Co habitting Dilemma - Page 2

Marica · 06-14-11, 12:41 PM

What is the size difference between the enclosure they were co-habitated in and the smaller ones you plan to separate them into? Could it be the smaller quarters that are agitating them? Or, perhaps they just need some settling in time. I often heard it suggested to treat cage moves the same as a new arrival: no handling or feeding for about a week.

Also, not sure if they'd still be wanting to breed this time of year, but that could possibly be the reason for the nose rubbing and not necessarily stress due to separation. I've often read that snakes will cruise or rub when wanting to mate. Placing them in separate enclosures and separate rooms is probably the best and really only suggestion to put you and the snakes at ease.

I have also read and been told that females are more likely to ovulate if kept in the vicinity of males, so keeping them in different areas of the house may not be a bad idea long-term.

Just give them time and don't over-analyze and worry yourself to death. They could be sensing your stress and that's what's stressing them out

ilovemypets1988 · 06-14-11, 01:09 PM

im just asking a curious question now but would you ever think of breeding them sometime in the future

sch1sm · 06-14-11, 02:25 PM

They came to me in the viv that they had been living in 4'x2x'2' Multiple hides water bowls etc. One has moved into a woden viv that is slightly smaller than i would ordinarily have a BP in at 3'x2'x2 but once i have finished sterilizing my quarrantine viv im gonna rehouse in that as it is again 4'x2'x2'. should be a couple of days due to work commitments but its better than how they have been living.
As for breeding im not sure. It is my long tearm goal but I think i need to know more first

stephanbakir · 06-14-11, 02:27 PM

Great attitude to have towards breeding

Will0W783 · 06-14-11, 07:35 PM

sch1sm, you definitely did the right thing separating them. They will adapt- snakes have very very short memories, and should be much healthier in the long-run. Isolating potential illnesses will also be much easier with them separate. I applaud you on your decision to do research before attempting to breed. Far too many people rush into it without being prepared for the potential complications that can arise during breeding and pregnancy, not to mention what to do with all the little ones when/if they come!
SNakes that are kept together year-round often will not attempt to breed even when cooled. If separated, and only introduced to each other after being cooled and conditioned for breeding, they are much more likely to copulate.

sch1sm · 06-15-11, 03:29 AM

Thanx.
To my knowledge they were never put together for breeding purposes and i was told that they had never made any attempt to.
They seem to be doing OK the male seems aggitated but about 25 mins after being moved did the biggest dump i have ever seen come from anything smaller than a dog lol.
The female got to stay in the origional enclosure and seems less aggitated.

Will0W783 · 06-15-11, 08:38 AM

They'll be confused for a bit, the same as they'd be if you moved or sold them to someone else. They will be fine and get over it though, and should be healthier in the long run. I'd also clean the original enclosure with a 10% bleach solution and change the bedding to remove all scent of the male.

sch1sm · 06-15-11, 11:15 AM

Already on it but thanx anyway