Enclosure size

[mykee]

Alright, I have read quite a bit about the perfect enclosure size for one adult ball python, but my question is this: What is the "perfect" enclosure size for two adult balls? I've heard so many conflicting views on this topic, and I'm sure I will also hear many different opinions (please don't be mean). Mostly I hear that if the enclosure is too large, they will get stressed, but if they are too small, a myriad of problems could occur. right now, I have two balls, 200g, and 450g, in a 48"x18"x18", and they seem to be just "peachy". I feel that the size of my enclosure is perfect for them now, and HOPE that I hear from all of you that I should be fine, but I get the feeling that when they are full-grown adults, that 75 gallons might be a little confining. PLEASE, don't let me sway your opinions in any way, I am looking for as many of you to give me as many different ideas possible. I look forward to you guys helping me out on this. Thanks alot in advance.

[ross2k]

i have the exact same size tanks i built for my bps. i have adults in those which are split. i also have an adult which has one all to himself. i feel they are adequete because they spend the vast majority of their time in their hides anyway.

[Quervo]

Personally, I don't think you can go too big .. but the bigger you get .. the more hides you should have. I have two BP's in a 4ft X 2ft X2ft cage, they have 4 hides to choose from and 2 levels. They love it .. they cruise from hide to hide and hang out on the upper level. The cage size you mentioned should do just as well .. give them a choice of hides and maybe a low branch or two. (BP's do like to climb a bit .. maybe to get a better view)

[Lisa]

I concur, you can't have too big. you just put in more hide boxes... In the wild the snakes have the whole world to live in and they're not too stressed about that.

[stormyva]

Why do you want to keep them in the same enclosure?
When housing snakes together, even those of the same species, you run a higher risk of stressing the snake. In addition how will you know who is pooping who is not and so on.

[mykee]

Stormyva, unlike a lot of people on this forum, I have snakes as pets, not for breeding. I keep my snakes in the same enclosure because they are a nice piece of furniture in my living room. I really don't see the need for two small enclosures, when I can have one beautiful one.

[JamesBryan]

I have a few display cases as you mentioned. I have kept balls in them and they were fine. They do need multiple hides as mentioned. The behavior is more varied in larger, well designed cages. I have noticed tail luring on several occasions, even with well fed balls. Climbing is another behavior I just don't see in the racks. The balls love to explore. Move their stuff around and they will explore for hours. You may need to be a night owl to notice all this of course.

It takes more work the way you want to do it for the reasons mentioned earlier about tracking defecation, feeding, shedding, etc. It can certainly be done though. Don't feed together. No matter how careful YOU are, THEY are not. They will happily eat from opposite ends of a food item or constrict each other with gusto.

James Bryan

[Ryan]

I currently keep my juvi. in an 11 gal rubbermaid tub, but I have a 3' X 18" X 12" custom made enclosure ready for him when he gets older. I have already had feeding problems caused by enclosures being too large so I prefer slightly smaller ones but still comfortable.

[royal]

I have noticed that some people are keeping their balls in rubbermaid tubs, which is better for one snake?
I will be buying my first snake in january, and was going to pick up a 38g terrarium... is this wise?