Multiple snakes, same enclosure?

[Kyle@theHeathertoft]

I'm eyeballing a pair of Columbian Rainbow Boas, two females...but was wondering if they could be kept in the same enclosure or not. They'd be separated for feeding of course, and their tub size would reflect the fact that two animals live in it, also several hides would be provided.

Is it possible to peacably keep two females in the same tub? If so, any advice?

[2kdime]

Not recommended

[Wh00h0069]

In my opinion, it really depends on the species. Some snakes, such as ball pythons, do not do well when housed together, while others, such as green tree pythons, do. Some snakes when housed together will try do dominate the others, or fight over the basking area, while others do not. Snakes housed together may also pass illness, disease, and / or parasites to their cage-mates.

As for Rainbow Boas, I have never kept them, so I can’t answer your question one way or the other.

[bsash]

There are many reasons that snakes should not be housed together. For some, Illness, possible fights, and also snakes can be cannibalistic. For the snakes it would be safer to house them separate, and possibly for you as well, snakes can become very territorial when competing for space and may lead to you getting bit.

[Russ Lawson]

I'm eyeballing a pair of Columbian Rainbow Boas, two females...but was wondering if they could be kept in the same enclosure or not. They'd be separated for feeding of course, and their tub size would reflect the fact that two animals live in it, also several hides would be provided.

Is it possible to peacably keep two females in the same tub? If so, any advice?

As long as they have enough room in the tub (and areas to bask/warm, etc.), I think it can easily be done. George Van Horn actually had several Columbian and Brazilian (maybe more subspecies in there too) rainbow boas in the same enclosure last time I was at the St. Cloud Serpentarium. I even saw two pairs copulating. (I also recall reading of breeding success with other members of Epicrates when put in groups like that.)

That said, I wouldn't do it myself, nor would I really recommend it to you. I'm just stating that I've seen it done before by a well-respected individual with no apparent problems. Just the idea of there being a slight possibility of something happening is enough to deter me from it.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

This is one of those "very touchy" subjects. With some snakes its just not recommended to keep them together out of breeding season. With others it depends on the enclosure. I personally do not house any of mine together permanantly. I will sometimes keep babies together for a short time.

I think many people will ignore this question to avoid an argument.