Keeping emeralds together

[bistrobob85]

Hey, i was just wondering what you guys thought of keeping emeralds together. I actually have a small one and i was thinking of getting another one next winter. Is there a problem if i keep them together while they're still growing up? I would separe them when they're mature, but would there be a problem other than having two snakes striking at me when im changing the water bowl? Also, how long do you think an emerald would do fine ( starting from neonate ) in a vertically placed 35 gallons glass tank??? For the moment im using a big rubber-made...

phil.

[CraigC]

It's not a good idea to keep ETBs together for several reasons.

1. Quarantine purposes. Mandatory for new arrivals at least 3 months, better 6 months. Besides that, should one develop an RI from any cause (too much/too little humidity, mold, mildew, bacteria present on prey) the other would likely end up sick too.

2. Feeding. ETBs eat at various speeds, just like people. If one is a quick eater, one slower, you could have a big problem if the quick eater decides it wants more. Also, when initially presenting prey, they both might decide to go for it at the same time. Besides that, rodent smell will be on the snakes just from constricting/eating the prey, potentially causing a strike, coiling, and eating response. Healthy, happy ETBs are usually pigs and want food as often and as much as you will give it to them.

3. Urating/defecating. Especially with neonates and juvies, you MUST follow the 3 meals then BM rule. You can't be sure who "went" with more than 1 animal in the cage.

4. On the extremely rare occasion (making some caging changes) we have had two females (right around 2 years old at the time and not sexually mature) in the same cage, one was dominant and the other ended up usually on the floor of the cage. Not good. Males have been known to fight, to the death on occasion. Has been known to happen as well with male/female. That's why you keep a pretty close eye on them when they are first put together.

Neonates as a rule do not do well in large cages, usually won't feed. Most people start out with shoebox size, maybe a little bigger, then 10 gallon or so size as a yearling, then about 2 to 2-1/2 years old we move them into our small adult cages, which are basically 24" cubes. Males stay in that size until they outgrow cage. Females are moved into larger cages when they get to breeding size.

Karen

[BOAS_N_PYTHONS]

CRAIG C:

Very good information and BISTROBOB85 be best to follow on that info.

Cya...

Tony

[asphyxia]

"you MUST follow the 3 meals then BM rule. You can't be sure who "went" with more than 1 animal in the cage. "

What is the BM rule?

Thank You
Brian

[adam2373]

defication