Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a year and a half old Crested Female and a nine month old crested male. When it comes time to introduce them to each other, what is the safest way to do it. I was thinking about handling them both at the same time and very often, in order to aquaint them to each other before I place the younger male in the female's very large cage. Is this the right way to do it? If any one has any safer ways to do this please say so.Thanks

Well if your intention for putting the pair together is for breeding purposes, I hate to break the news to you but things naturally could get ugly. There is usually a period of shock to a first time breeder that may witness copulation. At times the act of cresteds mating can appear violent and at times disturbing. The male if an active breeder will attempt copulation at all means, even if it means grabbing a tail, neck head, anything that could put him into position for the home run (if you know what I mean). This email was meant to informprepare you of the natural mating behavior of cresteds and not by any means to discourage. There is no real safe way of a planned introduction for mating purposes, just use good judgement and keep an eye on things. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Regards,
Jack "Rhacojacko"