1. From what I hear on this forum a GTP can live in a TUB until he is about 2 (24 months old)? How long (length) would he be at this time? -
Somewhere in the 3-4 foot range,maybe bigger maybe smaller but a) that can vary based on a million variables and b) it is hard to measure chondros, weight is a better criteria to go by.
2. Is it okay to cage a (2 year old) in a Vision 222 cage without stressing it out? When is the best(ideal) age to graduate from a tub into a enclosure?
Depends on the snake, it's size, comfort level with people, eating habits, etc. etc. Somewhere around 2-3 years old is probably when you should move them to a cage as opposed to a tub, but I keep many of my young adults in big tubs and they seem to love it.
3. What is the feeding procedure? Say for ex, you have a GTP in a tub, when he is 1-10 months old, do you just throw in a pinkie/mice (alive)? And when he gets older feed him mice, by just throwing in a live one in the tub? Can someone PLEASE explain the feeding procedure in detail like when to start using tongs and when to use thawed mice rats etc etc in detail! thanks!
I would recomend only buying a chondro that already feeds on frozen thawed rodents. It sounds like this is your first chondro, getting babies to start eating can be a nightmare. If you purchase one from a respected breeder, then it will most likely be already eating frozen thawed rodents from tongs. To feed with tongs just hold the rodent in the tongs, try to arrange it so that the rodent extends beyond the end of the tongs. Open the tub, present the rodent, BANG.
4. Do they let out a distint smell in general? Does the enclosure/tub start to stink? Do their poop smell?
Poop smells bad. Clean chondros and cages don't. Me and my dog are what make my place smell bad, not my snakes. LOL.
5. IF a gtp is shipped to my door, how will it be parked and how will I transfer it to his/her enclosure?
Probably in a deli cup or small plastic conatiner. Just be gentle and careful. DO NOT EVER try to pull or pry a chondro off their perch. Gently start their head going up your hand/ arm (or even better just onto another perch)and "tickle" them around the posterior portion of their body until they crawl up your arm or perch on their own.
6. Where can I get a temp/humity checker? I dont want to open the tub lid everytime i want to check it, does anyone know a cheap one i can get?
Temp and humidity gauges can be found at home depot, etc. Don't buy the silly little analog ones they sell at pet stores, they are worthless. Many digital ones have a probe that could be placed inside the container, and then the unit is left outside the container for easy viewing.
7. how often should i clean the tub/enclusre? obvisously when it poops i will change the paper towles, do the gtp's usually just chill on the perch while you grab the perch to take it out? or does it start to get all crazy?
I check cages every morning and clean any that need it, and once a week I go through and clean every cage, however, I have been called obsessive, neurotic, etc. Clean as neccesary, and break the whole thing down and disinfect periodically. Ask one hundred people how often you should do this and you will get 100 different answers. Use your judgement and the golden rule.
Mine hardly notice being moved during the day. Sometimes they just hide their head, other times it looks as thought I haven't even woke them up. At night however, you are taking your life in your hands trying to go in there (not really, but you get the idea).
8. My friend was bit by a GTP and he said it hurt like crazy. but from what i read in THE COMPLETE CHONDRO book, Mr. Maxwelll said it only feel slike a bunch of spikey pricks snagging you...what is the TRUTH the the myth!? While I haven't ever been nailed by a big one, a juvie tagged me once, no different than a carpet of the same size. The wire brush analogy is a good one. I got nailed by a 7.5 female carpet once (feeding mistake) and I hardly noticed. Snake bites are really no big deal, IMO. Sharp teeth, but relatively weak bite pressure. A rodent, kitten, bearded dragon, tokay gecko, etc. all have a worse bite (ounce for ounce) than a chondro or similar harmless snake (In my opinion). I once read a great analogy, can't remember who said it, but they said that being caught in briars is far more painful. I would have to agree.
9. Are emeralds teeth longer than GTPs?
Not sure, don't keep emeralds, but from what I understand, yes that is correct. It may also be that their front teeth are straither than others. Many people refer to emeralds as having enlarged fangs- but unless I am wrong the term fang should only be used to refer to venom conducting teeth.
Good Luck- the single most important thing is to buy a USCBB (or canadian born-) snake from a dedicated breeder. Wild caught and farmed chondros are far more common in the market place than cbb. WC / Farmed babies are often cheaper, but there is a reason. Also beware of people selling farmed babies and labelling them as cbb. Most true cbb chondros will set you back at least $300, usually more. Farmed babies can be found for a little over $100 or so. Think that there is a reason for this? Do your homework (which it looks as though you are), and buy direct from a breeder.
Hope this helped.
. I've never been bitten taking a snake out of it's shipping container. I always use my hands.
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