How many snakes can i have in one viv???

I am in the process of buying 6 2003's. I was hoping to house them in with one of my adult females for several months. The viv is 48" lenght X 16" Deep X 18" High. It is large for one adult. How many snakes can i keep in this viv. I feed in a seperate viv.
Thanks for your time
Richard

How many in one enclosure? One, and only one.

Many, many things can go wrong when housing multiple animals in a single enclosure. They're not like rodents who thrive on company and companionship, they are a solitary creature, and should be kept as such.

Stress is a big unknown with reptiles. It can result in a weakened immune system and what would normally be a minor issue can kill a snake. When you take a solitary creature and house it with other snakes, you might end up with snakes who won't eat or end up dying from common problems.

One of the new snakes may have some sort of disease or parasite, and what was only one sick snake is now 6 others. Herp vet bills aren't cheap, and when you multiply that by 6 it's expensive as all heck. If one of them has a problem, you don't know which one has the problem. They don't label their poo's or regurges.

Cannibalism. True it's rare among corn snakes, but why take the risk?

For me the choice is simple, separate enclosures for separate snakes. I choose to keep my snakes as healthy and stress-free as possible. Take the time to buy enclosures for each of your snakes. It doesn't have to be an elaborate setup, which can be expensive. Lots of people on here do things in unconventional and thrifty manners.

But take it from experience, cutting corners in reptile husbandry can quickly lead to disaster. Research this forum, find ways to make enclosures for your snakes that won't break your wallet.

Best of luck to you, and your snakes.

I would not put any more than two snakes in one cage. If you dont want there to be any chance breeding then you should house them singly. I have kept my snakes in a pair since they were hatchlings and they get along fine and have had four clutches of eggs so far. I also bought a nice Okeetee and put it in with one of their offspring to breed next year. They are getting along famously. What I am doing is ok by me, but may not work for you.

You may have some issues since your female has probably been alone for a long time so I wouldnt recommend what I am doing for you. If I were you I would probably keep all the new snakes in seperate cages/containers at least until you make sure they all feed and are in good health. You can buy some appropriate size Rubbermaid or Sterlite containers and get yourself a UTH for not too much. You may want to consider buying a rack.

Do a search on this subject and read the other posts. There seems to be alot of heated debates on this very hot topic. Bottom line is you have to decide what works for you and your snakes.

This is a very controversial topic on this and other forums. There are many people who claim to successfully house two or more snakes together. Personally, I wouldn't do it for all the reasons that you can find listed here using the "search" feature of the forum. Regardless of how you feel, or anyone else feels about housing multiples, you definitely do not want to put new specimens in with an established and healthy corn snake. As perviously stated, if one of those snakes is ill or has parasites they can give whatever they may have to each other and your healthy corn! Therefore they should all be quarantined from each other (IMHO).

Cheers,
Jason

Absolutely agree with Jason on this one. Quarantining new arrivals is vital - you must keep them separate from your existing animals.

I say only one, corn snakes can be cannibalistic (at least i tried to spell it). I don't think its worth the risk

you can put in as many as you'd like....
but....
you may only have 1 left in the morning....

Thanks for the pic PMherps
Well class anymore questions??
Point made as well as my decision- 1 snake 1 tank. Thanks to all for the wonderful and deeply appreciated responses.