Is it ok to mix wild caught with your captive bred snake?

I'm asking this not because it's something I want to do myself but because I am in the process of looking for a new home for my snake and right now the person interested has talked about housing my snake with a wild one. I don't know what kind, I'm assuming it's a garter snake.

Aren't there risks of mites, disease or something else of that nature when mixing a snake you caught outside with one that's never been wild? He also mentioned wanting to feed mice from the field...well for one my python is a little big for just mice. But wild ones?.... wouldn't that be more of the same issue with potential mites, disease, or parasites?

The person I am in contact with is also only 13. Not that a 13 year old couldn't take good care of a snake, and I'm sure it would be a great learning experience for him but..I just am uncomfortable with the way he seems to be thinking, so I'm curious what the more experienced people around here think. (watch him be a member of these forums now that would be awkward...He mentioned looking at some websites about ball pythons).... >.>

You shouldn't be housing snakes together. Period.

If they plan on housing it with a garter snake...either your BP will be super stressed, eat it, etc. Not a good idea at all. I'd pass.

But yes, there are risks of disease from a wild snake AND wild mice. You never feed wild mice to a snake. Period. This kid sounds inexperienced. I'd look for someone else if it was my snake. If I lived close, I'd gladly take your baby for you so it can be cared for properly.

Snakes shouldn't ever be housed together...

I'm assuming that your snake is a BP, and you said that this other snake is a garter snake? Their care requirements are very different. Do not sell this person your snake unless it gets it's own cage.

Feeding wild mice is not a good idea, who knows what the mouse has gotten into.

If you need to find a home for your snake, contact your local herp society. If your just looking to sell one, pass on the kid or talk to his parents and explain the snakes needs.

Wow I just noticed you joined the site in 2005!

Thanks you guys, yea i was real uneasy about the housing with another snake and feeding wild mice but I didn't really know the full scope of reasons why it would be bad I just figured it was bad.

Yes I have a ball python, and yeah I joined way back in the day. Got my ball as a juvenile back in February 2004. can no longer keep it cause of going to school in a week. I would have preferred to make a few bucks by selling him but I think if I really want it to have a good future I'll probably have to donate like you mentioned. (Unless someone on here who's good with them wants to pay to have him shipped.)

local herp society that's a good idea I didn't think to see if there even was one. I'm kind of on a time constraint also, but if I can go that route within a day or two then I will likely try.

Hi,

Can you link him up to the caresheet?

Personally I don't think I would choose to let him have my snake knowing those plans. And I definitely wouldn't be giving any health assurances or takeback options.


dr del

I would definately find him a different home.

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Regardless of the reptile, mixing wild caught and captive bred can (and usually does) result in your CB animals acquiring parasite infections and getting exposed to other potential illnesses. Think Europeans and Native Americans back in the day and the reaction to smallpox - a captive bred ball python has never been exposed to, and doesn't need to develop resistance to, any of the natural pathogens and other bugs native to North America. A wild garter snake can handle it no problem, but a ball python is unlikely to have the same resistances.

While there is unlikely to be any immediate effects (again, regardless of it being snakes, lizards, frogs, geckos, etc), eventually one or both of the animals often begin to decline, with the captive bred animal usually being the first to have issues. It is definitely possible to create mixed species terrariums, but it is also definitely a more advanced aspect of reptile keeping, and not ideal in a majority of situations.

In addition, snakes in particular are not well suited for mixed species terraria. They are predators, and when housed with species smaller than themselves, you run the risk of the largest snake eating whatever smaller creatures are with them. Unusual with ball pythons, true, but not unheard of. In addition, snakes do not normally seek out and remain in the company of other snakes for extended periods of time. It is always ideal to house snakes individually.

Aaaaand lastly, check that the 13 year old's parents know what they are trying to do. Nothing like rehoming the snake and getting a call in a week when their parents realize a new snake is in the cage, and the kid is asking for feeders that the garter snake never needed before. If you want the snake to have a good home, you may want to reconsider where it goes.

-Jen

DON'T DO IT



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In and of itself - mixing multiple species with completely different requirements is never smart. If the wild caught animal is the same species and has been properly treated for parasites, etc than frankly it isn't as much of a problem. Snakes can and have been successfully housed together for many many many years - and the idea that it's wrong and bad in every case is nothing shy of ignorance of this hobby.