ATBs?

[Deadly_Legend]

What could you tell me about them? basically, sizes, do they maintain color, like oranges and reds, and most importantly, what kind of housing do they require? searching for several different care guides online aswell, but i would appreiciate first hand keepers info, thanks!

[The Constriktor]

They stay the color they are born (unlike the ETBs) and they need a tall cage with lots of perches. Youll also need long feeding tongs and a pair of gloves. Wouldnt hurt to stock up on bandaids and peroxie too because you will get bit lol. Definatley worth the effort though as they are very neat animals...dont forget to try and make sure you get a captive bred specimen itll cost more but its worth what you pay for.

[Deadly_Legend]

what size cage/housing for an adult? friend of mine is wanting one, and id like to learn about em aswell, since i dont know much, if anything

[paulWTAMU]

I used a 40 tall back in the day when I had a pair. Didn't keep 'em very long, sold them off. I'm OK getting bit usually, but with those bastards it was EVERY TIME. Fast as a rocket too.
They come in a variety of colors; clutches are polymorphic so the colors don't really breed true, but reds still command a premium (and are still really pretty).
They need incredibly high humidity, and mine never used a humidity box like my other snakes sot hat was a constant struggle.

[Deadly_Legend]

well, my friend ended up with an albino corn, since she saw the nippy-ness. they are beautiful though...are ETB's or even GTP's as nippy?

[mavericksdad]

...yes and no...GTPs are usually very nippy and have a good bite on them,but they can be tamed...ETBs have a set of teeth that would make a viper cringe (one of THE worst nonvenomous bites Ive ever seen came from an 5' ETB)) but they can be tamed as well...of the three I could only recomend the ATBs for newbies...

[Deadly_Legend]

all 3 are pretty, and i love the yellow ATB's...but i am looking into a few different things...so i've got alot of research to do this week and over the next couple weeks, what size housing would an adult ATB need? i know paul said he used a 40 tall, would that be good?

[john_]

...yes and no...GTPs are usually very nippy and have a good bite on them,but they can be tamed...ETBs have a set of teeth that would make a viper cringe (one of THE worst nonvenomous bites Ive ever seen came from an 5' ETB)) but they can be tamed as well...of the three I could only recomend the ATBs for newbies...


I agree and disagree. I've had many GTPs - most not nippy at all, and the nippy ones are generally from a specific locale (biak!), and there are even exceptions to that. Good bite, sure, but I'd be hesistant to ever describe them as "very nippy".

Although I'm fairly new with ETBs, I do have a juvi that handles really well, but you sure hit the nail on the head, terrible bite and long ass teeth!

ATBs I would certainly describe as "very nippy". Awesome looking snakes, a lot of "character" but if you'll be turned off by a bite here or there, I'd stay away.

[mavericksdad]

...that should be fine for single snake...as long as its tall enough for a couple perchs as they spend 99% of thier time off the ground...I use a 40-50 gal. aquariume and stand it on its end...the ATBs can reach 6' but are very slender and lighting quick...the bites not really that bad just mostly defensive strikes that scratch...

[mavericksdad]

...that should be fine for single snake...as long as its tall enough for a couple perchs as they spend 99% of thier time off the ground...I use a 40-50 gal. aquariume and stand it on its end...the ATBs can reach 6' but are very slender and lighting quick...the bites not really that bad just mostly defensive strikes that scratch...reds and yellows go for 150-300.00+...garden phase (one of the coolest most evil looking snakes in the world...and a personal fav.) will run from 30.00 to 100.00 +...be cautious and make sure you get a good captive bred specimen...

[paulWTAMU]

I got nailed right by the eye by one...that hurt like hell. Thank god I was wearing glasses too...only time I've been glad of them!
The tank I had th em in was a tall...a used aquaria that I'd got from a friend IIRC. Got a screen lid, covered it with foil and plastic...it was ghetto-tastic.

[mavericksdad]

...ATB safety kit: safety goggles bandaids peroxide neosporin...all this talk about ATBs is making me want another lol...awesome snakes!

[DrJ]

I know, I'm crashing the party late...

Between Amazons, Green Trees, and Emeralds:

Amazons are generally the uglies of the three, unless you want to spend $500 or more on one that will retain some nice yellow or red.

Green Trees are unique in their own right. They are gorgeous, and seem to be a "sophisticated" snake that makes you feel privileged just to look at it. However, they often don't meet the gorgeous expectations many newer owners have. Unless you are capable of investing in proven lines, etc, getting one with much blue, or a darker green is hard to come by. Regardless, you NEVER see such a thing as an "ugly" GTP. They are ALL gorgeous. Just remember that many photos online are photoshoped to enhance features that don't really exist. Basically, shop smart.

Emerald Tree Boas are yet another fantastic animal! My personal favourite! They are called "Emeralds" for a reason. They have the deepest green and are spectacular in every way. With these, there are basically two types: The Northerns and the Amazon Basins. The Basins tend to be a lot more laid back in nature, so handling is easy. Also, they have a TON of white, and are the ones you see with white stripes down the back. They also have the deepest green of the Emeralds. Northerns are bit more high-strung, but are also generally easy to tame down. These are known for the "lightening bolts" of white that go down their body, but there is a morph out there called Patternless. In this case, the snake has no white at all, but appears to be solid green across the top portion.

I have owned all three, and can't say that I've ever had a feisty animal of any. However, Amazons are the hardest to tame down from babies, but will get there. GTPs are easy to tame, but tend to be more head-shy than Emeralds are. Emeralds will just about let you do anything to them, but always stay a little more on edge than GTPs. For instance, I could let friends hold my GTPs, but my Emeralds get real wiggly when other people hold them. Snakes know who their handlers are!

Price range for quality animals? Amazons are definitely the cheapest and are considered to be the "poor mans" arboreal. It is kind-of an every-man's snake in that regard. They are still wonderful snakes, so don't let that be a deciding factor. GTPs are somewhat in the middle with prices typically upwards of $600, but can get close to $3000 with a Greg Maxwell animal (trust me, though, they are top-notch, gorgeous animals). Emeralds are the most expensive. For good quality, you will pay $700 at the bottom of the Northern lot, and typically $2500 and up on the Amazon Basins.

[DrJ]

Forgot to mention,

Amazon Tree Boas DON'T like perches. They would much prefer ledges and such. Granted, I still use perches just in case, but they much prefer a ledge to sit on. They just like to have a wider surface to sit on, as they don't really curl up on smaller branches like GTPs or ETBs.

Hope that helps some!