Housing BP's Together

I was wondering if it is ok to house 2 healthy same sex ball pythons together if the tank is big enough?

Male with Male

Female with Female

I know with almost any animal males tend to fight if they sense competition. But what females?

The basic rule...

1 snake... 1 enclosure.

2 snakes... 2 enclosures.

Regardless of sex and age.

Two females are probably the most cohabitable... but you still need to deal with dominance, issues around feeding, health and stress.

If one snake gets sick from stress... then you will have two sick snakes.

If one regurges, can you be sure you know which one it is?

And they have this pesky habit of, on occasion (not often - but it does happen), eating each other... OK, so technically only one gets to do the eating... but you get the idea.

The only reason to house two together (non socialable animals) is to save costs and space, and those just are not sufficient reasons and/or justification when considering the potential risks.

Bruce

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Loft Lizard

The basic rule...

1 snake... 1 enclosure.

2 snakes... 2 enclosures.

Regardless of sex and age.

Two females are probably the most cohabitable... but you still need to deal with dominance, issues around feeding, health and stress.

If one snake gets sick from stress... then you will have two sick snakes.

If one regurges, can you be sure you know which one it is?

And they have this pesky habit of, on occasion (not often - but it does happen), eating each other... OK, so technically only one gets to do the eating... but you get the idea.

The only reason to house two together (non socialable animals) is to save costs and space, and those just are not sufficient reasons and/or justification when considering the potential risks.

Bruce

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Will 2 females do ok for a week or so

Temporarily is much different than permanently.

If you have them in the same enclosure for a week, they'll probably be fine but if they are two males, they could fight.

But it is definitely not recommended for all of the reasons LL said. :]

I've seen people who house ball pythons together and have had no problems for years, and then again I've seen pictures of ball pythons regurgitating other ball pythons (:

So dunno if it's a risk you want to take ;)

Housing snakes together is not something I would recommend for a beginner. I think you should at least have experience with a healthy snake in solitude for a few years before jumping into co-habitation. Even then I don't really see the benefits of doing it for the reasons stated above.

I don't really want to house do it but I really want this pastel that my local pet shop has it is only $200 and I want to get it before someone else. It will be just long enough for her supplies to arrive I ordered them today it will take 7-10 business days (USPS :mad:).

You should be putting new animals into quarantine to prevent from putting your existing ones at risk. I would talk to the petshop, most places will hold it for you if you put a deposit or pay the full amount. That should give you enough time to get the supplies and have the second enclosure setup.

I wouldn't risk any new snakes with my existing ones.

Have you shopped around from any reputable breeders websites? Pastels are very common, and you can get a good deal on a nice one that you KNOW will be in great shape, eating and have no problems that need medical attention.

I just find petshops to be horrible with husbandry and are more concerned with the sale than the condition of the animal. That's something to keep in mind.

As always, you can use a sterilite tub as his home. I use all tubs, as do many others. They are cheap, work better than glass tanks concerning temp control, and can be run off the same thermostat.

Something worth looking into, and please, do practice quarantine. :gj:

I will use a sterilite tub with a heat pad under it until my supplies arrive thanks for the help everyone