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Hey gang! So I'm letting my beardies live together. (no judgments that I didn't wait the full month please) 2 gals, and a guy. Minnie and Albie (the new ones) seem to get along great.

The thing is Bindy, my mild mannered, sweet gal. She's changing lol. She does NOT like Minnie! She head-butts her contstantly, and even bites her on the back of the head when she can (no broken skin). Thing is, she only does it when Albie isn't around lol. When he's there, she's sweeter than sweet. But Albie goes for a prowl, watchout! It's kinda funny.

But...I guess I need to know if this is normal behavior. Will Bindy back off eventually? Or will she get worse? When do I say, they just don't get along, and seperate them? Or is it normal competing female behavior, and somewhat healthy?

Thanks gang!
Here's a pic of when I introduced them to each other:

There is a dominance order in females. I have the same problem. It's no problem when the male is around to keep the peace but otherwise I have to separate them. I decided to separate them anyway after possible genetic problems in ones babies. She just got a new mate for next year today. To bad she is brumating and can't meet him. lol.

Make sure that your enclosure is more than big enough for three. You need to be certain that there will be no competition for basking, food, etc. Dragons can severely injure each other if they have to compete for resources.

I'm more of a slow introduction type myself.

Hey Niddy!
As long as Bindy & Minnie don't get much more aggressve than that I believe the odds of them working out their social order are pretty good. As tempting as it may be, I say don't intervene during those times unless you see one of them starting to really harm the other.

The importance of a big enough cage like BDlvr mentioned can't be stressed enough. Not only must it be big enough to house additional basking spots, etc..., but also have plenty of room for one or the other to flee to, so it can get away from the other.

Glad to hear they're doing good!

Take care!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

Thanks guys! HH, ltns!

Hey what is "too bad?" Today bindy had a bite on Minnie's arm! Minnie was just a' wavin with the other arm. This is like the 4-5th time she did that. I took her out, and am looking for another big cage.

But now I'm not sure. As far as room, the cage is plenty long, but I worry about the width. I gave them a couple basking spots, but they all crowd on one spot. lol I think both gals wanna be with Albie.

It's soooo obvious that Albie and Minnie love each other sooo much! It's adorable! When I take one of them out, the other one paces until I put them back in. And then they run up and lick each other, then bask with one of their heads on the other. It's the cutest thing you've ever seen!

But.....Bindy's frustrated. She wan'ts Albie to pay attention to her so much! But he only has eyes for Minnie! My hubby's gonna kill me, but I may need to find a guy just for Bindy.

Anyway, HH, knowing that Bindy's actually biting, do you still think I should give them more time?

Thanks again y'all!
Jeni

Well, given what you said in your last post about Bindy biting limbs even after being together several days I'd probably seperate the gals. That's just too close for me to suggest anyone leaving 'em together. Bites to the back & neck usually aren't a problem but bites to limbs can maim, quick & easy.

Take your time & you'll eventually find Bindy a man that she won't have to fight for.

Later!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

Was it Bindy's cage before the other 2 arrived?

How did you introduce them into the cage together?

One problem is that dragons brought up alone are often difficult to acclimate to living with others. Dragons brought up in a group don't have this problem and may explain why your 2 new ones get along.

I would separate any 2 dragons that bite each other.

Hello Niddy,

I agree, separating them is a must. I very rarely recommend housing together. It usually does not work when introducing 2 adults because they are not as social as younger ones. They have gotten used to being alone & prefer it being solitary.
Definitely anytime there is even 1 bite, they cannot live together because it will turn nasty.

Tracie

Thanks, guys...Tracie, it's great to see ya.

I did wind up moving Bindy out. She just soooo did not like Minnie. Yes it WAS her tank, but it's the only one big enough for 2. And Albie and Minnie love each other sooooo much! I'm not gonna separate them.

I do let Bindy and Albie have playdates lol. I put em on the floor and they are so cute! Who needs TV anymore???

Just out of curiosity, since I see your pretty beardies are hanging out on the floor, I was always told that bearded dragons shouldn't be allowed on carpet, due to the danger that fibers might wrap around their toes and cut off circulation.

Is that a risk?

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Holly

0.1 Lavender California Kingsnake (Lizzie Borden)
1.0 Bearded Dragon (Charley Manson)
1.0 Orange Marmalade Cat (Oliver)
1.0 Egyptian Arabian (Bagan)

2.0 Toddlers (Justice & Trevor)

I think when they say that it's about having carpet with loose fibers as a substrate. I've used reptile carpet as substrate for years with babies without a problem and my adults are around the house constantly on everything from plush to berber and of course various cloth furniture. Again never a problem.

I let my guys out daily to play...I always watch em, tho...never had a problem. My shirt, tho....that's another story! lol