Why not to cohabitate any snake

[Skiploder]

Actually I'm going to crawl back under that pile of wood.

Anyone who has sent me PMs, emails, or even read my posts knows that what I preach is "to do things in a way that works for you and your snake." Anyone who reaches out to me with a question, I answer. I am all about helping people care for their animals.

I don't advocate doing things my way, I only advocate doing things in a way that benefits your animal. I am also a strong advocate for not giving out any advice, warnings or cautions unless you are 100% sure of what you are saying. Nothing I have even written or said contradicts that.

Now, the reason why forums in general are so confusing to people new to the hobby is because so much BAD advice is given out. Incorrect info is given, mainly by people who have no experience in what they dare try to consult on. This is how myths that prevent knowledge and experience from being gained form. I'm all about breaking them up, and getting people to think outside the tupperware box.

This is really simple, so I will boil it down for you all one more time.

This thread was started as a caution to people against cohabitate. It was hinted that this thread and the pictures therein should be used to counter those who try to discuss how cohabitation can be done.

The problem is that the incident in question had nothing to do with cohabitation.

Get it? It's not that hard to grasp. The snakes in question were not cohabitated, therefore the example and it's conclusions are false. Now if you still have a problem with that, block me. I really don't want anyone who can't grasp that simple inarguable fact to read anything I write again.

Now to clear up the pages of misunderstanding and misdirection that have occurred since, pay attention:

Cohabitation can be done. It can be done successfully. It can be done if the correct species are considered and the correct set up has been provided. In some species, you cannot breed them successfully if you do not cohabitate them year round.

So the short answer to can it be done is yes.

However, as Robert and some others have pointed out, it is not recommended for a variety of reasons. Mainly because it requires additional husbandry steps, additional expenses and more expertise. While their are a handful of idiots who do it to save space and money, the fact remains that in order to do it correctly, more work and more money are actually involved. Period.

In short it is not recommended because of the propensity for human error.

Now if the OP had wanted to show a picture of someone incorrectly cohabbing snakes, I'd be all for it. But to make a point about something and use an example that does not apply in any way shape or form is sad.

...and yes, not grasping that fact is sadder.

So if this is hard for any of you to grasp, and if any of you want to continue to read personal attacks into this that aren't there - well, I actually feel real bad for you. I cannot imagine how hard it is to go through life burdened by the baggage of having my insecurities exposed and laid bare by a simple exchange on a reptile forum. If you have a problem with me, if you don't want to read what I write, or if what I write upsets you, block me.