Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Again, like the topic says, how big do you need a tank to be to fit two adult balls? And, as I have read up upon, do any of you do it? I'm kinda toying with the idea as of yet, so let me know. For info only, they are two adult females, 4ft and 3 ft long.

Although many are against housing two balls together, it's done and it's done sucessfully. I have a pair that have lived together most of their lives, and they are about 13-14 years old now. They currently reside in a 50 gallon tank. I intend to build a larger enclosure as this really isn't big enough to house them properly , but so far I've had no problem with it. They eat together, sleep together and soak together. They're mates for life so I guess they've made peace with themselves LOL.

Quig

But they are male and female? I have read up that it is better to be of the same sex, and I am concerned for their welfare. Both are tame and lovely females. I just want them to get along.

Balls are generally not social animals - they don't particularly enjoy the presence of other snakes - with that being said - plenty of people do raise pairs together some with success and some fail. I don't see any problems with raising up a pair togther - however - would not recommend housing two adults (that have been raised separately) together.

In order to provide proper housing for a pair you basically need to provide enough space for them not to have to be together as well as the opportunity for them to be together if they want. Separate hides on both the hot and cool sides - two water bowls and they need to be fed in a separate container (never inside the cage). Eliminating competition is key to reducing their stress level.

If you are going to do it - keep a close watch on them for signs of stress - like changes in their eating or temperment. Stress can lead to illness which will quickly be passed onto the next one. Be prepared to separate them if need be.

Good luck with them!
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Tosha

"One of these days i am going to wake up..look around...and realize my place looks more like "Ace Venturas"s than my own." Coldthumb

7.33.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and gang)
1.0.0 Angolan Python (Skywalker)
0.0.1 Green Tree Python
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope John Paul "JP"
2.2.1 Fish (1,2,3,4)
0.0.2 frogs rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.1 lizard rescued from vicious feline

i keep two 04 sibling females together. i wouldnt introduce them to each other if they have been previously living seperate from one another. i have had NO problems with mine. they are fed seperately in a different cage, and all hide combinations are made available. i even tried to seperate them and they went into a "depression" kind of state. some people are super against it, but i think it is a case by case situation. good luck either way.

Deal