Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have kept my 2 corn snakes in the same tank since i got them about 8 months ago. The last time i fed them, after i put them back in the tank one of them went up to the other, sniffed her out, and then casually put his mouth around her middle to see if she tasted good.

He let her go real quick when he found that she wasnt a rodent. I assume that he tried because he just ate a mouse so he was in feeding mode, and she just ate a mouse so she smelled like one.

My question is, should i be keeping them in the same tank (it's more than big enough for both of them)? Has anyone else encountered this and how did you handle it? I was thinking maybe i would feed one while the other was asleep or something. Or soak them after they eat to get the mouse smell off. I would like to keep them together if i can.

Does anyone else keep 2 corns together? Mine are yearlings.

First of all: There are lots of reasons NOT to keep your snakes together & few good reasons to allow them to cohabitate. That said: It can be done. I keep 2 female corns of same size in a 55 gallon. My other 9 snakes each have their own setup. I take one corn out & feed it in a smaller container while feeding the other in the tank. They have done well, but you should always be on the lookout for trouble.

Spread of disease, stress, unwanted eggs with too-small females that can become eggbound & die, occasional consumption of a tank-mate, not knowing which one puked, pooped, etc. The list goes on. Best off apart, but if you keep them together be ready to change your plan at first sign of trouble (which you may have just had?).
Duffy