2 BP, Seperate Tanks but Next to Eachother...

[djvip510]

So I have 2 Ball Pythons, one a Female who is 3 years old and the other is a Male who is 2 years old. I currently have both of their tanks side by side. Usually the female is in her hid during this hour but she has been perched up on her piece of drift wood looking at the other tank and even trying to get out of her cage to get into the other one. Is it okay for these two to be side by side?

[starmom]

I would cover the ends with black or dark paper of some sort as this trick will add to the snake's sense of security

[Thor26]

if you think its causing a proble line the sides and back of the outside of the tank with black posterboard

[Thor26]

I would cover the ends with black or dark paper of some sort as this trick will add to the snake's sense of security

dang u beat me to it

[djvip510]

I don't think it is causing a problem, I am just asking if it is bad practice to do so. I think she was just curious...But I am mainly asking to see if it's bad practice because I plan on breeding them in a few months after they get checked by a vet and I want them to be somewhat familiar with each other.

[tideguyinva]

I had all mine in tanks like that before but the sides and backs were covered. I didnt have a problem. That is before I got some dang many of them and moved to tubs.

[Argentra]

Problem or not, the back and sides of any tank should be covered with opaque material to make them more secure for the snakes. A lot of people can think that they don't have to do this for adult snakes, since they 'don't react badly and don't stress', but adults don't tend to show stress the same way little ones do. Better to play it safe and just cover the tanks.

Also, unless in a very warm climate, the back and sides of tanks should be insulated as well, lest the temperatures fluctuate too much. Glass is a terrible heat keeper on its own.

[djvip510]

My Local Exotic Life/Reptile Depot both said it is fine for them to be side by side because they are 2 and 3 years old.

They even said it is fine to HOUSE THEM TOGETHER if they are the same species of snakes (which they are, both Ball Pytons) and about the same size/age.

[Argentra]

Pet stores have limited space, and don't intend to have the animals for long, so of course they won't be housing every animal they have by itself. But housing reptiles alone, with a few exceptions, is what Should be done. For health, safety, and sanitary reasons.

Also, pet store people generally have limited knowledge as well. Who would be most likely to have more and better knowledge: the joe working at a pet shop, or the breeder who's been in the business for over ten years?
And, sad to say, unless it's a pet store owned and run by someone who's been breeding/keeping the reptiles for years... even specialty reptile stores are often wrong on housing info because of how they keep their animals.

The bottom line here is that Ball pythons are secretive snakes who prefer a snug and secure home. Covering the back and sides of glass tanks, and placing clear tubs in a dark rack, are ways of giving them that security.

[starmom]

My Local Exotic Life/Reptile Depot both said it is fine for them to be side by side because they are 2 and 3 years old.

They even said it is fine to HOUSE THEM TOGETHER if they are the same species of snakes (which they are, both Ball Pytons) and about the same size/age.

Due to their advice I would advise you to not listen to them