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keeping beardies together.

twillis10 Feb 11, 2010 10:22 PM

I was wondering if 2 mature male beardies can be kept together. I have a male and female in a 95 gallon tank and I have to watch my brothers for 2 weeks while hes out of the country. Also I believe my female to be pregnant so I wasnt sure if that would be a problem. His beardie is a little smaller but not a huge difference. I have a spare tank if I need it, I just figured it would be easier if they would be fine together. thanks.

Replies (5)

angiehusk Feb 12, 2010 08:35 AM

I can almost guarantee a disaster...you can almost never introduce a male into another males territory. I have raised sibling brothers to adulthood in large cages,but once they are separated for any amount of time,they see each other differently. Even raising the sibs you can have trouble if one dominates,which for me I have seen some do and others not exhibit that behavior in any threatening way. But a new male coming into the picture will not work.

twillis10 Feb 12, 2010 08:48 AM

Thanks thats exactly what I wanted to know.

atldragons Feb 12, 2010 08:18 PM

I would not advise in putting 2 Males together... Ever. Its enough trouble that beardeds are solitary animals in the wild and pretty much only "buddy up" during mating season. Now speaking about Males... One will definetly become ALPHA (dominant/ territorial) eventually and will lead to problems and a possible fatality. Its just plain and simple, not worth the risk. I even have females (adults 15 mo's old) that mimick MALE BEHAVIOR and try to bob their heads, and bite the back of the heads of other females!!!! Thats Just Messed Up! Some females will try to protect the other females if they feel threatened by a male. All in all, house them appropraitly and you shouldnt have a problem! No to .
www.AtlantaBeardedDragons.com

BDlvr Feb 13, 2010 07:16 AM

Female/females go much farther than just biting. They actually will completely mate with only the one missing component to make it successful.

PHLdyPayne Feb 13, 2010 01:57 PM

This female/female mating behavior isn't mating at all. Its a dominance display. When same sex animals exhibit the same sort of mating behavior a male would make with a female, its a dominance ritual. At least in any animal species research in their behavior has concluded. I can't see it being any different with dragons.

But i definitely agree that keeping males in the same cage, especially when you have a female (even in a separate cage) is asking for trouble. Also, you are introducing an unknown animal into your established collection, risking exposure to any pathogens and parasites that newcomer may have.

Best to house your friend's dragon in a separate cage and even in another room from your dragons. Or better yet, since I think you said you were only watching him for a few days, just leave him in his own cage in the other house, ask for a key so you can go in once or twice a day to feed and check up on him. Far less stress on the dragon that way, then being moved to a new environment, then moved back.
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PHLdyPayne

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