my area) for $20. I was told it was a girl's that worked there and was just too much for her and she just wanted it gone. Whatever. I have his temps right, I have his humidity right, I have PVC going straight across his enclosure with plastic "pegs" sticking out like I've seen others use. He cruises all over the place as soon as the lights go out. He tries to bite the crap out of me when I move him. He's eaten one meal since I've had him (2 weeks) and kept it down. But he's always on the ground. The only time he goes near the perches is at night when I assume he thinks he's hunting. What's the deal?

Sounds about right. Most of my six ATB's spend their days down low, usually under some sort of cover. Very rarely are they up on their perches/branches during the daylight hours. As long as your snake is eating, defecating and shedding normally, I wouldn't worry.

>>I picked up an ATB at a local pet store (one of the better ones in my area) for $20. I was told it was a girl's that worked there and was just too much for her and she just wanted it gone. Whatever. I have his temps right, I have his humidity right, I have PVC going straight across his enclosure with plastic "pegs" sticking out like I've seen others use. He cruises all over the place as soon as the lights go out. He tries to bite the crap out of me when I move him. He's eaten one meal since I've had him (2 weeks) and kept it down. But he's always on the ground. The only time he goes near the perches is at night when I assume he thinks he's hunting. What's the deal?

I thought I was doing something wrong, If they don't really use the branches during the day than how do some people use a water substrate? I thought these guys rarely ever touch the ground.

That's more for emeralds. ATB's have much more terrestrial tendencies than ETB's. If you want to see your ammie perched up high during the day, try some elevated shelves or bigger, flatter areas to lay. I have found that they like to rest during the day on top of something fairly broad and preferably with some sort of cover over them. The covered part seems to be more important to them, so lacking that aspect high up, they often will choose to be on the floor, covered. Here's a pic of one of mine in his typical daytime position. This cork bark is usually covered by one of those half logs which I removed for the picture.

>>I thought I was doing something wrong, If they don't really use the branches during the day than how do some people use a water substrate? I thought these guys rarely ever touch the ground.

Thanks for the help. This is my first ATB. I have alot of expierence with other ground boids, but never with these guys and it was pretty much spur of the moment.

I think you'll find that once they are established, ATB's are overall fairly hardy and easy to keep. Good luck and post some pics when you get a chance!

>>Thanks for the help. This is my first ATB. I have alot of expierence with other ground boids, but never with these guys and it was pretty much spur of the moment.