Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Quick question regarding my new 3 yellow ackies. Do they always grab each other by the neck like they are mating? Like all day long? Or are mine just oversexed like teenagers? They are only about 8 weeks old and I am afraid one of them is going to get hurt, especially the smallest of the three. (It's all fun and games until somebody gets hurt, is what mom used to say) There seems to be a definate heirarchy (sp) forming though. Nobody seems to mind it too much and they are all getting their fair share of food. Any comments would be helpful.
-----
Joe

Its about them deciding whos property is whos. Also it can lead to one or more being killed slowly or quickly. Its a good way to remove a neighbor from your property. So if it happens all day, alot, Id consider separating them, they may not be compatible.

n/p
-----
Edward
Carpe diem

They are in 50 gal (3' x 2') lizard lounge right now. they are only about 4-6 inches each.
-----
Joe

If one is getting hurt in the system then the system is not working properly, especially if that smaller one is stressed and their growth is being stunted. It could eat a lot and still not grow properly if it is stressed out.

I would think about removing the smallest one or not and either end up with a working system later or a dead monitor.

andrew

Thanks Andrew, I looked in this morning and throughout much of the day and the largest one and the smallest one were "snuggled" up together on the best basking spot. I watched them for 10-20 minutes at a time throughout the day today and there wasn't any rough housing from the kids. I think they were just feeling "frisky" yesterday and kicking up their heels. I think I am being a nervous "new" dad.
-----
Joe