We go by the nature of the pet and try to maintain conditions as much as we can to let the pet thrive on their natural instincts.

For example, a Labrador Retriever (yeah, the dog) need running space. So, people getting a Labrador usually have a big yard. If not, then they run with the dog for miles a day. If an owner cannot provide this, they don't get a Labrador - they get a pekinese or something.

This is the same with ball pythons. Ball pythons are solitary animals. Therefore, we put them in their own enclosures. If we can't do that, then we don't get a ball python.

The thing is, getting a big yard or running miles a day with a dog is a lot more complicated than getting another plastic tub for the 2nd ball python. So, at least in this forum, a lot of members are harsh on people who do not house their ball pythons separately.

And just like pet owners who do not have a yard and do not run more than 20 feet and get a Labrador anyway and insists that their Labrador is happy and healthy, there are those ball python owners who house their ball pythons together and insist that their snakes are happy and healthy as well. Sure, the Labrador could probably survive without a yard or a ball python can probably survive with another ball python in the same enclosure, but why risk it?

My 2 cents...