Despite being arboreal snakes, you don’t really need to provide Green Tree Pythons with tall enclosures to replicate heights from a tree. Most of their movement is horizontal – across branches, not vertically up and down trees. And providing them with a too-large enclosure might actually make the snake – particularly the juvenile ones – feel anxious and stressed. A good rule of thumb is that they should be able to stretch out to at least two-thirds their length.
The good news is that there is a wide variety of snake and reptile terrariums and enclosures currently available. Some are made of plastic, others of glass, and they are properly ventilated while also outfitted with a secure lid. You might want to sit down for some time and think about what it is that you want in a cage – are you after something that is easy to clean, aesthetic display, or something else? Then consider your budget. The wide variety of snake cages available can range from less than $100 to as high as $7,000. Depending on the size and age of the snake you are aiming to get, pick your desired cage size. Having a good idea of your budget, the cage size you are looking to get, and the main purpose you want the cage to serve will go a long way in helping you filter through the wide variety of snake cages available.
After you have bought your snake cage, the next step is to provision it well. You will need to provide a perch for your Green Tree Python – ideally several climbing branches of varying sizes. This would provide them with a more enriching environment and choices of movement and resting positions. Some might prefer to keep the cages clear of other decorations other than newspaper for substrate to promote greater ease in cleaning, but adding in a live plant or two will not only make the cage more beautiful to look at, it will also help promote humidity within the enclosure. It is also for this reason that some opt for substrate made of mulch or coconut husks, which can hold moisture for several days.
Finally, your python’s cage should be provisioned with a water bowl. This can be used by your pet to drink water from, but because Green Tree Pythons usually just drink off the sprayed mist from their coils, the primary use of such a water bowl is to help with the humidity.
Author and long-time animal lover. Sharing knowledge on pet care through experience and the written word. 