More than one...

[Isillinde]

I've always kept furry fuzzy creatures, and have absolutely no knowledge of most reptiles behaviorally. (besides bits and pieces from general animal knowledge.) So I have a couple questions on the keeping of corn snakes, and I'd be so very thankful to those with answers! =)

Having always kept cats, dogs, rodents, etc, I know that they enjoy buddies. I never keep gerbils in anything but even numbers (the odd number always ends up alone, which is very sad), have always kept at least two cats to be playmates, and the times through my life that I've only had one dog instead of two, the dog has me for a constant companion. (My german shepherds. hehe)

So, the question is, do snakes fare better when they are or aren't alone? Should I get only one, or should I get two? (Is it a matter of personality, and some like being with other snakes/animals, or is it more of a generality that corn snakes do/don't like being in the same cage with another snake?)

With cats, it's better to have a slew of males and no females, and depending on the breed of dog, all of one gender over the other. Gerbils you generally have to keep one sex altogether, and males are less territorial and fight-worthy than the ladies. (Though, they are picky breeders - we have a male and female together since the day we got them, and we haven't had a litter yet. That was two years ago! )

If I get two, are two males better together, or two females? I really don't want to breed, so unless corn snakes are as picky breeders as gerbils (from everything I've read, I doubt that), I don't really want to put a male and female together.

Oh, and I would also be getting them at the same infant stage, I wouldn't be throwing two mature animals in the same cage. (Or, would it be better for mature animals to be together? I know a mature would probably eat an immature snake, so that won't happen.)

Which brings me to my next question, should I still quarentine the animals seperately for several months even if I buy them from the same place? Or is it alright to put them together straight away?

And finally, I would be setting up a 20gal rectangular tank (minimum), would that be alright for two fully mature snakes? (If you all recommend getting more than one) Or should I go up to a 30gal for two?

Thanks! =D

 

[WAS1]

Snakes are only sociable when in breeding mode.
Its best to keep them seperate, it reduces stress, and saves one snake ending up on the other ones menu (altho this is rare it does happen).
If you do decide to keep 2 together, always feed them seperartely.
Altho most on the site will say KEEP THEM APART.

 

[N8Dawg]

If you look around on the forums you'll find that most people recommend housing seperately. I have had corns for over a year now and have happily kept four snakes together ranging in size from 38" to 20". They do interact together from time to time and strangly even help one another escape on rare occasions. I do always feed them seperately to avoid them eating each other as they fight over food. If you have multiple snakes in a cage you just need to make sure that it is big enough with enough hides. Also make sure you spot clean the cage on a daily basis. Four times the snakes equals four times the poop.
That is just my opinion from my experience. Some snakes may be different and may not like companions. Whatever you do I'm sure that you'll enjoy having corns. They're awesome creatures. Good luck.

 

[fateamber]

My snakes don't seem to like other reptiles at all, and one of my geckos wants to eat anything it sees moving) but I know someone that keeps all her snakes in pairs and they are doing great!

 

[Missy]

i keep two females together, 1 male on his own, and another female on her own but shes only on her own as the other two girlies are 4 and 5 yrs old, shes only 2 and is still too little to put with the others, i have never ever had a problem keeping 2 together, i once kept 3 girlies together and again, had no problems at all, even at feeding, no problems. they are all pretty laid back and friendly towards one another. they have never shown interest in another as a food item. hehe.