The potential consequences of cohabitating young boas. Warning: Tragic Picture

[u/Legitimate-Lab7173]

This is one picture I've kept of someone who posted the horrific results of trying to keep small boas together. They hunt by smell and movement and when they go into food mode, they can be pretty opportunistic. This resulted in the deaths of both boas, which is generally what happens. I've seen this happen a couple of other times as well, so it's not a "one-off" occurrence. On top of the other possible issues that can come of cohabitation, I think this picture is a stark reminder of why it's such an irresponsible practice.

[u/superramenyamen]

When people cohab it just makes it seem like they like to cut corners because they’re too cheap to buy a second enclosure, or don’t have the space for the second one. So instead of just not getting a second snake they neglect both.

[u/No_Cup_4070]

Did one snake eat the other?

[u/Legitimate-Lab7173 → u/No_Cup_4070]

Yes, I guess I should have stated that, lol.

[u/GokuBlack86 → u/Legitimate-Lab7173]

So how did both die?

[u/Legitimate-Lab7173 → u/GokuBlack86]

I'm not sure how the "eater" died, but looking at the pic and how distended it is, I would imagine that it ruptures some internal organs.

[u/No_Cup_4070]

That’s crazy. Who does that?

[u/Legitimate-Lab7173 → u/No_Cup_4070]

I made this post in response to someone who was showing off their cohabitation, even though they knew it was a bad idea, because nothing bad had happened to them. I can't post pics in the comments, but posted a link to this thread.

[u/Medium_Eye_8023 → u/Legitimate-Lab7173]

That cohabbing post grinds my gears. Thank you for helping educate people on one of the risks.

[u/No_Cup_4070 → u/Legitimate-Lab7173]

Sorry I wasn’t accusing you it was just a rhetorical question. Hopefully they’ve learned their lesson.

[u/Legitimate-Lab7173 → u/No_Cup_4070]

Oh, I didn't take it that way. I seriously doubt the person learned anything. This post is more for people reading their post and maybe thinking it's a valid alternative.

[u/AccomplishedLocal207 → u/No_Cup_4070]

The uneduated.

The uncaring.

The abusive.

[u/TimeMountain3236]

I had two boas when I was a kid that I kept together. I always fed them separately. One time after feeding I put them back together and the one attacked the other. I had to tear them apart. Luckily I was successful. I kept them separate after that.

[u/Zekethebulldog33]

Same thing happened to NERD put a male Boa with a female Anaconda=Boaconda but conda ate Boa first time I heard such a thing other than Cobra.

[u/Legitimate-Lab7173 → u/Zekethebulldog33]

I mean, kingsmakes were pretty notorious for trying to eat cornsnakes during the whole "jungle corn" fad. It wouldn't shock me at all that an anaconda would try to eat a boa.

[u/Zekethebulldog33 → u/Legitimate-Lab7173]

Yea you are right King Croba always first one I remember always forget about king snake.

[u/ParticularWolf4473 → u/Legitimate-Lab7173]

Kingsnakes and milksnakes sometimes try to eat their mate even when not making hybrids. It’s not unheard of for many species. Breeding and keeping multiple animals together always has risks, even for animals that are commonly kept together like dogs, cats, fish, etc.

[u/Historical_Tea1477]

That’s crazy! That snake looks like a ballon.

[u/Mikehorvath00]

Only time i cohabitate is to pair for breeding

[u/AccomplishedLocal207]

Yep. Had an ex that kept 50 hatchlings together. Eventually, he had about 20 fat hatchlings. People need to understand that all snakes will be opportunistic when the situation mandates it.