I don't want them breed! What can I do?

I have my balls for 12 years and they are always staying in the same tank. I was told both were boys. But this morning, I saw them mating. I don't want them breed as I can't keep more balls. I called the vet but she didn't suggest the idea of desex one of them. If I want to keep them in the same tank, how can I avoid them to breed?

Thanks!

First off, welcome :) You have kept them together for 12 years and they have never mated or produced eggs before? Are you sure they were mating? It's not recommended to keep 2 ball pythons in the same enclosure, I'd separate them regardless.

Get them sexed. Locking can also be a sign of one male dominating another, in which case they won't reproduce, but the loser is being stressed by the dominant male and doesn't have the proper environment to get away from him and still feel secure. In either situation, separating them will solve the problem. Even though they've been "fine" for twelve years, that does not mean they are in as ideal a situation as you have the power to provide them.

I have took a picture of them this morning. How can I post it up here? I am new to this forum and don't know how to post it.

Yes, they have been living for 12+ years and have never produced eggs before. It was a bit complicated and sound very silly indeed. When I bought my 'girl', there was a female symbol on the box. So I 'knew' that one was a girl, until three years ago I took my 'girl' to a pet shop. The guy there looked at my 'girl' and said to me that 'she' was actually a boy!! Then, I thought it was a mistake and stopped worrying about the problem of breeding.

About two months ago, they stopped eating. It is abnormal since they never stop eating in the summer. I didn't know what happen until this morning when I saw them mate.

Well, as far as worrying about more babies, don't. If it is a female, and it lays eggs, just toss them. They would be difficult to hatch anyway.

As the other posters mentioned, ball pythons do best separated.

I kept a pair of BP's together for over a decade, and they only bred once.

If you don't want more BP's, just take the eggs away when she lays them, and dispose of them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rickys_Reptiles

I kept a pair of BP's together for over a decade, and they only bred once.

If you don't want more BP's, just take the eggs away when she lays them, and dispose of them.

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May I know...

My balls mated, does it mean the girl will lay eggs soon?
If she does, do the eggs have well-formed baby pythons inside, or just fertilised and not yet developed as a snake form?
Will laying eggs cause any harm to the balls? I don't know if they will mate again next year....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

May I know...

My balls mated, does it mean the girl will lay eggs soon?
If she does, do the eggs have well-formed baby pythons inside, or just fertilised and not yet developed as a snake form?
Will laying eggs cause any harm to the balls? I don't know if they will mate again next year....

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IF she lays eggs, it may be months away. If you were to slice open a freshly laid egg all you would see is goo

It's not uncommon for a male to lock up another male in domination, which is another good reason not to keep them together.

Kind of figure out how to post pictures....

Here is their tank.... I can only keep one tank at home as my home is too small for two tanks. So, I hope to keep them in one tank.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_8555.jpg

This is the picture I took this morning. They were mating, weren't they?

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1728.jpg

This was mine...
http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps5c960d9d.jpg

When she laid eggs:
http://i750.photobucket.com/albums/x...pscef0eebc.jpg

Believe it or not - the male and the female took turns with the eggs. Only 1 hatched though.

Wow... your tank is soooo big and beautifully decorated!!

So, not all the eggs can be hatched? Are you keeping the baby in the same tank?

Ok, if there is only goo inside, I will feel better to dispose them (if she really lays eggs).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

Wow... your tank is soooo big and beautifully decorated!!

So, not all the eggs can be hatched? Are you keeping the baby in the same tank?

Ok, if there is only goo inside, I will feel better to dispose them (if she really lays eggs).

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In order for the eggs to hatch you need to keep the humidity and the heat within certain parameters. I didn't, because I a) didn't know that at the time and b) didn't want babies anyway. I just left the eggs to see what would happen.

The one that hatched I gave away to a couple who wanted it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

Kind of figure out how to post pictures....

Here is their tank.... I can only keep one tank at home as my home is too small for two tanks. So, I hope to keep them in one tank.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_8555.jpg

This is the picture I took this morning. They were mating, weren't they?

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1728.jpg

---

Are you from the US? You could fit 2 14inch high PVC cages in the same space as that 1 glass terrarium. I know not everyone has money to burn, though. I, also, know these PVC cages are only readily available in the US and Canada. Plastic storage bins are another option and cheap, but sacrifice ready viewing of the occupants.

