Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i currently have a 1 1/2 year old male water dragon, and recently purchased a baby that is about 2-3 weeks old. when i put my baby near my male she scatters away very fast, however, my male really doesn't pay mind to her (hopefully a her). once and a while they will both bob their heads, and from what i understand this is a sign of dominancy. but isnt the submissive one suppose to wave their arms? by the baby bobbing its head back, is that a good sing of a female? they are seperateed, too. my male is in a 5'x5'x5' enclosre, and my baby is in a glass tank right next to the enclosure. anyone have any ideas to ensure the two get along when i move the baby into the large enclosure

Adults will sometimes make a snack out of very small babies, but generaly are less aggressive to juveniles then they are to other adults. This is becuase the juvenile is to big to be food and too small to threaten their territor, they're also a bit faster, so it not worth the adults effort to chase them around. As far as adults are concerned, you will have some territorial displays regardless of sex. both males and females can be dominate, but its usually the male. With mine it varies depending upon which is hungrier, needs to bask more, or is need of nesting ground. The best thing that you can do to ensure that they get along is to have plenty of basking sites and hiding places. Arm waving and head bobbing are signs of aggression, ground licking is a sign of submission. If your baby is bold enough to act aggressively to an adult, its a sign of confidence and good health and could be an indicator of being male.