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systems with their GTP's? I have had great success with natural systems on other species as well as these guys. Humidity is also easier to maintain with these setups. Thanks,

Kelly

I more or less use a 'natural' set up, although I doubt I'd find pvc perches in the wild. However, I use jungle bedding and am working on a way to add fake plants that won't be ripped down every night when my chondro is strolling about the tank.

Either way, works fantastically.
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Adam

"I wish I were wise! I wish I were wise from the heart of me, like my serpent!"

plant issue is the only problem I have seen. I have found that when certain more delicate types are used, they are sometimes damaged at night like you have seen. Through trial and error I have found more robust types that have worked well, and seem to hold up. A lot of it is getting a thick enough soil substrate base for the plants to develop a good root system which helps their strength considerably. Minimum soil depth seems to be about 3 to 4 inches for standard size cages.

Kelly

>>plant issue is the only problem I have seen. I have found that when certain more delicate types are used, they are sometimes damaged at night like you have seen. Through trial and error I have found more robust types that have worked well, and seem to hold up. A lot of it is getting a thick enough soil substrate base for the plants to develop a good root system which helps their strength considerably. Minimum soil depth seems to be about 3 to 4 inches for standard size cages.
>>
>>Kelly

Kelly,

I've heard that using natural plants may pose health issues to the animal. What type of plants do you use with your GTP's, or would be recommended as "safe" for the animal?
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Adam

"I wish I were wise! I wish I were wise from the heart of me, like my serpent!"

Adam,
What types of health issues have you heard? I am not aware of any at this time. I do not know of any common house plants where a contact issue exists, and believe the plant would need to be ingested before there would be a possibility of toxicity issues. I have used many different species of house plants in these setups (Philodendron, Calathea, Silver Spear, Croton, Spotted Laurel, Sansevieria, Schefflera, etc), and never seen a problem with any species of snake. The main thing to avoid damage to the plants by arboreal snakes is to have plenty of branches to support them while they are moving about. However, the smaller, very young GTP's will use about anything.

Kelly

I am going to go with a totally natural setup soon, but haven't had the chance or time to do it yet. My cages are already pretty natural looking with moss, live pothos and real branches. I am going to set up one cage for totally live stuff and see how it does. I've only got 15 watt lights in there so pothos is about the only plant that does well under those conditions.I'm hoping I can get the dirt deep enough for proper rooting. I might have to make an embankment at the back for that to happen. Love the looks of the natural cages though and I think it's better for them.
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3.2~Cornsnakes
3.4.2~Green tree python
3.3.1~ATB
1.1~Sibon Nebulatus
Dogs, cats, horses....
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My friends and I both use natural set ups. Cypress mulch seems to be the standard for bedding. I use plenty of natural branches, I can always throw them out and get more if need be. The only non-natural things are the water bowls and the plants. We do use some live plants here and there but sometimes it's more trouble then it's worth due to the animals destroying them. Overall I like natural setups far more! Forget "easy" newspaper, I like a nice looking enclosure to look into!
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John Light

Meg,
I agree, I really like the live plant environments best for the smaller species. I have found that the most economical full spectrum fluorescent bulb is the GE Sunshine bulb. Just make sure that you check the label that is stamped directly on the bulb, as it should read Chroma 50. If it doesn't, it's not the real thing. It has a color temp of 5,000 K and a CRI of 90. That's very good for a bulb under $10, and it works great for plants. I use either the 24 or 48 inch bulbs, single or double depending on the size of the cage. For best results, the bulbs should be no more than a foot above the tops of your plants.

Kelly

I'll keep that in mind. I was looking at the plant lights at Home depot. I found some that would work, but I'm not sure how I would get them as close as a foot from the plants. My cage is two foot high. Right now, the one cage I redid has the same 15 watt light, but I only have the pothos in there right now and they tolerate low light very well. Whisper is now starting to check out the new digs and is crawling around in the dirt at night. I find his tracks in there each morning. He's more active now. I think he likes investigating everything. We'll see how this does for now, and if I can, the new cages will have the better lights and more plants.
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3.2~Cornsnakes
3.4.2~Green tree python
3.3.1~ATB
1.1~Sibon Nebulatus
Dogs, cats, horses....
www.franclycac.com