Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So Now I've established that both my collared's are little boys does anyone have any advice on whether I should separate them or risk keeping them together? They're head bobbing at each other constantly and I've noted that the bigger one won't let the smaller one anywhere near the basking area in the morning, he has to wait at a distance until the big one goes hunting and then jump in. Even then the big one has on several occasions climbed back up and bobbed at him between crickets (not that the little one moves). Is this going to be cause any stress (they are a little thin but feeding VERY well), are they likely to be a loggerheads as they get older, and ultimately should they be separated? Viv = 3ft x 1.5 x 1.5.

Any advice would be welcome I just want what's best for my pets!
Many Thanks
Kelly

If you have 2 males and they are (Displaying) meaning head bobbing and one kind of charges up to the other when the small one tries to bask, then YES you should think about seperating them. The smaller will be stressed and evenually they will fight. And can cause severe harm to one another. The larger is declaring his territory,

You may notice they begin to gain weight when seperated, and if not it may be a good idea to get fecals done on them to see if they have worms.

I have said many times on here I do not advocate keeping males together, but DO have some sub-adult males that live together, and some large males who free roam together with no problems.
I have spend alot of time with mine over the years and know each ones personality so to speak, some are gentle with all other collareds. Some accept other males except when females are present. And some are very territorial and want to rip apart any other male they happen to see. Even when one is outside the tank the other male inside goes NUTS.

Funny I have some females free roam at times, and if I put another female down to run awhile, the new female will be charged, the free roameing female will run up to the new female, check her out, (tongue flick each other) and then and only then can the new female get up to bask. So females can also be territorial, and have a place in the group.

Kong outside, taunting Zuni, who is displaying his displeasure

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PHEve / Eve

Contact PHEve

Well I called the retailer today to ask if they would take the one back as I dont have another viv (I feel awful, I know with me he'd have a great home), and they have several other collards, they said they would gladly change him for a her....They prefer to sell animals in pairs, and only appropriate pairs ie MF or FF, so have asked me to take him in ASAP to prevent undue stress... and they promised they would educate the new owner before letting him go.

I'm just glad
1) I found out sooner than later (thanks to everyone who helped)
2) The retailer seems sensible, they asked me a billion questions before allowing me to take my lizards home and seem to have the right attitude
3) I hadn't named them yet, harder to let them go and very confusing for the poor lizard!!

Thanks again folks for your advice, I'll be posting new pics just to be double sure my newbie is a girl

Kong! Hes the lucky one, on the otherside of glass. Zuni ought to be mad. LOL