our new drymarchon exhibit

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Posted by Rob Carmichael on April 28, 2003 at 07:22:25:

In Reply to: let's get some thoughts going on this... posted by DeanAlessandrini on April 25, 2003 at 09:48:19:

We are going to have habitat systems build a 10' x 3' exhibit for us in which we plan to house a trio of eastern indigos...we have heard all of the various arguments (pros and cons...more cons than pros) and we, too, feel that if given adequate space, they can be housed together under close supervision. Our exhibit will provide multiple denning areas, basking area, soaking, etc. to eliminate competition for optimal areas. Once it is done (probably not until later this summer), we'll post oa pic.

:I know we have all agreed (for the most part) that it is always best to house Dry�s separately. I also know there are a few of us (dannio is one I know for sure) who had good luck housing more than one together.

:I�m very big on LARGE cages for my adult Dry�s. I use 6�-7� cages for all my adults. After getting in a couple new adults recently, I temporarily decided to put 2 large adult females (these are yellowtails, FYI) together in one of the large cages until I found time to build a new cage. These snakes are very similar in size I have been separating them to feed. (one stays in the cage and the other gets put into a clean trash can to feed). They have been doing just fine, and neither has ever shown any aggression toward the other�honestly they don�t even seem to notice the other is there.

:Now�considering the SPACE requirements of these large cages, this situation couldn�t help but start the wheels turning just a bit here.

:I�m starting to think. MAYBE�if they are:

:- Adult snakes that are VERY close to the same size
:- Both females
:- Good feeders and not too prone to nerves

:�That they may be ok to house 2 snakes together long term if the cage is very spacious.

:I could certainly maintain a larger group of females in less space this way while still providing a lot of room for the snakes. They really don�t seem to mind one another. I just hope I�m not asking for trouble one day if one decides it�s very hungry.

:FYI�I�d NEVER consider or recommend even TRYING TEMPORARILY housing multiple males, mixed sexes (except during breeding), or snakes if dissimilar size�you are just asking for big trouble there. I would never try it with juvies either just because they are so nervous�

:Is anyone else doing this?
:Thoughts everyone ??
:

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