How to Introduce Snakes to Each Other

As with most captive animals, two individual animals who have never met each other require a period of introduction and acclimation to smoothly transition into sharing space. With snakes, however, cohabitation runs the risk of aggression and cannibalism, so most snake introductions involve those in relation to breeding efforts. These solitary animals will come together annually for breeding, and males and females will usually accept introduction with no trouble. However, putting two males together in one cage runs the risk of competitive and vicious fighting.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermostat
  • Thermometer
  • Fan
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Instructions

    • 1

      Simulate a cool season in your snakes' cages to make them think that they are experiencing a winter, which will prepare them mentally for spring to come. At this time, snakes are typically still kept in individual cages. Those kept together may begin copulating, but this is more of a precursor to spring-time mating and rarely produces offspring. Keep ambient temperatures where the snake cage is, either in the cage itself or in the room, at around 78 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 69 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit at night, using a thermostat and thermometer to monitor the temperatures.

    • 2

      Set up a fan in the room with the snakes, and keep it running on low to maintain air circulation and uniform room temperature.

    • 3

      Lower feeding amounts for cooled snakes so that they have smaller and less frequent meals. Make sure, however, that they still have water to drink.

    • 4

      Reduce the amount of time per day that you keep the heating lamps on in the snakes' cages and do not use substrate or under-tank heaters. The reduction in length of the daytime from the snakes' perspective also helps to mimic a cooler season environment. Some snake owners do not use any light heat sources during this time at all.

    • 5

      Simulate this cooler period for two to three months, although three months is usually preferred.

    • 6

      Raise the cage temperatures back to normal levels and resume longer daylight hours. Daytime temperature generally range from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures being about 10 degrees lower. Despite this guideline, specific temperature needs vary across snake species and even among individuals, so adjust your seasonal and temporal temperature ranges accordingly.

    • 7

      Feed the snakes at a normal frequency, beginning with smaller meals and increasing the amount until you are feeding the snakes at above average levels. Some snakes may accept heavy feeding, and others may not. If they will eat more, feed them. If not, there should not be anything wrong with a healthy snake.

    • 8

      Place the female snake in the male snake's cage. This is a common practice, although snake owners have introduced males to the female's cage with equal success. It is advisable to wait to introduce two snakes until after they shed their skins for the first time after entering the simulated spring season.