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Cohabitation

I agree with the mojority of ppl up here

You deffinetly need to separate the snakes. I don't have much reptile experience but I do know that all creatures generally do one thing well. Mate and have babies. Often lots of them. Now I also don't know much about egg bound snakes but I know it often happens in young chickens and lets just say its not a pretty sight. I wouldn't wish it on any animal. AS for Rocky Raccoon heres a little info on egg binding seeing as you obviously have no idea what your talking about.

The term can also be seen in herpetoculture, as this condition can occur in female reptiles. It is inadvisable to attempt to break a reptile egg to remove it from an egg bound female. This procedure may be done by a veterinarian, who will insert a needle into the egg, and withdraw the contents with a syringe, allowing the egg to collapse and be removed. Non-surgical interventions include administering oxytocin to improve contractions and allow the eggs to pass normally. In many cases, egg bound reptiles must undergo surgery to have stuck eggs removed. Egg binding in reptiles is quickly fatal if left untreated, so if you see a gravid female become very lethargic and cease feeding, seek medical treatment for the animal immediately.

Egg binding can occur if an egg is malformed and/or too large, the animal is weakened by illness, improper husbandry, or stress, or if hormonal balances are wrong (producing weak contractions). Factors that can contribute to the risk of egg binding include calcium deficiency, breeding animals that are too young or too small, not providing suitable laying areas (leading to deliberate retention of eggs), and overfeeding of species in which clutch size is dependent on food intake (such as Veiled Chameleons).

I also know what its like not to have much money. I'm unable to work due to my immigration status so me and my husband live off a single wage. However sterlite tubs are pretty cheap and I did find two websites that I love. One for supplies and the other for food.

Heres the sites: http://www.reptilesupply.com/
http://www.ratsicles.com/


This is just to leave you with some more options.

Goodluck.
 
Thanks guys. Just thought I would update you...

I am still unsure about what to do with the snakes. I really REALLY don't want to give one up, and I have found someone online who is willing to sell me a 20 gallon setup (with all accessories included) for $45. Now it's just a matter of getting the money together...which unfortunately may be a month or so. I really hate to seperate them but..we will see. I would hate to lose one even more :(

On a happier note, they both poked their little heads out today for the first time since friday. Okeetee seems more timid..she only poked her head out. Razor came out almost half way and was sniffing around the top of the tank!! :) Do you think it would be safe to start holding them tomorrow?? I have had them since friday..but I don't want to stress them out..
 
I think that would be fine to start handling them. I assume since they were a classroom attraction that they are fairly used to being handled. Just start with short sessions until they get used to you.

I'm glad you're getting a second setup to keep both the snakes. I think you will see an iomprovement in their security and behaviors when they each have their own place to call home...
 
TaraRose said:
I really hate to seperate them but..we will see. I would hate to lose one even more
Click to expand...
Despite the adamant statements of others, whether to keep the snakes together or separate them is a choice only you can make. Having already lived together for a long time, there is no urgency to do anything yet. I would try to find someone who can probe them for gender identification. If you do have a male and a female, separating them would prevent an unwanted pregnancy. If they are both males, they might have to be separated if there are signs of hostility between them when they mature. In any case, it's up to you to do what you find best in your particular situation.

Start handling your snakes, either one at a time or together. Let them get used to you as part of their lives. The amount this stresses them isn't going to be much different today or next week. I prefer to handle new snakes after the first twentyfour to fortyeight hours, while they are adjusting to their new living situation. I'd rather they get used to the new viv and the new owner from the start.
 
I have read all the posts on cohabitation and have talked to Kathy Love and have decided to separate my snakes. The problem is they look like they want to be back together. They're roaming around and look stressed. They have their head up on a rock sadly looking out. Or at each other. I don't know if it was the right thing or not. These snakes have done very well together and are probably used to each other. Am I just imagining their sadness?
 
"Sadness" is an emotional response that I personally don't believe snakes have the capacity to feel. I'm sure they are aware that they are alone, and it may take them some time to get used to that. But I firmly believe that they WILL get used to it, and you will end up with happier and healthier snakes in the long run because of this decision.

This is, of course, a matter of opinion...
 
After re-reading my previous post, it occured to me that if snakes can't feel sadness, it only stands to reason that they also can't feel happiness. So for clarification sake, "happiness" is used as a descriptive term in place of "less stressed" ;)...
 
I think the reason they are roaming around is not because they are looking for each other, but because they are finally comfortable enough to get out and explore their surroundings. And yes, I think you are imagining their sadness. Snakes are solitary creatures by nature and neither want nor need companionship.
 
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