Help! Can I have 2 ball pythons in the same tank?

[SadisticPsycho]

Hello,

I might be getting two ball pythons, one male and one female. I was just wondering if they could be housed in the same tank? I will be getting them at about 4-5 months old. I currently have a 33 gallon and a 10 gallon. If they can be housed together, what size tank approx. will I need when they're older?

Thanks!

[boa]

They will be fine housed together however i would not recommend that.If you choose to house them together make sure to feed them seperate.I also would consider useing a rubbermiad with heat pad under half of the rubbermiad i say this because they hold humidity well hope this works for ya.

[Bartman]

First off, like everyone is probably going to tell you, dont keep them together unless breeding. You should also try and keep them in rubbermaids as this is much better for them, so I am told. So far the two bp's I have in rubbermaids are eating MUCH better, although not apealing, id rather do wahts best for the snake.

So if you wanted to go with a tank, id say a 30 breeder tank would be fine. Not an aquarium, as usually those are only 12 inches deep and much higher. The 30 breeder offers lots of floor space.

I know Tim C. has a good article on his web site that gives tons of reasons why not to house together, unless breeding.

Heres the site. Its under FAQ and the first question posted.
http://www.cranwill.com/

[HeatherRose]

They will be fine housed together

What do you base this on?

SadisticPsycho, there are many reasons why NOT to house snakes together, in a tank no less, but that's a different subject alltogether.

If one gets sick, they both get sick (twice the headache, and twice the vetbills). It's a confined space, and there's nowhere for them to get away from each other. Ball pythons are notorious for being difficult feeders (although each individual is different) and this extra stress could just make this more difficult for you. If you find regurge or poop in the cage, you won't know whose it is.

Those are only a handful of reasons...but now school's out, and I'm going home! :D

[BoidKeeper]

They will not be fine housed together. Don't take my word for it read what reputable knowlagble keepers have to say on the topic.
In my opinion, which I'm basing on things I've read and things that I know large breeders do, I feel that snakes should never be housed together. Here are some points that I keep in mind and reasons why I do not house snakes together.
1. The presence of another animal in their space represents competition, competition leads to stress.
2. Stress leads to loss of appetite and or disease.
3. If one sick gets sick they can both get sick.
4. How do you know who is defecating and who is not?
5. Snakes are not social animals so although captivity its self is not natural forcing two animals to live together is even more unnatural.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Matt_K]

Originally posted by Bartman
So if you wanted to go with a tank, id say a 30 breeder tank would be fine. Not an aquarium, as usually those are only 12 inches deep and much higher. The 30 breeder offers lots of floor space.

Aren't Tanks and Aquarium's the same thing?? ie: I have a fish TANK..

Unless of course you're telling him to house his BP's in one of those Army Vehicles.. :D

-Matt

[Bartman]

lol, yea they sort of are. What I was talking about were those tanks, which i cant remember who makes them, that are "specially" designed for reptiles.

These arnt has thin and high as aquariums for fish, but let the snake have more floor space.

Either way, rubbermaids are still the best. At first I was reluctant to keep them in them, but both bp's, like I said, are doing AMAZING compared to my male which is in a tank for now. Hes doing well, but just wont switch to rats very easily.

Id rather house mine in a hummer :D

[Manitoban Herps]

With out hesation just buy 2 rubbermaids..will cost you 7$ fro both for a baby ball....clear as mud?

[CDN-Cresties]

Originally posted by Matt_K
Unless of course you're telling him to house his BP's in one of those Army Vehicles.. :D

-Matt

Yeah I house my BP in one of those, his camo is perfect :)