Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,
I've got an '02 male ball python, about 30 inches, that I love. I got him almost a year ago, he's been the calmest, tamest, snake I've ever had and I'm not fraid about letting little kids hold him. Now I'd like to get another, but am too limited on space to have two ball python cages. Right now I have an 18"X3' cage that I built myself, and may sell it and buy a 55 gallon tank instead at the next reptile expo(KY). I know this is a hotly debated subject, and don't want to fight with anyone. My question: Is it safe to keep two male or a male and female ball together as long as there are several hides, several water dishes, and they are separated to feed? The next one, assuming I get it, will probably be a baby or younger one. I'd kind of prefer a male, so there wouldn't be any premature breeding, but don't know if they'd fight more than a pair do. What do you all think? By the way, has anyone had two caged together balls kill one another?

Thanks,
animalmaniac

i think most people know my opinion on this. if you either can't afford another enclosure or don't have the space for it, then you shouldn't get another snake. i know that sounds harsh, but it is my opinion. that being said, there really is no risk of the animals fighting with eachother. as long as you feed them in seperate enclosures. what you are risking is stress on the animals. and when you get the new snake. please quarantine him for at least 3 months. this ensures that the new snake isn't carrying any kind of disease or mites that might infect your current snake.
before you get the second snake and put them in the same enclosure, please read my earlier post and give it some thought.
thanks
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0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Boa (BCI)
0.1 Wife
1.0 Son
0.2 Daughters

Here's a link to a previous discussion which does not contain any shouting amongst the participants!

Caging ball pythons together

I have kept hatchling and somewhat older male ball pythons together, but never sexually mature animals. I would not recommend it.

-Joan