Question about different breeds of snake sharing the same tank, and about weight.

[MikeJuggles]

So I didn't really think about this when I purchased my Ball Python, but at the pet store it was sharing a tank with a Red Tail Boa. Is there any sort of problem that could result from this?
My BP seems completely healthy, shows no symptoms of any sicknesses that are common in snakes that I've read about....
Also, are they supposed to feel squishy? I mean, it's a pretty small animal right now. Only 6-7 months old or so. But it just seems like it gets a lot of wrinkles in its outer skin when it curves dramatically in a direction. I don't know if this is a sign of being underweight at all. I don't know it's exact weight at the moment. I dont have a real accurate scale to put it on.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

[zeion97]

So I didn't really think about this when I purchased my Ball Python, but at the pet store it was sharing a tank with a Red Tail Boa. Is there any sort of problem that could result from this?
My BP seems completely healthy, shows no symptoms of any sicknesses that are common in snakes that I've read about....
Also, are they supposed to feel squishy? I mean, it's a pretty small animal right now. Only 6-7 months old or so. But it just seems like it gets a lot of wrinkles in its outer skin when it curves dramatically in a direction. I don't know if this is a sign of being underweight at all. I don't know it's exact weight at the moment. I dont have a real accurate scale to put it on.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Housing two snakes together should not be done UNLESS they're breeding. Let alone a boa with a ball. There is thread where a RTB ATE a BP and regurgitated it.

I'm not going to rant because i know plenty others will. But just please never do it.... Keeping two BP's in the same enclosure goes along the same.

Bot saying you're guilty, just please dont follow bad husbandry

To your BP itself. Would it be possible to see a picture? I know people with more experience would appreciate it.

[MikeJuggles]

Would it be possible to see a picture? I know people with more experience would appreciate it.

All my pics are on my girlfriend's computer right now, so I can't upload any, as I am not there currently. I was planning on getting a few up within the next couple days though. The only one I have is set as my profile pic on this forum, and it wouldn't really do justice, as it was taken under an infrared light.

Also, it was not me who housed the snakes together. I wouldn't do that. I question how some pet stores handle and keep their animals.

[Daybreaker]

I think the OP wasn't saying that they're going to house their snake with another snake, but that since the ball was in with a boa at the store what possible health risks are there.

IBD is a fatal disease that can be spread from a boa to a python (and other boas), but honestly the threat of IBD is a a rare occurance though the fear of it is discussed all the time on different snake forums. I would say your BP is safe from IBD, I would just keep an eye on him for the usual health concerns such as RI, mites, regurging, etc: things that are caused by bad husbandry and not necissarily with being kept with a boa or another snake of a different species.

A pic would help with the BP's skin "issues" as well.

[decensored]

So I didn't really think about this when I purchased my Ball Python, but at the pet store it was sharing a tank with a Red Tail Boa. Is there any sort of problem that could result from this?
My BP seems completely healthy, shows no symptoms of any sicknesses that are common in snakes that I've read about....
Also, are they supposed to feel squishy? I mean, it's a pretty small animal right now. Only 6-7 months old or so. But it just seems like it gets a lot of wrinkles in its outer skin when it curves dramatically in a direction. I don't know if this is a sign of being underweight at all. I don't know it's exact weight at the moment. I dont have a real accurate scale to put it on.
Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

The above post is awesome and I agree 100% with it.

The squishiness can be a sign of dehydration and/or recent weight loss. Pet stores are notorious for neglecting to feed their snakes properly. Just give him appropriate meals, give him clean fresh water, and keep an eye on his humidity. It should clear up on its own.

Cheers.

[zeion97]

All my pics are on my girlfriend's computer right now, so I can't upload any, as I am not there currently. I was planning on getting a few up within the next couple days though. The only one I have is set as my profile pic on this forum, and it wouldn't really do justice, as it was taken under an infrared light.

Also, it was not me who housed the snakes together. I wouldn't do that. I question how some pet stores handle and keep their animals.

I apologize if i came off harshly. I miss read your post. And TBH I figured someone would rant about how bad it was, but the above post basically explained it out. I myself can't believe how stores do this...

[Zombie]

First, to BP.net!

Wrinkly skin could indicate a shed, or as others said dehydration and malnourishment. Don't be suprised if you see a shed in his tank soon. All though pics would be more helpful to determine his condition Hope you have the best of luck with the new little guy and be careful, they are addictive!

[Emily Hubbard]

If by "squishy" you mean wrinkly, then it is probably a combo of shedding/ dehydration, as stated. My snake was shipped to me just before shedding, and shipping can dehydrate a snake a little, and to be shipped just before a shed is terrible for humidity. Long story short, she had an awful shed 2 days after I got her, all patchy and stuck on in pieces and was very wrinkly for a couple weeks. But once I got a few meals in her and got her humidity up in her new home, the wrinkles went away and now she looks fantastic.

Moral of the story, your snake came from a less than ideal environment. Your job is to correct that and give it a perfect new home. Get stable humidity, provide fresh water, establish a feeding schedule, and your new snake should bulk up, smooth out, and start looking healthy and happy.


Welcome to the forum! Best of luck with your new addition!

[MikeJuggles]

I apologize if i came off harshly. I miss read your post. And TBH I figured someone would rant about how bad it was, but the above post basically explained it out. I myself can't believe how stores do this...

Oh, no worries at all.

And to everyone that replied, I will get pics up later in the week when I return to my girlfriend's place. In the mean time I will try to boost the humidity a little, and just keep feeding normally. I really don't think its any sort of major issue at all. Mostly just asking for peace of mind.
I do hope my baby is enjoying its new home. He/she is always looking for a way to escape.