Living together

I know this subject has been touched on before, but I would like to bring it up again and hear some of your opinions on the subject. This includes the new folks thoughts too!

What are the pros/cons on allowing Ball Pythons to live together instead of in their own enclosure?

Does it matter what sex they are? (M/F, M/M, F/F)

What about putting them together if their sizes are different?

How should they be introduced?

Assuming that both are healthy and mite free, is this advisable? Would they "appreciate" having a companion? Or would they "prefer" to be alone?

Mine are currently housed seperately and seem fine with it. But I have considered putting them together for companionship but am unsure how they'd do together. I wouldn't want to stress either of them out by forcing them into the situation, and I sure wouldn't want either of them trying to get territorial or fussy, and strike/bite/ or kill the other.

Your thoughts?

Pros? None that I can think of....except making baby pythons. Snakes are not social animals therfore "companionship" is not something that is applicable to them. They only associate with others of their species to procreate. There really is no good reason to put them together other than for breeding purposes.

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Originally Posted by DavidBeard

Pros? None that I can think of....except making baby pythons. Snakes are not social animals therfore "companionship" is not something that is applicable to them. They only associate with others of their species to procreate. There really is no good reason to put them together other than for breeding purposes.

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Took all the words exactly out of my mouth, David. That's how I feel on the subject as well. So there's my answer. :)

Jennifer

What did I tell you about great minds? ;)

that they suck??? ;)

Only someone insane with jealousy would say something like that. ;)

Doesn't it also lesson the possibilities of breeding if both genders live together for extended periods of time?

how many times must i admit how jealous i am...

btw beard, good explaination. the best way to put it, no matter what people think. bp's don't make friends.

Marcus, I have seen people sucessfully keep snakes together with no problems. Boids are not territorial, and typically not cannibalistic. They certainly are not social creatures, however, and are not lacking any companionship. Having said that, and visited you in your home, I am confident that if you wanted to try it, it would probably work. It just takes more diligence on the part of the keeper. I know how much you love all your babies, and how much time you spend with them, so I bet you could make it work, if you wanted.

Thanks Randy, and thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm still uncertain if I'm going to try it.

If I do, I will keep everyone informed on the progress.