2 BP's in the same tank?

[Jay]

Hello everyone, I went to the reptile expo in new york today, and I bought a baby regular bp. I wanted to ask you guys if its okay to keep 2 bps in the same tank, my other BP is about double its size. They wrap around together so the bigger one definately isnt going to eat it(or atleast I hope it wont).The tank is 10 gal, they have enough room to spread and hide, But is it stressing them out? I love holding the baby I cant let go of it, but I've heard your supposed to only handle them for 15 minutes?

I will have pics of them maybe later tonight. Need to recharge my digicams battery.

[Cody]

http://www.ball-pythons.net/PNphpBB2...ic-t-1771.html

Theres a thread on the same topic. It's a long read, but to say it short and simple: two bp's in 1 tank are a no-no. There's many factors to consider, but the main ones I can think of are

Health Risks: A general rule of thumb is when bringing a new snake into the house, quarantine it from the other snakes for atleast 2 weeks, usually a month, so you can make sure theres no ticks or illnesses that could affect the other snakes. So, when putting two snakes together in one cage, that spreads any health problems the new snake may have. It's not always the case, but it's better safe then sorry.

Feeding: Unless you feed outside the tank, feeding times may be a problem. They may fight for one prey item, or get stressed out from the simple fact that theres another snake in the cage, and not even eat at all.

Confusion: It's hard to monitor feces and urates when theres two snakes in one cage. What if one is ill and you need a fecal sample? You might have trouble figuring out which mess is from which snake. Also, if a snake regurges, it might be confusing to figure out which regurged.

Other than those reasons, the other problem I noticed is you're only using a 10 gal. I'd think a 10 gallon would be cramped for 1 baby bp, let alone a baby, and a bigger bp. I say no smaller than 15 gallon for one baby bp(2 feet in length or less). Currently I have my 3 month old in a 20 gallon and things are cramped. So two snakes in a 10 gallon...it just spells out stress. I'd get another enclosure ready for one of them. You probably should have had another enclosure ready and set up if you were planning on bringing home another bp. Or was it a spur of the moment buy?

Oh and as for your handling question...General rule is to give a new snake atleast 1 week alone to settle into the new environment. Then after a week, you can try feeding him. If he takes the meal, then wait a day or two, and if you wish you can start short handling sessions. Maybe 10 minutes at first. And as the snake settles in with the handlings, you can progress to longer handling sessions.

[hhw]

Definitely do not house 2 BP's in the same tank. Also, refrain from handling your new baby bp so much. Leave it completely alone for a week so it can settle in, and then offer it food, after which you should wait 2 days for digestion. You want to make sure it's established and feeding before you start handling a new ball python, as you want to bring all stress down to an absolute minimum during the acclimatization process.

[Jay]

Ok, I'll put him in a different tank then. But heres the pics of him(i think its a him i didnt have him sexed)



^ very blurry sorry.

Last one. Hope you like him.

[Cody]

I like the last shot. He looks so cute. Damn baby bp's and their adorableness.

And good to hear you'll seperate them. That'll ensure a less stressful environment.

[BallPythonBabe448]

my baby BP is 14 inches long, and is in a ten gallon, he has plently of room to roam around soak, climb etc. Is this tank to small? I was told untill 24inches, then in 20gal, until 36 inches. and then 50-60 for life. (its male) BTW is yoru bp an albino? and then oru new one a regular? how long are they ? because if your one snake is twice the size as the other one....then your first ones got to be liek 1ft. and your otheer on like 2ft. because you need to get a bigger tank for the big one...I wouldn't reccomend it altough they do look so adorable curled up together!

[Jay]

I moved the baby bp into another 10galon today, put my baby cornsnake into a 3galon small.

No my bigger bp isnt albino, I just like that avatar.(wish I had an albino :p) They are both regular, and yes they look very cute together I love them too bad they are separated now . Thanks for your comments guys I guess it was a bad idea keeping them together.

[BallPythonBabe448]

yea the BP in yur avatar is insanely gorgeous!

[Jay]

Hehe, yep.