I did not know that there growth could be stunted by giving birth too young... that sounds so odd. And as far as keeping the snakes seperate.... I have a hard time on that one, mainly due to the thought that I see them go their seperate ways for all day, but come evening both of my snakes can be found together, just about every night. and it is not out of neccessity, since the tank is warm enough and has ample hiding spots. I personally do not think that the snakes are solitary animals as I have always been told growing up, and it is not only my garters that i have seen like this, but my boyfriends ball pythons act like this every now and then, too.