Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey Guys. Is it possible to handle a GTP or is it best that they be left alone? I love to hold my critteres, and I am looking to possibly add another snake to my collection. If they are not handleable, could you suggest another very neat looking snake for me?Thanks!

Temperaments vary. Mine are very tame and are very nice to handle. On the other hand, there are quite a few out there who are downright nasty. Biaks generally have a reputation for being snappy while mainland animals more docile. You can have nasty and tame in each of those categories too though. When I bought mine, she was listed as tame, and she was very tame. Probably as calm and nice as any of my cornsnakes. Most babies are snappy and shouldn't be handled anyway due to their delicate spines so you would probably be better off getting an older animal with an established temperament. After the lights go out though....count on all of them chewing your arm off They are nocturnal hunters and even my docile Sorong will strike if you put a hand in there.

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1.0~amel corn~C.S.
1.3~Aztec Okeetee corns~Coatl,Maya,Acatl,Tepin
0.1.1~Green tree python~Tempest, Whisper
0.2~Rhodesian Ridgebacks~Akilah, Ona
0.1~Old black Lab~ Callie
1.0~Black fat cat~Topper
3.0~Horses~Zaarah,Galliano,Achilles.....

There are some gtps that don't mind being handled at all, some that tolerate it, and some that hate it.

You can probably find a nice handleable one if you make sure that you let any potential sellers know what you are looking for.

In my experience, babys that are healthy and calm natured will remain calm as they grow. Also, some babies that are quite feisty can settle in and become rather nice to handle adults also.

Then, you get the real naughty ones that are still usually handleable if you go slow, remove the perch from the cage first, then let them crawl on you.

Most of the gtps do NOT like to be handled at nighttime.

I would just make sure that while you have one of these guys out that you are very aware of your surroundings. You won't be able to bully them out of a tight spot if they should crawl.... let's say into your mattress springs. You should make sure they are not exposed to too much cold and protect them from accidental falls or injury from perhaps a curious dog or cat.

I'd be careful with any snake though while out, not just the gtps so take that advice fwiw.

I believe that we can do just about anything with gtps that you can do with any other snake, INCLUDING enjoying them as pets that we enjoy holding!! This boy is my all time favorite here and hasn't struck at me once since arrival at about 4 months of age. He's all grown up and still a super sweet boy!!

Thanks So much for all the advice!