Two ATB's one XL Exo Terra?

Carl Spackler · 07-21-14, 05:18 PM

I am thinking about purchasing two ATB's and would like to house them in an XL exo-terra tank.

These would be the first snakes I have owned however I keep a few healthy chameleons so I think some of the husbandry is transferable. It's more or less the attitude I will have to get used to. Handling is also not a big issue as these will be mostly for display.

My main question however is if I housed two together in an XL exo-terra would they have a good quality of life? Would there be a lot of stress? Currently at the reptile zoo near me they have 3 housed together however still two is about all I am ready to handle lol..

Any insight or comments will be much appreciated.

**Aaron_S** · 07-22-14, 08:09 AM

Short answer is a simple no.

Snakes are not communal animals by nature so housing them together is not ideal.

Despite what you see and may consider it as "cuddling" or getting along is actually competition for the best hiding places, hot spots or cool spots. Do not do this.

I wouldn't base any type of private keeping methods on which a zoo partakes in. Reptillia or otherwise.

Carl Spackler · 07-22-14, 12:16 PM

Thanks, I didn't even consider one dominating the other for the best spots etc...I'll just get the one. If he's still there next week when I get paid I'll be so happy...he's all black with yellow markings

IW17 · 07-22-14, 04:29 PM

Exactly. Snakes don't "cuddle". Housing animals together can be done but it's very tricky. And given you don't have experience with any snakes, much less this particular species, it would be a bad idea. I'm not trying to sound mean. Trust me, everyone on here at one point, before becoming more educated on the subject, has thought about it.

aaron_cg · 07-22-14, 06:42 PM

I would recommend getting a pvc enclosure if you want a gtp. Glass is hard to hold heat, and the screen top of an exo would make it more difficult to keep humidity high and constant.

**lady_bug87** · 07-23-14, 01:27 AM

This is how I house mine
The smallest ATB I have is a 100g yearling. I got her last summer when she weighed 38g this is exactly how I keep her.

She's housed in a sterilite bin (#1717) which is 12.7qt she's on newspaper with one set of intersecting perches and a small water bowl. She sits on an 8w heat mat she's never missed a meal always sheds perfect when she was smaller I had leaf cover (fake) as she's grown I've gotten rid of it.

It's up to you but I always start my babies in small tubs my 300g male is in a 34qt

These animals should not be cohabitated. Some of them don't tolerate high traffic areas and or completely transparent enclosures. My big female strikes the side of the tub the minute I walk in the room. She'd break her face in a clear enclosure.

Also keep in mind they aren't 100% arboreal so make sure your enclosure can accommodate both perching and ground dwelling.

I would also invest in a good snake hook and some long hemostats or forceps for feeding.

Good luck

David VB · 07-23-14, 04:32 AM

A friend of mine has GTP's together with 2 and 3 in one enclosure for years now and they're doing very well tbh. Also breeding just fine. I don't say to just do it, but wanted to share another opinion/version on this topic

IW17 · 07-23-14, 05:20 AM

Keep in mind the Ops post is about Amazon tree boas, not green tree pythons.

**Aaron_S** · 07-23-14, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David VB

A friend of mine has GTP's together with 2 and 3 in one enclosure for years now and they're doing very well tbh. Also breeding just fine. I don't say to just do it, but wanted to share another opinion/version on this topic

Everyone who gets shot in the head doesn't die. Does that mean it's okay to get shot in the head? No it is not.

Carl Spackler · 07-23-14, 09:12 AM

Where could I find an large and tall PVC enclosure in the GTA?

Thanks for all the comments!

polito · 07-23-14, 09:20 AM

I live in the GTA as well and I have heard nothing but amazing things about this company. I will be purchasing 2 enclosures from them in the near future. They are priced well and have options to add a RHP which would do well in heating your enclosure. Check them out.

HerpHouses.com

David VB · 07-23-14, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Everyone who gets shot in the head doesn't die. Does that mean it's okay to get shot in the head? No it is not.

Learn to read, i only gave a version i knew about... I specifically said it didn't mean to do it also!

**Aaron_S** · 07-23-14, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polito

I live in the GTA as well and I have heard nothing but amazing things about this company. I will be purchasing 2 enclosures from them in the near future. They are priced well and have options to add a RHP which would do well in heating your enclosure. Check them out.

HerpHouses.com

I second Jason! He's really thorough and a great guy to deal with from what I've heard.

He's on the West end.

**Aaron_S** · 07-23-14, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David VB

Learn to read, i only gave a version i knew about... I specifically said it didn't mean to do it also!

I know how to read and I read yours thoroughly.

I'm not trying to be rude but your post seemed much more indicating that it isn't such a big deal to co-habitate snakes.

I was making a simply analogy that yes, there are exceptions to the rule but it doesn't mean everyone will be the exception (as your post seemed it might be).

aaron_cg · 07-23-14, 05:08 PM

Those there are Herp House seem well built, and priced well.

As Aaron_s said, in not so many words, cohabitation should only be done by those with the knowledge to do so. Remember, snakes don't "cuddle" the don't have "friends". The only reason the curl up together is for the warmth, and eventually, one of those snakes will eat the other. Seen it too many times.