Just got a new ball and have a question

[mischevious21]

I just got a new baby ball, thats about 16in. and I already have one, and shes about 27-28in. Im going to quarenine the baby for two weeks, then I want to put him in with my other one.
The only thing is, Im not sure if maybe she could be to big and it could be dangerous, though I dont think it would,, And is there any 'specific' way that I should introduce them? Ive had my girl for over a year, and Ive never done this before, so I just want some advice please. And thank you!!
Jessika

[Nate]

1 snake 1 cage. It's not a good idea. Introducing them has never really been a problem. They're not aggressive toward one another...but housing them together can cause problems.

[frankykeno]

A two week quarantine really isn't going to accomplish all that much unless you have a vet appointment set up during that time to confirm health and the absense of internal parasites. External parasites, in particular mites, have a 30 day life cycle so you want to quarantine at least a few days past that point (minimum).

Housing with your other snake is generally considered a poor idea. They have no need for companionship not being a herd or pack type creature and only naturally coming together once per year, to breed when they are sexually mature. Things that communal housing can create...

- dominance over space, water source, etc. (often perceived by humans as "friendly cuddling"
- out right biting when hungry or recently fed
- cannabalism
- spread of disease
- double the vet bills as you often can't tell which one is actually ill because you can't for instance judge by feces, not knowing which snake did it
- refusal to eat by the snake being dominated
- long term stress which can supress their immune system leading to things like respiratory illnesses which will spread to both snakes (and again, double vet bills)
- unnaturally slow or diminished growth patterns due to feeding refusals, stress, and illness

1 snake per enclosure is always best except the brief times adults are put together for a carefully planned out breeding attempt.

[Mezclado_Reps]

Things that communal housing can create...

- dominance over space, water source, etc. (often perceived by humans as "friendly cuddling"
- out right biting when hungry or recently fed
- cannabalism
- spread of disease
- double the vet bills as you often can't tell which one is actually ill because you can't for instance judge by feces, not knowing which snake did it
- refusal to eat by the snake being dominated
- long term stress which can supress their immune system leading to things like respiratory illnesses which will spread to both snakes (and again, double vet bills)
- unnaturally slow or diminished growth patterns due to feeding refusals, stress, and illness

1 snake per enclosure is always best except the brief times adults are put together for a carefully planned out breeding attempt.

Best list ever :thumbs up: Not much more to say than that.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

First you should quarantine at least for 30 days second 1 Snake = 1 Enclosure

Ball pythons are solitary animals and the only time they should be put together is male being introduced to a female during breeding season and during breading season only. Even then this is not a permanent housing situation as the male introduced briefly to the female (This also require that both are the proper weight)

There is absolutely no benefit in housing multiple snakes together however it can create problems such as stress, going of feed, spreading of diseases and parasites, premature breeding, you are also at risk for serious injuries, death and even cannibalism.

I think this should make you reconsider multiple housing

http://www.geocities.com/gaballpythons/Cannibalism1.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/gaballpythons/Cannibalism2.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/gaballpythons/Cannibalism3.jpg

And here are some posts talking about the subject

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ltiple+housing

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ltiple+housing

[python.princess]

i had my two together (not knowing it was not good) up until about 3 months ago. since they've separated, i've noticed they both seem a little happier. and they've both been growing noticeably faster.