Green Tree Python Minimum Basic Setup
One of the most common questions we get is about what is required to properly house a Green Tree Python. There are lots of ways to cage your animal and choice of decorations alone can provide a bottomless list of decisions. Many people enjoy very fancy cages and terrariums.
While that is lots of fun for some folks (us
included sometimes) many people just want to know what they've "gotta
have" - this page answers that question.
Everything discussed here is the least expensive/simplest acceptable
solution we know of.
It is possible to put together a cage for a GTP for less than $75.
The Tools
To do this job you'll need a small drill, some duct tape, a little hand saw, a pop rivet gun. ($10 tool), and two pop rivets.
The Cage
A plastic storage tub makes an excellent cage - it is easy to find one at a local big box store like Wal-Mart or Target for about $11. If you want to order it online Betty Mills is a good source, we like the #2223 blanket box. This tub is 23" x 17" x 9" tall. Any tub about the same size is ok, you just need to make sure it has a good lid - also known as the way all the lids used to be before they got fancy and modern. If you have doubts about the lid put a brick on top of the tub.
Drill a series of small holes near the top of the tub along the side for ventilation - be careful and drill slowly to not crack the tub. You can also burn little holes with a soldering iron which won't crack the tub.
The Perch
Here is what we are going to make: (looking down into the tub)
The simplest way to make a perch is to use a piece of PVC. At the hardware store you'll need two end caps and a small piece of pipe. (less than $2 for the caps and less than $4 for the pipe). If you want to order online US Plastics is a good source. For yearlings 3/4" is appropriate.
The first thing to do is to cut one of the end caps in half the long way. Drill a small hole in the cap and another in the tub. using a pop rivet you can secure the cap to the side of the tub.
Then use the other end cap and drill a hole in the center of that one to secure it to the tub with another pop rivet. Here is what that looks like from the outside of the tub.
It isn't critical but try to get it roughly level as it will be easier come cleaning time.
Then cut the PVC to fit the tub - you now have an easily removable perch that is steady and secure.
The Substrate
Use newspaper or paper towels.
The Water Bowl
Find something in your kitchen that no one will miss.
The Heat
We are assuming you are keeping this cage on a shelf in a room that is about 70 degrees - if that is not the case your mileage may vary.
We'll be using a piece of flexwatt heat tape on the bottom of the tub. You can order it online from Big Apple Herp. You'll want a foot of 11" wide tape, the cord with attached clip set, and maybe even get fancy and get the insulators - total cost is $8.87.
You'll also need a Thermostat - the BAH-1000 is a good one and it costs $33.
Connect the cord to the heat tape. Duct tape the heat tape to the bottom of one end of your tub. Drill a small hole in the tub for the temp probe and locate it next to the perch on the "hot" end of the enclosure. Set it to 85 degrees and you should be all set.
The Gauges
You need to measure both the temperature and the humidity inside the tub. Lots of options for this but here are some analog gauges for less than $10
Total Cost
This complete setup can
be had for about $70 - it'll take you about half an hour to put it together.
What Else?
You are going to want a mister, again the big box stores have these in the garden department for like $3. Any new empty spray bottle will do, they can also be found with hair accessories in grocery stores. You'll probably also want a pair of thumbdressing tweezers for feeding - those are $13 here.
We love, appreciate, and have some really fancy/impressive caging - but the above is all that is required for your animal to be healthy. It's cheap, simple, and there is no waiting for it to be constructed.
A Customer Submitted Photo of a Basic Setup
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