Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello forum!

I *might* be doing a trade and coming into ownership of a pair of CB GTPs, I have a couple of quick (I hope) questions. I have been reading through this forum and done some basic research. I currently have 15 snakes, mostly colombian boas. I purchased an ATB in early 2002 to get some practice with aboreals to help prepare me for a GTP.

I moved to Las Vegas about 2 years ago and have struggled with the humidity. I lost my female BRB due to my negligence with humidity when I first moved here. I haven't had any problems with my male BRB or the ATB, basically I mist them 2 times a week, moisten the substrate (bark) once a week, keep the water bowls over the heating pads and I also keep a 55 gallon fish tank in the snake room which really helps.

I currently have my ATB set up in a BARRS cage:

In this pic I used moss, but I switched the substrate to bark chips for her. I would like some opinions if this same type of setup would work for a GTP. The main issues I am worry about:

1. is the moss a good idea for a GTP? Would bark be a better choice?

2. I currently heat this cage with a heating pad underneath controlled by a thermostat. ATBs stay on the ground more, so this works good, however I know GTPs stay on their perches the majority of the time, should I look into a radiant heat panel for heat or would the undertank heating be ok? (no bulbs used, they dry out the air too much, counterproductive)

Which books should I buy specifically for GTPS? Complete Chondro I read here is good, any more?? Anyone heard of a book called the Chondro Experience?

Lastly, and this is of the least importance, the male of the pair is said to be "Lerhra locale" I have done search after seach on diff chondro websites and nothing.. any ideas? Is it spelled wrong? (the female is jayapura)

Ok, that was longer than I thought! lol Thanks for any help or ideas. Of course if I do get these guys I will post pics.
-April

Hi April. Welcome to the wonderful world of chondros. I'll give my experience with these issues.

1. is the moss a good idea for a GTP? Would bark be a better choice?

Personally, I don't consider either of these a good substrate. If you can get ahold of some cypress mulch, that would be the best bet. Moss can be messy when the chondros decide to prowl at night and it can also become imbedded in their mouths. Bark mulches can and will mold rather quickly. Cypress is the way to go......make sure it has no dye in it as well.

2. I currently heat this cage with a heating pad underneath controlled by a thermostat. ATBs stay on the ground more, so this works good, however I know GTPs stay on their perches the majority of the time, should I look into a radiant heat panel for heat or would the undertank heating be ok? (no bulbs used, they dry out the air too much, counterproductive)

I really don't think it matters, although you'll hear some people swear by elevated heat. I've used several methods and they all work......heating the room with no suplimental heat, lightbulbs (YES! LIGHT BULBS!), heat tape, etc. As long as you can supply the recommended air temps, along with the appropriate humidity, you should be fine. All this about lightbulbs drying out the air is nonsense. ALL HEAT will dry out the air.....including heat panels. You make the choice. I've been using lightbulbs for the last 10 years and I've never owned a heat panel. Use what you are more comfortable with.

Which books should I buy specifically for GTPS? Complete Chondro I read here is good, any more?? Anyone heard of a book called the Chondro Experience?

I would recommend the Complete Chondro as well as The Green Tree Python and Emerald Tree Boa by Kirschner and Seufer Verlag. The updated version was just release a few months ago and has a tremendous amount of useful info. You can order this directly from Rico Walder at Signal Mt. Herps. You might also find a nice chondro at Rico's place.

Lastly, and this is of the least importance, the male of the pair is said to be "Lerhra locale" I have done search after seach on diff chondro websites and nothing.. any ideas? Is it spelled wrong? (the female is jayapura)

Without proper documentation, locales cannot be considered pure, thus "locale type" is used in it's place. Most of these locales have a general appearance that fits the description of the race, but these can also be highly variable.....especially when looking at mainland and highland locale types. Lereh, sarong, jayapura, bokondini, and wamena can all be very similar in appearance and can easily be confused.

Ok, that was longer than I thought! lol Thanks for any help or ideas. Of course if I do get these guys I will post pics.
-April

I hope this helps. Good luck with your new ones and be sure to have extra cages on the way. lol. I'm sure you'll get hooked. Email me for links to other sites with great people and info. You'll learn alot more from asking questions and getting answers from many people.

Brandon Osborne

Ok, sounds good! I will pick up some cypress for sure. (the cages are going to be ordered this weekend if I get the final ok on the deal.) I had always been told light bulbs dried the air out more than other types of heat? Either way, tho, I think I will go ahead and try the heat pad/tape and make sure the cage holds the temps good, I was just worried the GTPs would prefer heat from above.
As far as locale, yeah, it's not a big deal to me at all but I do understand I need to call them 'types' not claim to be from a specific locale unless there is some sort of documentation. I've seen a picture of the male, he's an '01, can't see much detail in the pic, but seems to be a pretty solid green color. The female I haven't seen yet but she is only an '03 and is still going thru the color change (how exciting!!! I can't wait to see it!).
Thank you very much for the info! Hopefully I'll be a chondro owner soon.
-April

ahhh I hope my boas don't get jealous!

I use a Barr's cage for my GTP and like it very much. What I did was put a small heat pad along one vertical side of the cage attached with foil tape. This permits easy repositioning of the pad. This set up is sort of like a radient heat panal. It gives some heat at perch height but provides a nice horizontial temp gradient for the GTP. Best of luck-Bill.
-----
...three years ago it was just another snake cult...
The Retic is King.
Anacondas-the other Dark Side.
Afrocks-the dark side of the Dark Side.

that is a good idea.
I just ordered my new cages from BARRS for these new GTPs.
I am going to set up like I have it for my ATB with the under-
tank heat but if it's not staying warm enough up high I will
try your idea, thanks!!!!
-April