I see ~

I don't want babies too. The environment (both space and food issues) here is not suitable to keep many.

Thanks for sharing your experience!!!

:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by treeboa

Are you from the US? You could fit 2 14inch high PVC cages in the same space as that 1 glass terrarium. I know not everyone has money to burn, though. I, also, know these PVC cages are only readily available in the US and Canada. Plastic storage bins are another option and cheap, but sacrifice ready viewing of the occupants.

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I second this, remember even if they mated there's a chance they couldn't of made offspring, like an unsuccessful mating. If you do find eggs check local areas to see if anyone wants the eggs/hatchlings because you never know, you could give someone something they've always dreamed of. :P

I wouldn't able to understand your situation since I'm not you but it be sad to see babies go..:(

Can't you hatch them and sell? It is certainly beneficial to you and little ones

"Snakes don't bite. Just humans."

Thanks for the advice! I am not in the US. I have never seen big PVC cage/tank here. :)

I know some people keep their balls in plastic boxes. However, I don't want mine to live in such a small container. I want to give them space to move around. Yet, I can only put one tank at home....

Some times, make snakes will mate with other make snakes

LunaTheBp and Louie, I get what you mean. I know it's sad not to hatch the eggs....

But I am in HK and not many people keep pet snakes, and those who do, may not be willing to keep their snakes till they get old and die. When seeing so many people abandon their pets every day, I don't want to give them out to people.

You really need to separate those two. One hide in that tank isn't enough, there should be one on the warm and cool side, and with two snakes everything has to be doubled. If you still want to display them and give them space, you can set up two large clear tubs on a rack with belly heat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

LunaTheBp and Louie, I get what you mean. I know it's sad not to hatch the eggs....

But I am in HK and not many people keep pet snakes, and those who do, may not be willing to keep their snakes till they get old and die. When seeing so many people abandon their pets every day, I don't want to give them out to people.

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I'm assuming HK means Hong Kong? either way, I'm sure there is some place you could find affordable stacking cages for two animals. royals definitely don't require as much vertical space as you've given them in your setup, especially without anything to climb and utilize the space. your head is in the right place, but it's really in the best interest of you and the snakes to separate them if at all possible. otherwise, I would just dispose of any eggs that might result and keep doing what you're doing. can't argue with the fact that this is your first 'incident' in twelve years, no matter the circumstances.

for what it's worth, from that picture, it looks like you might be dealing with two males and an aggression issue. I've never seen it because I haven't ever kept two males together, but that doesn't look like a typical lock. it looks like only one hemipene is jammed into the other snake's cloaca, without the usual place for it to be received. take that with a grain of salt, but I'd keep this thread updated if you want to solicit further information from people with more experience. have they separated yet? does one seem to be hogging the warm spots? anything else unusual besides both going off feed?

bcr229 for your suggestion. However, at this stage I can't get a bigger tank for them, and surely not allow to have two tanks. The space that I can put my tank is very limited. I can't put it in the living room as we turn the air-conditioning on most of the time in the summer. This is already the best I can do. When, in the future, I can manage to get a bigger apartment, I will take your advice to give them a bigger tank with two hides.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

Kind of figure out how to post pictures....

Here is their tank.... I can only keep one tank at home as my home is too small for two tanks. So, I hope to keep them in one tank.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_8555.jpg

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The height of that enclosure is a waste, you could fit 3 to 4 41qt tubs in the same space. Floor space is what is needed not height.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

This is the picture I took this morning. They were mating, weren't they?

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1728.jpg

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That's a lock, definite lock. :gj:

considering you have had them together for 12 years I am pretty sure they have mated before :D it seems a little late to start now .. males tend to lock aswell however they can clearly not produce eggs -> in other words I am pretty sure you have 2 males on your hands - however if by a miracle you DO get eggs you can always give them away or even let them die if you can't take care of more pythons; sad but true

Thanks a lot wwmjkd for your reply. I haven't separated them yet. They are still staying together.

When you say it didn't look a typical lock, I was wondering if it was because I was trying to taking them out and when I noticed they were mating, I put them down immediately and took the picture. I want to show you some more pictures here.

This is the picture I took on the 29 May. I saw them coiling together. I found some pictures on the net saying that it was a sign of pre-mating behaviour. Is that right?

