Overview: The Green Tree Python
The green tree python, named after its bright and vibrant green color, is an arboreal snake that is non-venomous and is found in the tropical rainforests of Australia’s islands of Eastern Indonesia, New Guinea and Cape York Peninsula.
The characteristic green color of the green tree python is not evident until about 6-12 months after they have been born. The juveniles are red, bright yellow or red-brown in color.
The striking color morph of the green tree Python is always a surprise. Its stunning coloring makes it a wonderful display snake.
The snake is a small, muscular creature with a short tail and a thin body.
Green Tree Python for a Pet
The reptile pet industry is increasingly embracing this snake species. Many reptile lovers are attracted to the snake’s beautiful colors. They say it is one of the most fascinating and interesting things they have ever seen.
Your green tree python, like any pet, will need to be cared for. This article will discuss how to care for your snake pet, including its feeding and housing needs.
We will discuss what to expect and the best practices for caring for your green-tree python.
Housing needs
Choosing The Right Size
Contrary to popular belief, the green tree Python does not need a large enclosure. These snakes can be found perched on branches in the wild. It doesn’t matter how high the branch is above the ground if the snake is kept as a pet.
The green tree python is a highly nocturnal animal. It will remain in the same spot during the day and only move from, for example, a basking area, to a cooler place to thermoregulate.
Keep some branches and perches on one side and one on the other.
You may need a cage between 2 and 3 feet high when shopping for or creating an enclosure for your green tree python.
It is not a good idea to make the snake’s house too tall. Why? Why?
The python will often be too lazy for it to climb down and get a drink, which can lead to dehydration.
An adult green tree Python would benefit from a 3x3x3x3 enclosure. This enclosure is cost-effective and will allow you to maintain the correct temperature and humidity.
For a baby green tree Python, a smaller enclosure is sufficient.
Enclosure Design
You will need to consider the size of the enclosure.
A front-facing enclosure will make it easier to clean up and feed your green tree Python.
Furnishings for Cage
Give your snake something to climb on. Multiple sturdy branches or perches are good options for your snake. Each one should be securely attached to the cage’s bottom.
This will prevent any accidents in which the branch falls onto the snake or collapses under it.
You can also add rocks to the enclosure so that your snake has different resting or perching surfaces.
Add live plants if you are able. Live plants not only make your enclosure look great, but they also provide cover and camouflage for your snake.
Live plants can also help to raise the humidity level in the cage.
Substrates to the Cage
The substrate you use to cover your snake’s bottom is called a substrate. Green tree pythons can be found in many substrates including coconut husk and paper products as well as dampened mulch.
Avoid substrates with too much dust. This could cause irritation to your snake if you inhale them. Choose 1 that is easy to clean.
A substrate that is easily wet can also cause scale rot.
Lighting and Temperature
Green tree pythons need both temperature (which is the same throughout the year) and lighting to survive in their natural environment. A UV lamp with a timer can provide 12 hours of daylight and 12 at night.
Warm environments are essential for snakes, since the tropical rainforests’ natural habitats are very warm. Two thermometers are placed on each side of your snake’s cage to keep track of its temperature.
You can give your pythons more options by keeping one end of the cage warmer than the other.
The temperature can be controlled using one or more of the following tools: You can use a ceramic heat emitter or a basking lamp to illuminate the cage.
No matter what your preference, ensure your python does not touch the heat source.
Humidity Levels
The natural habitat is warm and humid. The humidity level in your snake’s enclosure should be between 40-70%. To ensure that your snake is comfortable, a higher humidity level might be required during the shedding period.
To keep track of humidity levels, use a hygrometer. Daily misting can be used to adjust the humidity levels. You can also add live plants to your cage and a larger water container.
A towel can be used to increase humidity.
Keep the Cage Clean
Spot clean your snake’s home whenever you notice that it has left behind waste. You should keep your snake’s home tidy.
The whole cage should be cleaned at least once a month. Every week, you should replace one inch of substrate.
Feeding Green Tree Python:
Feeding and Diet Schedule
Green tree pythons don’t have a preference for particular foods. You can eat a diet that includes rodents of the right size.
A juvenile python will need to be fed a small mouse every few days. This is usually 5-7 days.
A feed every 7-10 day is sufficient for an older juvenile. If you have an adult green python, it is best to feed them a small-sized mouse or rat every 10-14 days.
You should not overfeed your green tree Python. You should monitor the amount of food they eat to avoid them becoming overweight or developing other health problems.
Pay attention to how big the rodent is that you are giving your python. This is especially important for younger snakes. Your python might have difficulty swallowing large amounts of food.
If they are warm enough, juveniles will eat through winter. Adult green tree pythons, on the other hand tend to avoid winter food.
You can let your Python skip meals while you wait, but it is okay to do so.
Avoid handling your python during the hours before and after feeding. It is best to not handle it until the snake has finished eating.
It is best to handle your snake before it eats.
Your snake may find it difficult to handle after eating, which can cause irritation and lead to the possibility of it regurgitating its food.
Water for Your Green Tree Python
A green tree Python will drink drops of water from the enclosure’s side more often than not.
These snakes can be used to stimulate rain showers using a spray bottle or misting system.
Spray the enclosure gently every day. This will encourage your python’s activity, since it will seek out moisture.
To avoid bacteria growth, you need to make sure that the enclosure is completely dry between spraying.
