Makin Ophidian Morphs
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  • boa
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  • garter snake
  • water snake
  • green tree python
care guide
  • Snake care guide
  • disabled snake care guide
Makin Ophidian Morphs
Home
About us
FAQ
Feeder rats
Popular Snake Species
  • boa
  • ball python
  • corn snake
  • hognose
  • king snake
  • milk snake
  • garter snake
  • water snake
  • green tree python
care guide
  • Snake care guide
  • disabled snake care guide
More
  • Home
  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Feeder rats
  • Popular Snake Species
    • boa
    • ball python
    • corn snake
    • hognose
    • king snake
    • milk snake
    • garter snake
    • water snake
    • green tree python
  • care guide
    • Snake care guide
    • disabled snake care guide
  • Home
  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Feeder rats
  • Popular Snake Species
    • boa
    • ball python
    • corn snake
    • hognose
    • king snake
    • milk snake
    • garter snake
    • water snake
    • green tree python
  • care guide
    • Snake care guide
    • disabled snake care guide

About green tree python

Key Characteristics

 

  • Non-venomous: Kill prey by constriction.
     
  • Medium size: Adults typically grow 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters); some females can reach up to 7 feet.
     
  • Coloration: Bright green as adults, sometimes with blue or yellow markings; juveniles can be yellow, red, or orange.
     
  • Arboreal adaptations: Prehensile tails for gripping branches, muscular bodies for climbing.

Where They Live

 

  • Found in rainforests and tropical lowlands.
     
  • Spend most of their time in trees, often coiled on branches.
     
  • Prefer humid, warm environments with dense foliage.

Diet

 

  • Small mammals: rodents and bats
     
  • Birds
     
  • Juveniles may eat lizards or small frogs
     
  • Hunt from a perch, striking downward to catch prey

Behavior

 

  • Nocturnal: Most active at night.
     
  • Arboreal and sedentary: Often stay coiled on a branch for long periods.
     
  • Defensive: Will strike if threatened, but generally avoids confrontation.
     
  • Known for the “saddle posture”: looping over branches in an S-shape for stability.

Are They Dangerous To Humans

 No—they are harmless to humans. Their bite can hurt, but they are non-venomous and usually shy. 

As Pets

 

  • Popular in the exotic pet trade due to stunning coloration.
     
  • Require tall, well-ventilated enclosures, with high humidity and climbing branches.
     
  • Can live 15–20 years in captivity with proper care.

green tree python care guide

introduction

Green Tree Pythons (GTPs) are striking, arboreal pythons native to New Guinea, Indonesia, and northern Australia. They are known for their bright green color, prehensile tails, and tendency to perch on branches. They are best suited for keepers with some experience in snake care due to their specific environmental needs.

Adult Size

 4–6 ft 

temperament

 generally defensive, can be handled with care 

Lifespan

 15–20+ years 

Lifestyle

 strictly arboreal 

activity level

nocturnal


Enclosure set up

tank size, and enclosure type

tank size

 

  • Hatchlings: 12–20-inch tall vertical terrarium
     
  • Juveniles: 2 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide
     
  • Adults: Minimum 3 ft tall × 2 ft wide × 2 ft deep
     

Vertical space is crucial due to their arboreal habits.

Enclosure type

 

  • Glass, PVC, or screen terrariums
     
  • Must be escape-proof
     
  • Good ventilation
     
  • Enclosure should allow branches for perching at different heights


Heating & Lighting

Temperatures, Heating Equipment, and Lighting

Temperatures

 

  • Basking/perch spot: 88–92°F (31–33°C)
     
  • Ambient temperature: 78–82°F (25–28°C)
     
  • Nighttime: can drop to 72–75°F (22–24°C)

Heating Equipment

 

  • Ceramic heat emitter or heat lamp for vertical basking
     
  • Under-tank heating not necessary but can help ambient temperature
     
  • All heat sources must be thermostat-controlled

Lighting

 

  • 12-hour light/dark cycle
     
  • Low-level UVB (2.0–5.0) recommended but optional
     
  • Avoid bright overhead lights—these snakes prefer shaded areas


Humidity & Water

Humidity

 

  • Ideal: 60–80%
     
  • Mist daily to maintain high humidity
     
  • Provide a hygrometer to monitor

Water

 

  • Provide a medium-sized water bowl for soaking
     
  • Change water daily
     
  • Misting helps with shedding and environmental enrichment


Substrate (Bedding)

Spot clean Weekly; full clean every 1-2 months

Recommended

 

  • Cypress mulch
     
  • Orchid bark
     
  • Coconut husk/fiber
     
  • Reptisoil or soil blends
     
  • Paper towels (for hatchlings or quarantine)

Avoid

 

  • Pine or cedar
     
  • Sand
     
  • Substrates that retain too much moisture and cause rot


Enclosure Furnishing

They are strictly arboreal and spend most of their time coiled on branches.

Tank Items

 

  • Branches at multiple heights for perching
     
  • Cork bark or driftwood
     
  • Live or artificial plants for cover
     
  • At least two hides
     
  • Avoid overcrowding—GTPs need space to stretch


Cleaning and Maintenance

cleaning Tips

 

  • Spot clean daily
     
  • Change water daily
     
  • Replace substrate monthly
     
  • Deep clean enclosure at least every 2–3 months
     
  • Use reptile-safe disinfectants


Handling

Handling Tips

 

  • Green tree pythons can be defensive
     
  • Use slow, careful handling
     
  • Support body fully and let the snake remain coiled on your arm
     
  • Hatchlings and juveniles are more prone to strike; adults are calmer with regular handling
     
  • Avoid handling immediately after feeding


Health & Veterinary Care

Find an exotic veterinarian experienced with snakes.

Signs of good health

 

  • Bright eyes
     
  • Smooth, glossy scales
     
  • Regular feeding
     
  • Active and alert when approached

Signs of illness

 

  • Mouth gaping
     
  • Refusal to eat for multiple feedings
     
  • Respiratory noises (wheezing, bubbling)
     
  • Excessive soaking
     
  • Scale rot or blisters


Shedding

Never pull the shed; assist only if stuck on the tail or eyes. A complete, one-piece shed indicates proper humidity and health.

Shedding Tips

 

  • Hatchlings shed every 4–6 weeks
     
  • Adults shed every 6–8 weeks
     
  • Pre-shed signs: dulling of color, cloudy eyes
     
  • Increase humidity and provide smooth surfaces for rubbing


Safety Precautions

tips to protect you and your snakes

 

  • Wash hands before and after handling
     
  • Enclosure must be secure
     
  • Avoid overhandling—these snakes are naturally defensive
     
  • Quarantine new snakes for 60–90 days


Record keeping

Documenting

 

  • Feeding log
     
  • Shed dates
     
  • Weight tracking
     
  • Health notes
     
  • Vet visits

sneklog is amazing for tracking weight and when they last ate

Add a footnote if this applies to your business

Feeding Guide

Diet

 

  • Hatchlings: appropriately sized mice
     
  • Juveniles: mice (fuzzy or hopper)
     
  • Adults: small rats
     
  • Prey size: roughly the same width as the snake’s thickest part


Feeding Schedule

 

  • Hatchlings: every 5–7 days
     
  • Juveniles: every 7 days
     
  • Adults: every 10–14 days 


Feeding Tips

 

  • Feed frozen-thawed rodents only
     
  • Hatchlings may refuse initially—patience is key
     
  • Feed on branch or enclosure floor, avoid handling immediately afterward


  • Avoid handling after eating. Juveniles 3-5 days, adults 5-7 days


Still unsure about what to feed your snake? 

you can contact us and we will help!

Contact Us

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