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_0102.jpg

Here are some pictures I have just took 30 mins ago.
First of all, I have noticed that their bellies have turned pink. Both of them shed not long ago and I don't know why. This one, particularly, turn quite red.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1758.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1762.jpg

Next, I want to show you the tails of them. Is that possible to tell their sex?

Lu's tail

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1767.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1768.jpg

Gil's tail

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1766.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1764.jpg

Both of them (bottom - Lu) (top - Gil)

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1763.jpg

There are not many choices here in HK for the size of reptile cages and tanks. I did search around shops selling tanks few months ago. This is the only tank I found that fits placing on the rack, no other choice of height indeed. A tailor-made one with similar size with lower height cost about US$320, which is too expensive, not to say to get two.

haha... I don't feel surprise that they did not mate or mated but no egg. I used to keep hamsters, and in the 5 years time keeping more than 30 hamsters, only one gave birth to two baby hamsters. Ok, talk about my balls... I really don't know if they have mated before. But this is the first time they don't eat in the summer. So, if not eating food is the result of breeding, I assume they didn't breed in the past. Perhaps, the best thing I need is to find someone to tell me if they are two boys or one boy/one girl. :P

They need to either be popped or probed to me properly sexed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

If I want to keep them in the same tank, how can I avoid them to breed?

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If they are one male and one female, you can't.

You said you can't get a bigger tank but multiple people are telling you you can fit multiple tubs in the same space. Why wouldn't you sacrifice your own viewing for their comfort? I'm sure they're not enjoying the constant competition. You can get plastic tubs at most grocery and home goods/ home improvement stores. They come in a lot of sizes. Floor space is what's important so pick ones that are shorter from lid to bottom but longer in length.

I'm not sure why you took on two snakes if you only had room for one. I'm glad you came on here for advice though. I just hope you take that advice and do something with it. :)

Can you find plastic storage tubs with lids there there in Hong Kong?

If not, you can order some online.


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Please don't be cross. I always think getting them a proper reptile tank with space and plenty of light is good for them, and never thought that keeping them in plastic tubs is comfortable.
The reason why I keep two in one tank is that when I bought my balls, the guy in the pet shop told me I could keep two together. When that pet shop stopped selling mice, I turned to another one. I constantly go there (been more than 10 years), they always know I keep my balls in one tank, and they never tell me that is problematic. The vets also know they live together. I observe them a lot and I have never noticed any aggressive behaviour for these many years and they live friendly and healthy without any sickness and problem. You can see some pictures here. How can I tell they are not happy when I see them sleep together, move together and do things together.


They sleep together in the hide everyday
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...ilampLu2-1.jpg


They move together
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/PICT0316.jpg

They drink water together
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...tDrinking4.jpg

Most of what you are seeing is competition... for the best spot and the like. It's more of a dominance showing. It may look like they are best buddies, but snakes don't think like that.
They are constantly competing

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The snakes are going to continue breeding if they are male-female. (or dominating if they are male-male)
Just throw the eggs away if any are laid.

You can get any size tub you want and decorate it however you wish. I've kept snakes in tubs larger than your glass tank. Light isn't such a huge factor since they are a nocturnal species that spend 90% of their time in dark rodent burrows or termite mounds in the wild. And these burrows and mounds are much smaller than tubs.

Just some examples on larger/decorated tubs that you can do for each of your snakes.
(not my photo: found on google)

Ball Pythons can actually thrive in a tub with half of this height.
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyu1w7Y37u1qc6rl3.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eZEKJKzSBw.../s320/Rub1.jpg

You live in a different country so I know there is a different mentality than here. We have answered your questions and gave suggestions on how to improve your set up to the best of our ability.
In the end it is *your* decision if you want to accept that advice or not. If you want to keep your snakes together, no one here is going to stop you. They are *your* snakes. Not ours.

I understand your dilemma. It is very easy for us to toss out suggestions and changes, because we tend to forget people not in the US cannot get things as easily as we can. I believe, from your pictures, you have two males. At 12 years old, they are sexually mature, and something recently has changed, causing them to become aggressive and combative. This might cause problems. One could easily injure the other one, or they may stay off food for too long and that could cause problems.