You should let your snake drink any droplets that fall off the cage’s walls. Also, ensure you have fresh, clean water in an enclosed bowl.
The bowl should be elevated so that your python can drink from it.
Behavior, Temperament and Proper Handling
Although green tree pythons are often criticized for being aggressive, this is not always true.
Imported and wild snakes are more likely than the domestic ones to be aggressive and bite their handlers. Given the trauma they suffered during capture, this is to be expected.
Captive-bred green-tree pythons, on the other hand can be very calm and even-tempered. Although captive-bred juveniles are often shy and nervous around people, they can also be easy to handle.
Proper handling is the key to success. Make sure you take your time when picking up your green tree Python.
Also, you will want to grab your snake from its perch. This makes it easier to reach it from below. It is more frightening to approach your snake from the top.
Pick up your python and support its lower coils. Let it move however it pleases. Let the snake crawl from its perch. You can also offer your arms to support it.
As it wishes, let it roam around your shoulders and arms, exploring your arms.
You should always hold your snake with both of your hands. Your snake will feel more secure if you do this. Your snake will trust you if you gently handle it once a week.
If you do it right, most green tree Pythons will tolerate handling for a short time.
Safety
The green tree python, which isn’t venomous is not considered to be a danger snake. Once your snake has been tamed, there is nothing you need to be concerned about. Your green tree python should be handled gently.
This cannot be stressed enough. If you do it correctly, you won’t need to worry about your snake biting.
Even if the bite isn’t venomous, it could cause infection. You should consult a doctor immediately if you are bitten.
The Salmonella bacteria can be transmitted to snakes as well as other reptiles. To determine if your snake is infected with the bacteria, consult a veterinarian.
By washing your hands after handling a snake, you can avoid becoming infected.
Health Concerns and Lifespan
A reputable seller will sell you a green tree Python. This ensures that you get a snake in good health.
It is your responsibility to keep your python healthy once they return home.
Proper feeding and water routing are key to keeping your python healthy. Your snake will thrive if the temperature and humidity are maintained in its cage.
Regular check-ups by a qualified veterinarian are advisable for your python. Here are some of the most common health issues to watch out for.
- Dehydration – This is a common problem that you can avoid.
- Water Blisters : Excessive humidity can cause water blisters. So, keep your humidity under control.
- Tail-Hanging Result from inactivity or a poorly sized cage.
- Rectal Prolapse – There are many factors that can lead to rectal prolapse. Get immediate medical attention for your snake.
- Ventral Dermatitis – This could be due to poor hygiene and substrate dampness.
- Spinal Kinks – These permanent kinks may be caused by improper handling. Another theory suggests that spinal kinks could be caused by calcium deficiency.
- Necrotic Stomatoitis: This refers to a rot in your mouth that is caused by an infection. The snake may inflict its mouth by hitting glass or rough objects, or by biting into the glass while reaching for food.
- Respiratory Infections are caused by bacteria and viruses. These infections can prove to be fatal and should be treated immediately.
These health issues can be avoided by good husbandry and care.
If you see any of these signs, such as wheezing, refusal to eat or mouth rot, skin bumps, lethargy, or blisters, call your veterinarian immediately.
A specialist reptile veterinarian will diagnose the condition of your snake and recommend appropriate treatment.
A green tree Python’s average life expectancy is 15 to 20 years . It all depends on how well snakes are cared for.
You have the power to ensure that your green tree Python lives a long, healthy life.
Price/Cost
There are many places you can get your green tree Python. Because of the great success in breeding the snakes, there is a wide range of green tree pythons that can be obtained from captivebred sources.
This list includes private breeders, online breeding platforms, pet shops, reptile shows, and pet stores.
Make sure you do your research to ensure that you aren’t involved in illegal green tree python trading. Do not be lured by the lower prices offered to illegal reptile traders into buying it.
What will it cost? It is difficult to give a straight answer as there are many factors that affect the cost.
For starters, the age is very important. A fully grown adult green tree Python will likely cost more than a hatchling, or juvenile.
The price of a snake will vary depending on where it is located. Biak is the most popular type of green tree Python, and it’s found on the island of Biak in Eastern Indonesia.
This variety is priced between $275 and $350.
Other green tree python types include the Jayapura and Wamena.
Breeders will determine the value of the pythons based on the locations to which their heritage can be traced.
One of the most rare green tree pythons is still a top-ranked snake in the world.
Fun Facts Summary and Fact Sheet
Common Name: Green Tree Python, Green Python
Scientific Name Morelia Viridis
Family Name Boidae
Genus Name Morelia
Habitat : Tropical rainforest
Range – Islands of Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia
Average Length : 4-7 ft
Average weight: 2-5 pounds
Sexual Maturity – 3 Years
Lifespan : 15-20 years
Diet – Small rodents (captivebred), mammals, lizards and birds (wild).
- The colors of hatchlings are yellow, blue, and red. When they are mature, they take on the green color.
- It is rare to find albinism in green tree pythons. Only a handful of cases have been confirmed.
- The spine of the green tree Python is clearly visible.
- The green tree python spends most of its time in the trees.
In Conclusion
This snake species is very popular. While it is not an easy task, caring for a green-tree python can be rewarding.
The following tips will help you care for your snake and prevent any health problems.
See more: Rough Green Snake, Ball Python
