Would it be safe to put a 3.5ft.(female) ball python wit a 1.5ft. ball python(male) in a 50-55 gal. tank?

Question

Would it be safe to put a 3.5ft.(female) ball python wit a 1.5ft. ball python(male) in a 50-55 gal. tank?

Answer 1

any time you house two snakes together you run the risk of one eating the other one...the risk is even greater if one is larger than the other one.

Answer 2

Hello; while it can be done, it really isn't a good idea to cohabitate snakes. There is a high risk of your snake getting stressed as Ball pythons are naturally solitary. Plus, if one snake gets sick, chances are both will, if there is regurgitation in the cage both snakes will need to be treated like they did, and if there is something odd about their fecal matter that requires vet attention; both snakes will need to be taken to the vet. Also; while rare, there are cases of Ball pythons being territorial and/or cannibalistic. It isn't common by any means, but it does occasionally happen.

With that said; if you still want to add another snake to the mix, there are some ways to do so that will help reduce stress for both of your Ball pythons.

First off, keep your new snake quarantined for a MINUMUM of six weeks before putting it in the cage with your other snake. Make sure to take both snakes to a vet and have them checked over thoroughly, and treat the snakes for any parasites or health problems if necessary. I know a man who had quarantined his new snake for three months without a vet check and it seemed fine, only to find out that the snake had been carrying a disease that didn't have any outward symptoms, and ALL of the snakes had to be put down.

Third, make sure you have an appropriately sized cage. The terrarium should be big enough that the snakes can get away from each other, but small enough not to be a cause of stress in itself. A 50-55 gallon may be too small. I would say that six to eight square feet of floor space would be a good size for two adult Ball pythons. Also make sure to provide an appropriate number of hides.

Fourth, keep a very close eye on them. If they seem to behave aggressively towards each other in any way, or if one or both of your Ball pythons are exhibiting signs of stress (lack of eating, restlessness, extreme lethargy, sudden behavioral change, etc), then it would be prudent to keep them in separate cages.

Fifth; be neurotic about feeding the snakes separately. There are many cases of two snakes latching onto the same food item, and it rarely ends well, to put it mildly.

So in conclusion; while it can be done and I know many different snake keepers who have successfully cohabitated their snakes; it isn’t without its risks and should only be done if you are able and willing to handle the consequences if something goes wrong, and if you are able to provide for a second cage in the event that the snakes do need to be separated.

Anyway; that is my two cents. ;)

I hope this helps, and if you have any further questions at all on the subject; please feel free to message me and I will be more than happy to assist you. :)

Good luck!