Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read a few things and know that this is a debated subject with cornsnakes.But if I have a 2x2x4 cage couldnt I keep two texas ratsnakes of equal size in it.Feeding separately of course...Is there any special considerations as far as same sex or opposite sex?
I have a Lucy but would love to get a normal Texas ratsnake to go with him.Not really with breeding in mind.But with a naturalistic enclosure with lots of branches, hides for a display type cage.

Anyway any opinions,ideas and general advice welcome.

I've done it before, in my old florida snake collection. When money was a rare commodity. Anyway, you can. But feeding two adult Ratsnakes can be troublesome.
I had a Corn & a Corn/Yellow cross together. Eventually, had to feed in seperate cages.

Matthew

I knew to feed separately.Have plenty of hides and maybe two basking sites.Think twice as much of everything in the cage.IDK it will be awhile if I even try this.I only have the one rat and he is very young right now.
I realize there is a risk in keeping any two animals together.

Mine did get along for years, but then they were both juvies when I bought them. Also, they were in a 55gal long tank, so there was plenty of room at the start..

Matthew

I have always and still do keep my rat snake pairs together- though separate at feedings and all is well.

The practice is generally frowned upon due to health issues with the animals. If one is sick, possibility of spreading the illness or parasites to the cage mates. Also, the situation of stress on the animals. Snakes are normally not social in nature except during breeding season. True, multiple snakes in nature will make use of suitable hiding spots, hibernaculum, etc., but as a rule, they dont hang out together for companionship. I think you could house two TRATs together as long as the enclosure was large enough for them to be able to get away from each other. It should provide enough hide and basking areas for them to not have to be in contact constantly. Just monitor them. Two males may get aggressive towards each other during breeding season. Male and female could lead to unexpected breedings. There are recent posts of folks who were housing male and female snakes together and wound up with unexpected eggs - Duhh!!! Even two subspecies of ratsnakes like a texas and yellow housed together could produce babies if one male and one female. So, if your interest is NOT breeding, house them separately.

I totally agree about the breeding. Breeding is very taxing on the female and if she isnt in peak condition to breed (not enough food intake) complications can arise and possibly even result in death. On the other hand keeping two rats in the same enclosure is possible if the babies are aquired by a good source and are captive bred (to avoid parasites)Avoid wild caught adults as they, like many wild caught snakes may harbor parasites. Female rats may coexist with no problem but on occasion males will engage in combat for breeding rights after a hibernation period.

I have done it for years with no issues. It sure saves on cage space and makes a more interesting display. I just feed them separately and keep them in the feeding box for about an hour after eating. Fair point that you can end up with unwanted eggs. During breeding season, two males could get pretty feisty with each other. Two females haven't been a problem.

Most all of my rat snakes are kept two to a suitably sized tank.
Like sized males with males, Females with females unless they are specifically paired for a short time to breed. Nothing just gets thrown together without being treated for parasites and then quarantined for several weeks.
I agree about feeding, it has to be separate and can be a chore if not a pain. Thats the biggest drawback. Even after they've ate they have to settle down or they may still have the scent and strike at what ever moves and will injure each other. Tank size is important. Medium sized rats, 3-4 1/2'are kept in nothing smaller than a 20gal long base demensioned tank. Most are kept in larger tanks or vision cages. I have a 9' male blue beauty in with a 6 1/2+' male black rat. They are in a 6'long 125gal tank and are doing great. They are very relaxed and have room to prowl.
If you have any doubt go with the bigger of the tanks you can swing and they will be better for it.
Mike.