It would be best in this situation if you could separate them, I would hate for something to go wrong and one to get hurt or sick. I know you have said this tank is your only cage option right now. Is it at all possible to find two tanks of similar floor size but not as tall? That you could stack one on top of the other? You could probably even sell the tank you have now and get back some of your cost if it were possible to get two cages. If you absolutely cannot get separate cages, I would inquire of your friends at the pet stores and your vet to see what they might recommend in this situation. Tell them you have two believed males who appear to be combating and force copulating, and see if they have any ideas on how to help you.

If by some chance it turns out you do have a male and female, if the female does eventually lay eggs, just remove them and throw them away. It will be much easier on you and on her if you do.

Gale

This is about the same size as what you have and houses 4 ball pythons. For viewing you could run a mild colored led stop down the sides

I'm sure anyone would ship this to you disassembled and all you would have to get is the tubs

Also each tub i have 2 hides one in warm and one in cool side except for my 2400 gram female doesn't get a hide

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/14/be8y4aha.jpg

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Also are you using a purple UV light in one of those lamps? If that is on too much you can sunburn your snakes!

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My rack is in my bedroom by my bed and doubles as a nightstand and is only a little larger. It can hold 8 juveniles now and when they get bigger, I can remove the divider and have 4 in it. You can order racks online and they're not much, if any, bigger than what you have now. Yours get in the hide together because they both want to hide and that's the only place. Snakes aren't mammals. They don't like other snakes except to breed. And if they're both males, you're basically allowing one of your snakes to rape the other. Ball pythons go down and out, not up, so they don't need height. They like to be alone and they like to hide. You can order racks online and have them shipped to you and get clear tubs and it won't take up any more room than you have now. They don't have a choice but to move together because they don't have enough room to get away from each other and they both want what the other has. Ball pythons housed together may eat each other. Do you want one of your snakes to eat the other? You asked for advice and knowledgeable people have given it, but you're making excuses for why they're wrong. A lot of people on here have had hundreds of snakes for more than 12 years and know what they're talking about. I would advise that if you can't provide the proper housing for both snakes, you find someone to take one of them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

Thanks a lot wwmjkd for your reply. I haven't separated them yet. They are still staying together.

When you say it didn't look a typical lock, I was wondering if it was because I was trying to taking them out and when I noticed they were mating, I put them down immediately and took the picture. I want to show you some more pictures here.

This is the picture I took on the 29 May. I saw them coiling together. I found some pictures on the net saying that it was a sign of pre-mating behaviour. Is that right?

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_0102.jpg

Here are some pictures I have just took 30 mins ago.
First of all, I have noticed that their bellies have turned pink. Both of them shed not long ago and I don't know why. This one, particularly, turn quite red.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1758.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1762.jpg

Next, I want to show you the tails of them. Is that possible to tell their sex?

Lu's tail

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1767.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1768.jpg

Gil's tail

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1766.jpg

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1764.jpg

Both of them (bottom - Lu) (top - Gil)

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...5/IMG_1763.jpg

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I don't want you to think we are jumping on you, but I think what we are seeing is competition not them enjoying each other's company. The picture you attributed to breeding behaviour is them competing for space. Ball pythons don't do any noticeable courtship, they just lock up. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but the pink bellies are either the start of an infection or minor burns. If you are using an under tank heater you might want to check its surface temperature. If not, you might want to reconsider the artificial turf/reptile carpet you are using for substrate. They are hard to disinfect and if not done right can cause skin infections or if you use a lot of bleach and don't rinse well it can cause chemical burns.

Sorry everyone, please don't get me wrong. I am not unwilling to make change for my balls. I love all my pets and I want to give them the best environment. I just ‘misunderstand’ my balls as ‘living happily together with a buddy around’. I have a smaller cage at the bottom rack for feeding them separately. I was reluctant to put one there because the tank is small (I asked the pet shop few months ago when I wanted to get them a new tank. The guy said this size (60cm x 30cm) is too small for my balls.) and I don’t have an extra hide to put in there. I can use this now but I still need to think of a solution as there is no space to put heating light on this small tank for winter as you can see in the picture. But to take all of your advice, I now put one down there. I will try to find someone to get them sexed as I really want to be sure if they are two boys or not.

