Quote Originally Posted by carpet View Post
Gio,

It is not myself defensive, it seems more or less the "experts" of the forum want to force down a hard care sheet of sorts without question, over simply observing behavior and learning animals as individuals. I just explained what I have found and previous experiences on forums and discussions with those who have been doing this for many years. I also know many articles and publication writers go for the safest approach, because they are telling the community, not wanting naysayers to discredit their publication that they rely on for income or credibility in the community just as the breeders do. I also find many breeders know more than most and refuse to offer publicly the advice, so they don't have everyone breeding and competing for their business. So you might find some offer bad advice if you don't know them.

Is this community so one sided, that I can not say that I have other sources who are indifferent to the comments? I have yet to see any proof as to your claims as well, but have had people who I know study their breeders intensely, for behavioral traits and think otherwise. I agree, there are some bad breeders, but if you are breeding them year after year, there is something to the madness.

As for proper care, I have the ability to offer two 10 foot long cages, but I honestly think my housing is appropriate if not overkill considering these are hatchlings in 2 foot x 2 foot cage. Another thing is I was never set on keeping them together if I found any issues (contamination aside as I discussed this, they are already contaminated*), but the accusatory responses here made me feel the need to debate the comments, as I feel they where not exactly accurate or with any validity as to why, just this desire to have a hard care sheet, for every snake.

* as far as contamination, I know the location these come from has phorid flies (like most wholesalers and large retailers) that come in with the crickets. I did extensive study in previous collections / facilities and if you have these flies, and just screen, all of your tanks are infected if one is infected no matter how well cages are disinfected. I consider these two snakes equal in quarantine requirements.

With that said, I will continue to investigate things like nutrition of the rats that are fed, temps, humidity and other things that are truly important to the longevity of my pythons.. and laugh off this ridiculous thread.
Best of luck.

I hope your experience is problem free.

The proof you seem to think doesn't exist is actually in the science/biology of these animals. Snakes are secret and solitary and the proven, best practices are to house them separately until they are paired for breeding.

As juveniles being established in captivity it is even more important to house them separately for a number of reasons.

Your procedures possibly being read and practiced by a new keeper that comes here looking for help are not helpful.

If you prefer to do things differently, go for it.

Don't bash the people on the board (forum experts) you just joined and posted on for being concerned about the manner in which you are keeping two juvenile pythons when they have the best interest of the snakes in mind. Laugh it of if you want.

Do your thing and good luck to you.