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New Member
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Last Login: 6/20/2009 6:04:52 PM
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I have come across some decision that I need help on:
1: I have researched several captive species and have got it down to either purchasing a Chinese water dragon or some sort of snake. I realize the a water dragon is an intermediate level lizard and I know i can offer a safe and healthy life style for one. But snakes offer a colorful design and easy care. Also, if this will you guys with my decision, i enjoy handling bu also like to observe/
2: If I were to chose water dragon, I go on vacation maybe 2-3 times a year and was wondering how long they can go without food. Also, if i had filtered water, would the dragon survive for say... a week?
3: If I were to choose a snake, I had one specific thing in mind. I really like the look of green tree pythons, when I read about them, people say they do not like to be handled, but when I watch videos of people who actually own them, they say that they are calm.( mainly the aru's) I would like to hear an opinion from someone who actually owns several but all advice is welcome.
I know this is a lot of reading and that I probably made several mistakes in it but please read all of it and give me any helpful information. Thank you and have a nice day! 
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 2 days ago @ 7:03:31 PM
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Well Chinese water dragons are intermediate, but gtb's are for advanced herpers only. So don't get a green tree for a snake. I recommend a carpet python (in the same genus-"morelia").
You shouldn't leave any lizard alone for more than a few days. They have higher metabolism than snakes and must eat more. They also poop more.
Green tree pythons are definitely beautiful, but should not be a first snake, let alone reptile. Many people don't know the right husbandry for them, and a lot of the information out there is wrong. They are not lenient about husbandry mistakes so small errors with heat and humidity levels can make the snake very sick or possibly kill it. They aren't exactly calm either. It is pretty common for them to be aggressive with their keepers. Even if they are calm, you still shouldn't really hold it unless necessary. They are so dependent of their perch that it can really stress them out if you take them from it too often. I met a couple at Repticon Atlanta who had like 12 snakes and has had them for years, and the only one they had die on them was a gtb. So just don't get one anytime soon. If you want a pretty, easy to care for snake, their are always corn snakes. If you want something more exotic, get a carpet. They are probably classified as an intermediate snake, but are easier to care for than a ball python.
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Average Member
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Last Login: 10/25/2009 3:54:02 AM
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a cwd needs alot of space and alot of water and climbing space and food, filtration, humidity, lighting. yeah intermediate sounds about right for them, they are wonderful great pets, i dont know snakes but if you get a cwd i am available for questions and advice.
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Average Member
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I'm more of a snake guy, so I'm biased. Most lizards like water dragons need to be feed evry day or every other day, and need live food or fresh veggies, while snakes will take dead prey once a week or so. A water dragon needs high humidity, so you woud need to rig a misting system while you were away. So if you go on vacation a often, you will have to find someone to come in and take care of it. Water dragons tend to crap in their water pans and even a filter won't help, and I doubt a friend would want to clean it. I left my snakes for 10 days with no problems. I provided each of them with 2 water bowls, the heating devices are all rigged to thermostats so there was no worry about temperature, and I made sure they were fed and had defecated before I left, so they wouldn't spread poop around.
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New Member
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Last Login: 11/15/2009 10:56:39 AM
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| I like lizards more, but I would reccomend a snake due to the fact that u can leav them at home with 1 meal in the cage while with a lizard, it would die without food for more than 2 days
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Average Member
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Last Login: 7/22/2009 2:21:15 PM
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please choose the snake. they are soo much easier to take care of.
Water dragons are NOT for beginers. most larger lizards aren't for the beginers. like green iguanas. they can be very difficult to deal with. you would have to change the dragon's water every day, feed him twice a day (depending on the size), and need certain temps, lighting, bedding, foods, humitity, and more. it can be very stressful.
when i go on vacation i take Treecko (my green iguana) with me, so i don't have to worry about what is going on with him at home, plus i can take his supplies too. even this can be difficult too.
so for your and the lizards sake, please choose the novice snake. you will probably be happier with him, and they can go for days on one rodent. so that's a big plus.
hope you find the right herp for yourself
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~~~~~>Treecko is currently my only child<~~~~~
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SAVE THE BLUE IGUANAS!!! CURRENTLY ONLY 10 IN THE WILD!!!
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Starting Member
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| This is a fairly old thread. I got the dude to email me. He decided to get a carpet python instead (easier than chondro), so I directed him to a more carpet related site.
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Senior Member
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A chinese water dragon wouldn't make the best first herp. If you want a lizard I would go with a Crested Gecko or maybe a small bearded dragon. As far as snakes go I would go with a cornsnake or a ball python or a African House snake.
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New Member
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Last Login: 8/24/2009 4:57:49 PM
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i really think leopard geckos are great for beginners. 
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Average Member
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Last Login: 11/16/2009 3:29:55 PM
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I must say Ive had snakes and have lizards frogs and turtles but I must say if you want a green tree python get one. It may take a little $$$$ to set up the snake in its cage but its worth it. Those snakes are very beautiful, although they can and will bight if prompted. So get a baby. If you handle it often and get it used to having people around it it will be an amazing and friendly member of the family. I know my post is just 1 of many but I am going to say whatever you want. I would prefer the snake though. P.S. If you see the snake moving to close to a stranger gently tap or touch the snakes nose. The snake will retreat. Most people will say that the snakes hate it and its not a good idea. But the proffesional green tree python breeders ive met say otherwise. It does not hurt and is not uncortable for the snake.
Vote for Hurricane at http://www.reptilechannel.com/blog/viewbio.aspx?apid=155159&entitycrt=1 _____________________________________________ 2 D. Azureus
4 green iguanas (1 passed away on 10/10/09
? lizards
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1 unknown wildcaught ringneck snake
probably 23-30 kenyan sand boa babies coming in September 2009 a pair of leopord geckos
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hoping to aquire many more additions to my scaly and furry family LORD OF THE FROGS "It began with the spawning of the great frogs. Three were given to the elves, Seven to the dwarf lords. And nine. Nine frogs were given to the race of men. For within these frogs was bound the strength and will to govern each race. But they were all deceived. For another frog was spawned. Deep in the Amazon rainforest the dark lord Sauron spawned a master frog to control all others. And in this frog he poured his cruelty his malice and his will to dominate all life. ONE FROG TO RULE THEM ALL." Lord of the Rings entry.
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