Crazymonkee : Thanks for telling me that.... I have never thought these behaviours represent competition. I really think they love each other as buddies like my doggies do.

satomi325 : the tubs in the pictures are very nice!! I have never seen such a long tub here. I have big tub for moving home and keeping stuff but not as big and long as the one showed in the pictures. The bottom of the biggest tub I have is only 50cmx33cm floor size (but very tall). This one is already the biggest one I found in the household shop.

angllady2 : Thanks for your understanding. Yes, keeping reptile pets here is not as common and popular as in US : less than 20 shops sell reptile pets here in HK and only a few of them sell snakes, and as I know, only 2 animal clinics treat reptiles. Also because the apartments in HK are very very small compare with those in the US and UK. To match with the market, the tubs selling in the shops are not that big. I do think I will not be able to find two tanks of similar floor size but not that tall because when I bought the present tank, I searched for many shops and they are all very tall. No particular tank is tailored for keeping snakes but generally for all kind of reptiles. Only two shops said they could help me (sounded unwilling to when I asked) to find someone in Mainland China to tailor-made one, but as I said, the cost will be more than US$320 (not including delivery).

southwind: Is that really enough space for them to move around in each tub? I am now putting one in a small cage and will think about how I should set up two tanks or to get something else. I will take a look on the net to see if it's possible to buy the tubs online. Oh, I am not using UV light. They are Zoo Med Nightlight Red 100 Watts and 75 Watts. I use them in the winter, depends on how cold the day is.

Parysa: I will check online to get something suitable. I surely want to give them the best environment. I didn't know they don't like each other.

treeboa: It's ok. I am glad to have received so many replies. I have never talked to people on any forums about my balls. I got simple instructions from the pet shop long time ago when I bought my balls and that’s it. In these 12 years, they are always healthy, clean, eat well, shed well and grow well, so I have never thought that they are not happy. I haven't turned the under tank heater on as here is summer time. I clean the tank and the carpet once they wee or poo, but rarely use bleach. If this is related to heat, may be it was because of the heat from the sun. As I found them not eating, I wondered if it was because the room was too dark and not enough fresh air, I placed them in the small cage and put them at the balcony for fresh air and get some natural light & heat for three afternoons. If the reddish still not go, I will take them to the vet.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/...81648484_n.jpg

Snakes are nocturnal and actually don't care for a lot of light. And pet stores often give bad advice, even here in the US!! Glad you found the forum! :)

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Just want to offer a tip on what I do for hides. Do you have a plastic bowl that is just big enough to fit the pythons? You can use a soldering iron to melt a hole big enough for the snake to fit through, and now you have a sturdy, comfortable hide for about 2 USD. If you don't have a soldering iron, you can leave the bowl intact and just prop it up with a bit of bedding. That said, I would switch to a particle type bedding :)

Do you have any type of container store, or a shop for organizational needs? That would probably be your best bet for finding a suitable tub. Good luck!

OP, I see your situation, that really is too bad. However disposing of them sooner would be the best idea then, I'm sorry if it comes to that and hopefully it doesn't. Best wishes in your tough situation! slither and smile!

Ball pythons actually LOVE small spaces, they feel very exposed to prediters and insecure in large areas, they love hides that they barely fit into and can feel all the surfaces touching their body, that way they know for sure nothing is in there with them. Also they love belly heat, heat lamps suck the humidity out of the air.

Please have a look here http://www.bhbreptiles.com/main.aspx?Page=facility

Check out his videos as well, http://www.youtube.com/user/SnakeBytesTV?feature=watch

The guy who runs this facility LOVES his snakes more than anything in the world and keeps them as happy as he can, this page will showcase how he keeps his thousands of snakes happy with pretty much the same rack system I use.


I also used to be like you as well, I have a 40 gallon tank that I no longer use to house my snake(s)

Also its a lot better to just feed in the same tub, I have never had any problems and my snakes never strike at me (unless my hand smells like rat or they JUST ate and are still in hunting mode)

Crazymonkee: Thanks again. I do think pet stores in the US are more professional. :)

MootWorm: Thanks for your tip! I don't have plastic bowl and soldering iron. But I will go to see if I can get anything from the household stores.

