Snakes make fantastic pets, and when it comes to novice snake keepers, the corn snake makes for a very suitable companion.
You see, corn snakes are popular among reptile lovers as gentle, docile, and shy creatures.
Yet, many pet parents wonder if it’s safe to house more than one snake in a single enclosure, particularly a corn snake.
It certainly makes sense when you think about the costs you’d be cutting down by keeping one enclosure for both pets.
And, it also would make hygiene and maintenance of both pets quicker, easier, and cheaper.
But, you have to realize that reptiles, especially snakes, aren’t reputed for their social interactions.
These are highly private animals that don’t eat together, sleep together, or live together.
Yet, it is believed that you can house two female corn snakes into one tank if the need arises.
However, you can never place two males or a male and a female together.
Such a scenario can lead to stress, unwanted breeding, disease, the spread of parasites, and, worst of all, cannibalism.
Can Corn Snakes Live Together?
Yes, two female corn snakes can live together.
But, you must understand that placing two snakes into one tank is taking unnecessary risks with your pets’ well-being and very lives.
The real question isn’t if you can put two corn snakes together. The question you need to ask yourself is, should you house two corn snakes together?
And the correct and resounding answer is no.
The result of placing two corn snakes together can afford adverse outcomes that can and should be avoided.
Cannibalism
It’s safe to say that most snake species are carnivores, and their diet can include mice, birds, eggs, smaller animals, or even smaller snakes.
Corns, like many other snake species, are opportunistic cannibals.
Fundamentally, that means that if they encounter a snake smaller than their size, and if they are hungry, then they will eat the smaller snake.
A corn snake will eat a smaller corn snake without the fear that it may be gobbling up its own baby brother or sister.
Now, snakes practice cannibalism for many reasons.
Female snakes need to bring up their energy levels and may wind up eating their own eggs or dead offspring after birth.
If your corn snake is hungry or simply dissatisfied, then you may end up losing a pet rather than save any expenses.
As mentioned earlier, the only time you might succeed at keeping two snakes together in the same tank is when you have two female corn snakes, and even that particular situation is rife with risks.
Aggressive Behavior
Yes, corn snakes indeed have a mild temperament, and these are shy creatures.
Yet, corn snakes do show aggression when there is competition around.
Both snakes, corn or otherwise, will have the same natural response to seeing and smelling prey.
And, in the attempt to get the prize, a fight between the two snakes is inevitable, especially if there are two male corn snakes.
Fights can explain many episodes of cannibalism between two snakes over food.
Not only do snakes eat each other, but they also have expert mastery over physically hurting each other when in a fight. Furthermore, when you place a slightly smaller-sized snake with a bigger snake, you create the grounds for bullying.
Snakes practice bullying unashamedly with smaller-sized snakes.
Mating
Snakes have the natural instinct to mate.
In the wild, snakes mate from March through May.
However, domestic snakes show uncharacteristic efficiency in mating any time during the entire year.
A male snake housed with a female snake will mate, irrespective of species, color, or age.
Now, you may say that at least your snakey baby isn’t too picky.
But, any snake breeder worthy of their name will tell you that you need to have two mature snakes together to get them to mate, and even then, the snakes will have to bond before they do.
And, if the snakes do not bond, then it’s probable that there make be no mating or that a fight may ensue.
If a female is too young or small to breed, then there will be egg-binding.
Egg-binding doesn’t just mean wasted eggs; it also means that your female pet could die in the process of laying eggs.
Disease And Parasites
Snakes are very prone to viruses, illnesses, or diseases.
Hence, placing two snakes in the same vivarium means doubling the chances for sick snakes.
Also, you should know that corn snakes are susceptible to viral as well as bacterial infections.
A common disease in constrictor snakes is called the Inclusion Body Disease (IBD). The symptoms of IBD include breathing problems, vacant or upward staring, and even paralysis.
Unfortunately, snakes are also easily plagued by parasites.
Snake mite infestation takes little time to multiply and become rampant, causing your snake to become anemic.
Wrapping Up
You should know that you should only place two snakes together when they are the same size in the best of circumstances.
In the case of two female corn snakes, the same rule applies.
And, even then, there is a chance that your pet snakes might end up catching some disease or other before they get the opportunity to each other.
So, it’s a smart move to avoid such a problematic situation altogether and keep your two corn snakes in separate enclosures.
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