Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey GTP Lovers,

I have some concerns about the size/growth rate of my Green Tree Python (Captive-bred, Aru). I got the snake as a baby and believe that it is a female (see below). She is 4 years old but weighs only about 455 grams (~3.5-4 feet long). Does this seem normal/healthy to other GTP keepers/breeders? Even if it is a male, this seems light for a 4 year old, based on my research.

Extra Notes:

SEX: The snake has not been sexed by popping or probing, though I have been calling her a female. She was one of the largest in her clutch and behavior/anatomy would also support the theory that it is a female (evidence listed below).
1. She's not very active, typically spending most of her time on one perch and just dropping her head down at night and assuming the S-curve hunting position. 2. She has never refused food. 3. I have never seen hemipenes on her sheds. 4. Her tail is tapered below the vent.

FEEDING: I have followed quite closely to suggested feeding schedules (every 5-7 days as a baby, then gradually moving to about 2 feeding per month at this point).

*Correction* She weighs about 520 grams.

Having kept a number of different locality type GTP's, I fully understand your concern about weight and size. However, with that being said, you cant judge all GTP's by what the "book says"!

Some grow faster, some never attain the "normal" size for a locality. Some never seem to add weight. They are like people, everyone is different!

Question. Are you looking to breed? If not, then does the sex really matter? If you still want the animal sexed then 4 years of age is plenty old enough to have the animal "probed" by a Vet and/or breeder that knows what he/she is doing.

Weight: When you feed every 2 weeks, What are you feeding? I feed my males a medium rat about every 5-7 days when they will eat. (Most males go off feed every year at some point when the have reached sexual maturity).
Females get two (2) medium rats every feeding. Most would eat more! I feed them whe they start showing feeding behavior signs (ie: Hanging "S" curve posture). I don't worry if it's been 5 days, 7 days or 2 weeks. I feed them, regardless of the elasped time between meals!!!

Size: I know Greg Maxwell's great book on GTP's says they can reach 6 foot. I've had a bunch of locality type Aru animals. Still do and NONE are close to six foot!! Most are in the 5 foot range...maybe. They are indeed what appears to be one of the most "laid back" race/locality of GTP.

GTP's are truly fascinating animals. I've been keeping and breeding them for over 20 years. Enjoy your animal. They are generally long-lived individuals when given proper care. I have an Aru male that has been in my collection for more than 15 years. Still eats like a champ. And shows no signs of slowing down.

I wish you luck in your GTP keeping!!
Andy