Are K. Sand Boas able to be housed together?

[cassie_g2002]

On the web, I've only found a few references of duo's or trio's being kept together in the same cage. It wasn't mentioned either way, really. If I am able to feed them outside their cage, and if the cage was big enough, would it be ok if I did this. I am thinking about finding either a pair or a trio of Kenyan Sand Boas, and if they can co-exist peacefully, in a larger cage, and I take any and all precautions (especially feeding), is this ok? I understand they can sometimes lose their feeding response if taken out of their cage, and if that were to happen, I would gladly separate them, if issues can arise.
My DH wants a normal, and I want a anery. I thought about getting a 2 normal females, and an anery male. I would much rather get a anery male/female and a normal female, to bring out the anery trait, but my DH doesn't care for the anery. It might be unfair of me to get 2 anery's and only one normal. I don't care for the albinos.
Let me know what you think about the caging. If it's not possible, that's ok, too.
Cassie
Anybody know a good breeder that's reasonable?

	Anerythristic A recessive genetic mutation in which the animal is void of red pigment.

[Adrya]

It's generally not good to house snakes together AT ALL unless for breeding... because they can stress each other out to the point where they won't eat at all... or if one gets sick, the other can get sick, etc etc.

Or... in some rare cases.... one could eat the other.

[Xeikeness]

I have two KSB's right now, and both are being housed together. They will eventually(hopefully) breed, which would be lovely. They've got great personalities and are in the best of health.

Were I you, I'd start by getting each KSB their own 10gal tank, and keeping them seperate for 3-6 months. To get used to how they eat, when they eat, when they shed, and get a good grasp on their care. Also to make sure that they don't have any diseases, because KSB's, like most other snakes, don't let you know they're sick until they're really sick.

After the quaruntine/learning stage, evaluate the temperament of the KSB's. If they are easy going, laid back, and generally peaceable, I'd say go for it tentatively. A thin layer of aspen, and a couple small hidey logs so they can feel secure and have their space, in a terrarium big enough that if they were both to stretch out along the edges, they wouldn't touch each other.

Make sure it's been at least a week since they've last eaten, because you do not want them to regurgitate. Also be sure to make sure they aren't hungry - you want to minimize the (already very low) risk of cannibalism.

Watch them closely for a couple weeks. Feed them if they're doing fine. Watch them for another couple weeks. At that point, I'd say it would be safe to add one more snake, following all of the above rules for introduction.

As previously stated, it's not usually a good idea to house herps together... but under careful scrutiny and care, I'm keeping almost all my herps in terrariums with a cagemate, breeding or no, with no incidents by following my own strict set of rules and common sense. By putting herps in together, you are putting them at some risk, and it is entirely your own choice and responsibility.

And one more note - be sure to always follow the safety/feeding guidelines you mentioned. Never feed in the same terrarium as they live in, always wash your hands, and use your common sense.

Good luck!

[cassie_g2002]

Thank you for all the information. Yes, I definitely will quarantine them separately for several months, since they will be coming from different breeders, and I will want to know each one's health, quirks, and personalites before I dive into the thought of housing them together. That is my goal, eventually. If it is not feasible, or there is too much risk, then, of course, I will not house them together until it's time to breed them a few years down the road.
Xeikeness--thanks for telling me about the feeding schedule, in case they stress. I hadn't thought of that.
By the way, I see you're a fellow Oregonian. I was born in Roseburg. I have family in Scapoose, Portland, Vancouver WA, Washougal WA, and Battleground WA (all across the Columbia River Gorge from Portland). I sure miss the green and the fishing and skiing. I am now in the desert, hardly ever get rain, except for the rare occasion when we get monsoonal moisture, and we flash-flood. I wish I could go back there to live, but my DH's family and my parent's are here.
Oh, since we're on the subject of multiples living together. When it comes time to breed, and say they were able to co-exist peacefully and all went well, will the male show any interest in the female. I heard that if they were kept together, he may become desensitized to the female's hormones when she enters estrus. If he doesn't show interest, to remove him for a few days and then re-introduce back tot he female to try again. I read this about cornsnakes, and using the female's shed to entice him. Just curious. It will be a looong time before I ever have to worry about it, but the question popped into my mind.
When all is said and done, I may just keep them separate, just so I don't worry about any more than I have to. I have so many animals to care for at home already, that adding un-necessary worry may not be worth it. I guess we'll take it day by day. First, I need to find some KSB's!!!!! Help me find some, will ya!
Cassie

[fatedgod]

I think you will be ok. I have housed balls, corns, rats, and others together for months at a time with no problems. I have 2 corns right now that have been together for over 2 years with no problems what so ever.

[Sleepy_FF]

i think youll be alright housing them together, but you gotta just remember that there is always some risk involved. kinda like keeping a dog and a cat in the same house toghether

[cassie_g2002]

Originally Posted by Sleepy_FF

remember that there is always some risk involved. kinda like keeping a dog and a cat in the same house toghether

My cats OWNS my dogs, and the dogs know it! Even my 125 lb Lab. They won't muck with the cats!
Thanks so much for telling me of your experiences. It really helps to know that it is possible for them to live communally, if precautions are taken.
Can anyone recommend some breeders. You can PM me, if you like.
Thanks a lot. I'm really enjoying this forum.
Cassie

[Sleepy_FF]

Originally Posted by cassie_g2002

My cats OWNS my dogs, and the dogs know it! Even my 125 lb Lab. They won't muck with the cats!
Thanks so much for telling me of your experiences. It really helps to know that it is possible for them to live communally, if precautions are taken.
Can anyone recommend some breeders. You can PM me, if you like.
Thanks a lot. I'm really enjoying this forum.
Cassie

i cant think of any breeders of sand boas... if you find a good one, let me know!

you can always try east bay vivariums and kingsnake.com... thats always worth a shot

i house my watersnakes together, and my 2 corns together. i never see the waternsakes more than 3 inches apart from each other... if one moves, the other rushes to catch up, no matter who moves first. its cute