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Feeding the Green Tree Python
In nature, Green Tree Pythons generally feed on birds, lizards and small mammals. As mentioned, being bird eaters, they have extremely long teeth in relation to their head size, to allow the teeth to penetrate feathers and hold the prey tightly. Prey is captured in a typical python strike and constrict manner. However, this is accomplished from a branch, the Green Tree Python will remain anchored by the rear third of its body, and will constrict and eat while hanging head-down. Occasionally, captive GTPs may be finicky feeders, preferring a diet of chicks. However, whenever possible, animals are fed warm dead rats offered on forceps in the evening, when they are most active. Calcium supplement is added to the females' food items to replace calcium lost during egg production.
Green Tree Pythons are generally fed every 10-14 days. It is done because brooding females may be off feed for as long as five months, and male chondropythons are notorious for prolonged hunger strikes of six months at a time or longer. This advice should be taken in perspective, however. Being relatively inactive creatures, their body weight must be monitored to prevent the animals from becoming obese.