Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 2 young argus monitors(5-6 month range),from the same clutch. one of them is slightly bigger because the other wouldn't eat for a while. the bigger one has no problem with being handled, i actually think he enjoys it, but the little one is pretty skiddish which is normal. anyway,when they're in the cage together they're fine, but if i hold the little one for any amount of time, and then put him either back in the cage with the big one, or just on the floor with the the big one, the big one attacks him. seems like jealousy, any hints as to what causes this? should i put them in seperate cages?

I did a little experiement with a group of hatchling Boscs. I raised them together(for a while) and documented their behaviour daily. Most did well, and seemed to get along well, but two of them, the smallest two by the way, had the most trouble coexisting among the group. They both were flighty and agressive towards the others. It was out of fear, I later learned. I think partly their smaller size made them lesser ranking individuals, so they always had to be defensive. Im sure I missed a lot of subtle body language in the group, because it was only after one began developing physical signs of stress(cysts)that I figured it out. -Well, partly figured out anyways. Im sure there was MANY things that went overlooked due to my lack of awareness. I ended up dividing the group up into subgroups based on the group dynamics and personalities.

I guess what it comes down to, is if you think an animal is going to suffer, its probly time to intervene. That is only something you can be the judge of. You can actually look at them, and see how their physical/ emotional conditions are, we cant.

Take care, and good luck!
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