I read an interesting post on a forum today, and it was something I had never really thought of before. The very idea of keeping 2 different species of boa, let alone a boa and a completely different species in the same vivarium had never crossed my mind. It had never occurred to me that anyone would consider doing so…

…but apparently people do, and this subject is raised at meetings and shows from time to time. Beginners to reptile husbandry see 2 very similar looking animals and assume that they will live well together - not true!

Each species of snake has it’s own perticular requirements. Even snakes within the boa family have a vast range of requirments. For example, the Common Boa Caresheet on this site will tell you that the snake is largely terrestrial and so needs a large, flat enclosure with an ambient temperature of around 85 - 90 F. The Emerald Tree Boa however is an aboreal snake requiring less ground space, but height and climbing branches. It also requires a much higher humidity than the Boa Constrictor.

Another consideration is that many snakes are solitary animals and being kept in close proximity to others can lead to stress and agression. In extreme cases some species of snake are even canibalistic and will eat one another!

If you’re new to reptile keeping, and are thinking of getting one or more snakes please ensure no more than one species per vivarium. For most snakes a single animal, or a pair is all that should be housed in the same enclosure. That way your snakes will be happier and healthier, and you’ll find it much easier to provide the correct care.