LunaTheBp: I do hope there is no egg.... I feel bad if I have to dispose them. I love to see babies... but I know I am not able to keep more, and rarely have people here can take care of such a long life pet.

southwind: I really didn't know they love staying in dark and small space. When I saw those kinds of snake keeping environment, I thought the snakes were suffer as they don't have space to move around and always stay in the dark 'drawers' . Thanks for the links and the videos. Watching him made me want to fly there!!!! I heard about reptiles exhibitions in the US, and I hope I can have chance to go in the future. I am thinking... I should have gone up here to ask for advice earlier so that I wouldn't buy such a big tank but something suit my babies better. I use both belly heat and heat lamps in the winter. We don't have central heating at home, I worry that if I don't use the lamps, it would be too cold for my snakes. By the way, how do you keep your snakes warm in every single tub? Do you put heat mat underneath each tub?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by feimui

Crazymonkee: Thanks again. I do think pet stores in the US are more professional. :)

MootWorm: Thanks for your tip! I don't have plastic bowl and soldering iron. But I will go to see if I can get anything from the household stores.

LunaTheBp: I do hope there is no egg.... I feel bad if I have to dispose them. I love to see babies... but I know I am not able to keep more, and rarely have people here can take care of such a long life pet.

southwind: I really didn't know they love staying in dark and small space. When I saw those kinds of snake keeping environment, I thought the snakes were suffer as they don't have space to move around and always stay in the dark 'drawers' . Thanks for the links and the videos. Watching him made me want to fly there!!!! I heard about reptiles exhibitions in the US, and I hope I can have chance to go in the future. I am thinking... I should have gone up here to ask for advice earlier so that I wouldn't buy such a big tank but something suit my babies better. I use both belly heat and heat lamps in the winter. We don't have central heating at home, I worry that if I don't use the lamps, it would be too cold for my snakes. By the way, how do you keep your snakes warm in every single tub? Do you put heat mat underneath each tub?

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I dont have any heat tape under any of my tubs. They have their own room and I keep it about 80-85 degrees in there. So far I havent had any problems with any of them.

Yes if you don't have a rack system you'll need to heat each tub separately. You could use a space heater in that room to bring up the temps

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by southwind

Ball pythons actually LOVE small spaces, they feel very exposed to prediters and insecure in large areas, they love hides that they barely fit into and can feel all the surfaces touching their body, that way they know for sure nothing is in there with them. Also they love belly heat, heat lamps suck the humidity out of the air.

Please have a look here http://www.bhbreptiles.com/main.aspx?Page=facility

Check out his videos as well, http://www.youtube.com/user/SnakeBytesTV?feature=watch

The guy who runs this facility LOVES his snakes more than anything in the world and keeps them as happy as he can, this page will showcase how he keeps his thousands of snakes happy with pretty much the same rack system I use.


I also used to be like you as well, I have a 40 gallon tank that I no longer use to house my snake(s)

Also its a lot better to just feed in the same tub, I have never had any problems and my snakes never strike at me (unless my hand smells like rat or they JUST ate and are still in hunting mode)

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Dont feed in same tub if the snakes are cohabiting. That's just asking for trouble! Sorry I just saw this and had to comment

I can see you are trying to make the best of a situation we here in the US can fix easily. I commend you for that, really trying your best.

While the bottom tank is a little small, it will do for now. Here we can find all kind of cheap, easy options to house and care for our snakes. There I am sure you must try a lot harder. If any stores around you sell large plastic bowls or small buckets cheaply, these can be modified into decent hides with patience and a sharp knife or if you can get it sturdy razor blade.

For heat, while it is best to use heat under the tank or tub, lots and lots of people just keep the temperature of the room the snakes are in at the correct level and they do fine. In summer I am sure it is easier for you to keep the room around 85, but this is also a consideration when your weather turns cold. If you normally let the room they stay in get cool in the winter, you may need to invest in an extra heat source before then.

Keep in mind they are going to be less than happy with these sudden changes for a little while, just be patient. Over time, they will adapt to the changes and I truly believe be much happier. And once they have a few weeks to adjust, they may even start eating again without too much fuss.

I hope we can help you with this situation. I have to admit, I am kind of surprised at how helpful we have been. Although we don't mean to, sometimes we can be pretty harsh to new people who don't do things "our way", and I am very pleased we have not come across as rough as we sometimes can. I think we have honestly tried to help you out as best we can, and so far no one has come across as mean. I don't think. I am glad you found us, and I hope you will stay for a long time.

Gale