Cohabbing Ribbon Snakes?

[Bottomfeeder]

Don't flame me if I'm wrong. Remember I haven't done it yet A local pet store is selling subadult Western Ribbon Snakes for $25, and I was temped to pick one up to cohab with my Florida Ribbon once I upgrade the current one to a 20 long (30x12x12). If the ones in the store are under 18", I could house the Western separately until it gets big enough to not be eaten, (the Florida Ribbon is about 27") but the eventual plan would be to move it in with thee current one in the 20g. I don't feed in the tank, I feed in buckets, if that helps at all. If there's any danger to the new snake, or even worse, to the one I already have, then hey, I won't do it. What do you guys think?

 

[CTU2fan]

If you're feeding separately I think you'd be alright. When I worked in a pet shop in high school we always carried garter snakes (not the same, I know, but I'm pretty sure we got ribbons mixed in occasionally), and I had to keep an eye on them in case 2 snakes grabbed the same fish; when they met in the middle the larger one would try to swallow the smaller one. Much more prevalent in other species (kingsnakes spring to mind), but I've seen it in garters so it wouldn't shock me with ribbons. If they're the same size (and thickness specifically) and you feed out of the cage you should be OK.

 

[snakeguy101]

If you're feeding separately I think you'd be alright. When I worked in a pet shop in high school we always carried garter snakes (not the same, I know, but I'm pretty sure we got ribbons mixed in occasionally), and I had to keep an eye on them in case 2 snakes grabbed the same fish; when they met in the middle the larger one would try to swallow the smaller one. Much more prevalent in other species (kingsnakes spring to mind), but I've seen it in garters so it wouldn't shock me with ribbons. If they're the same size (and thickness specifically) and you feed out of the cage you should be OK.

separate for feeding and give them 4-6" of soil to hide and they will be fine. Small fossorial snakes are not going to hurt each other.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Ah, sweet. What size difference would create a problem? The one in the store was coiled up behind a rock, I have no idea how large it is.

 

[snakeguy101]

unless there is a difference of more than 3" i think they will be fine.

 

[Bottomfeeder]

Hmm. If there is a size difference of more than that, the new Ribbon will go in the current one's old 10g when the current one goes into the 20g until the new one is big enough. Try saying that 10 times fast.

 

[CTU2fan]

That's probably a good idea. Thickness will be more of a factor, and since ribbons are pretty slender anyway they should be pretty close in that regard.