Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
1. Can green tree pythons be handled or are they all too aggressive?
The temperment of green tree pythons varies considerably from one specimen to the next and we have seen animals which fall at all points of the spectrum. While many are quite snappy (particularly after the lights go out), others are extremely docile and never attempt to bite. Even if you happen to have one of the docile green tree pythons, excessive handling should be avoided in the interest of the animal and young green tree pythons should be handled only when absolutely necessary and then with extreme care. Young green tree pythons are very delicate and prone to spinal injuries if handled improperly.
For a more in-depth discussion of all aspects of this question, please see my handling green tree pythons page.
2. How big do green tree pythons get?
While the size of Morelia viridis varies a bit from one local population to another, they are generally what I would consider to be small by python standards. A length of perhaps 5 feet is average and while some specimens can grow to 6 feet or even a bit over others do not even quite reach the 5 foot mark. They are also not a heavy bodied snake and even the larger females rarely if ever get as big around as a soda can.
When compared to other pythons such as the burmese or the reticulated pythons they could even be considered to be a dwarf! Even a more realistic comparison to other Australian and Indonesian species such as the scrub python or their very close relative the carpet python they are far from giants among bretheren.
3. Don't they only eat birds? That has to make it difficult / expensive to feed them!
I can assure you that green tree pythons are not exclusive bird eaters. In fact, there is quite a bit of field research which suggests that they rarely if ever even take birds as prey--let alone eat them exclusively or prefer them. I think that this common misconception comes from confusing them with the emerald boa of south america. Unlike green tree pythons, emeralds boas do indeed eat a lot of birds in the wild, but even those guys readilly take mice in captivity.
To make a long story short; green tree pythons eat mice.
4. Are they poisonous?
Yes, beleive it or not, I get asked with a surprising bit of regularity whether or not my green tree pythons are venomous! I have no idea why someone would think that a python was venomous, but it is a good example of just how little the general public knows about reptiles. It is for just this very reason that any efforts at conservation must begin with an educational element.
5. Do you breed pure Merauke, Aru, etc... locality chondros?
Since it is impossible (at least relaibly and for all practical purposes) to determine the location of origin for specific specimens of Morelia viridis, I do not market or otherwise present my animals as being "locality specific." I do refer to "locality type" to attribute specific animals with trais that are common in the wild populations from a certain locality, but do not go so far as to claim any purity of "locality" bloodline. For a more thorough discussion of this subject, please my green tree python locality type information page.
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