2 BP's living together?

[SeraphimScum]

So I am still learning more about Bp's. I have heard of BP's living together and others saying not a good idea. I get mixed answers when going to sites though, I'd like to get some more answers from the experienced.
So let me get everyones opinion and the facts (if at all possible)?
Can 2 BP's live together if fed seperately (divider?)? About the same size, both the same sex (male)
both pretty tame.
I am picking up another BP tomorrow and after quarentining I was hoping maybe they can be in one 40 G tank. If not, I can keep them seperatly not a big deal, would just be nice. Also if it is possible, how do you go about safe intros?
Thanks!
-Skyn

[tigerlily]

Can 2 bps live together? Yes, it's possible but it's NOT recommended. I could keep buffalo in the basement, but I wouldn't.

Here's a thread that will help you with the opinions of many from this site. http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=34152

[moespeaking]

Tigerlily, that buffalo comment was very funny made me laugh out loud.

[SeraphimScum]

Thanks for the link. I am still new here and haven't learned to navigate the site to search yet ( although I am sure its not hard- just havent had to much time or thought of doing it) I appreciate it.
Could have done with out the buffalo comment though lol, its a bit less realistic.
Anyway I see just from reading that post there are just to many things that could go wrong. Both these males have been probed before so there would be no mating but I do not want to chance them becoming stressed and or fighting. I'll simply keep them seperate. Sounds the best way to go.
I agree that even if in the wild they are occasionally found together, it is not comparable to being captive and having no free will to leave. I wasn't sure if they stuck around eachother or not, although I knew they aren't like dogs either hahaa. Just still learning
Thanks

[tigerlily]

Sorry, I'm a bit tired so that may not have come across as well as I would have liked. I believe the ideal enclosure is one ball python to one cage. It's how I've housed my own collection.

There is a search function that is available on the main toolbar, and if you have any questions about navigating the site please ask. There is a lot of information to sift through. If I can be of any help please let me know.

[SeraphimScum]

See sometimes I get confused what the "main toolbar" even is. Its a bit crazy with all the links of links. I'm slowly learning my way, although somtimes I don't understand how I got where I am. LOL

[tigerlily]

Up at the top of the screen there is a bar across the screen.... starting with Home and continueing through Logout. The search function is between New Posts and Quick Links.

When I started, I found the best way to figure things out was to just click on everything.

[Mighty Monty]

Wait, what?

It's not good to have more then 1 BP in a cage?

Why in petstores do they have one cage full of them?

My uncle who has had many exotic animals, and lots of reptiles for many years ( alligators, turtles, snakes, lizards ) told me this wasn't a problem at all, just make sure i have my current one checked before i do put them in that way the don't contract anything from each other?

I am fairly new though i guess, but i'm honestly shocked that this isn't good.

[Entropy]

Monty, a lot of people do things that aren't in the best interest of the animal. Petstores generally have more then one ball in a cage because they like to have as much room as possible and so do that by housing animals together.
Your uncle, while having had many animals might not have been properly taught himself that it wasn't good.
Do a search and you'll see a lot more information.

[tigerlily]

Pet stores put many snakes in one cage (usually with inadequate heating and other husbandry requirements) in order to offer a good selection. It is NOT cost effective to house each one separately, so they throw them all together. They will often say that they move them so fast that it doesnt make a difference.

I can't comment on all reptiles, but ball pythons do not thrive in those conditions. I do house my crested geckos in pairs, but only with adequate space and animals of similiar size. I've complained in pet stores where they've housed juvenile cresteds with adults, and the juvi's where bitten horribly.