Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I put my 2 Argus together this weekend and things did not go well. One of them is a few inches longer than the other 26 in and 30 in. The smaller one was obviously scared and hissed a lot. The larger one was very interested in the other. They both got in the water bowl and the larger one checked the smaller one out.

I kept a close eye on them and finally I left the room to get a drink (gone a minute or 2). When I came back the smaller one was in a burrow with the larger one digging after it. By the time I opened the door to reach in the big one had the other by a bit of skin on its back.

I separated them quickly, and for the first time the small argus did not hiss or puff up when I picked him up. He didn't even want to let go of me when I put him back in his own cage. I felt so bad for terrorizing the little guy. Luckily he was not injured at all by the other argus. I checked him out all over very carefully. I guess they both are males or either the smaller one was too small to be in with the big one. Should I try to find a female? Or does the big one not want to share his cage?

BTW the cage is 4x4x7 with plenty of dirt and climbing room.
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Ed

There are chameleons, pythons, and monitors in my jungle room.

Unfortunatly this is something you have to determin. You'll have to find out on your own if you have two females, two males, or just two individuals that don't want to get along.

This is something that is not as simple as well only same sexed animals fight, or only two males fight, etc.

You have them in front of you that will be upto you to figure out what is going on.

>>I guess they both are males or either the smaller one was too
>>small to be in with the big one. Should I try to find a female?
>>Or does the big one not want to share his cage?

I have seen male argus monitors get along with other males. I have seen females fight with females. I've a female that hated one male and would always pick a fight with him. I've had a male kill a female, yet got along fine with another female (with whom he fathered some of my current argus monitors). It is not so simple. Monitors know and react to each other as individuals, not by stereotyped male/female behaviors.

If you really have a male and a female and you want to breed them, you can try waiting until the female starts to cycle, and then try introducing them. They may or may not hit it off. Separate them after mating, though, since the females often get agressive for a few days after nesting.

However, judging by the sizes you gave, and assuming they are about the same age, I suspect you have two of the same sex. Male arguses get much larger than females.

Male size as adult:

Female size as adult:

Good luck,

Luke

Did you put the little one in the larger ones cage?
If so, it could be a territory issue. I introduce my savs to each other in the tub. Neutral ground.
It's up to you whether you want to try again at another date.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

Scott
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Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.

Thanks guys!!!

I know that the smaller one is younger than the larger one. He is also growing pretty fast. I will wait for the smaller of the two to get larger then introduce them again, in a neutral area (under close supervision.) If that does not go well, I will just enjoy my monitors separately. Breeding would be wonderful, but that is not the reason I have these enjoyable PETS.

Thanks again for the input!!! any other input would be appreciated.

The smaller of the two is in the tree in this shot.

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Ed

There are chameleons, pythons, and monitors in my jungle room.