Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have one male and 5 female dragons that I want to breed. Currently they are in a cage that is about 5 foot by 3 foot x 3 foot. To me it looks like this would not be enough room. Can anyone give me some suggestions on a better arrangement?

typical rule of thumb if you are capable of keeping many dragons together without them killing each other is typically 40 gallons per dragon.

i wouldn't keep them together all the time if you are breeding them....gravid females should be kept alone to reduce stress until she lays her eggs. so you may want at least 5 seperate back up enclosures....if you have money....

cheaper alternative is to set up removable dividers in that big cage you have if you need to seperate.

just remember that 95% of beardies are not capable of living together once they become adults.
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a free range dragon is a happy dragon

I am in agreement. You best bet would be to invest in a nice cage stack and keep your prized beauties seperate, happy, and healthy. Something about 4 feet long and 18" wide and tall. Have the six cages stacked up on top of each other neatly.
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Thanks for the advice guys. I have noticed that a couple of the smaller females get bullied by the male and larger females. I will separate them into 6 separate stacking cages.

Good luck Mike!
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That size cage is deffnitely too small for 6 adult dragons. It will be fine for a breeding group of one male and two females. You also mentioned you have smaller females in with that group. I would separate all the smaller females, give them their own 4'x2'x2' cage and use the larger cage for the male and one or two of the females (if all are the same size or within an inch of each other). However, in the long run, it is better to house all separately and introduce the male to each female for breeding. The larger cage could be used as a breeding cage, putting one or two females in at a time for a few hours or a couple days to ensure all are bred. Then, take the females out, give the male a week to regain his strength, then put two more females in.

At any time more th an one dragon is in the same cage, watch carefully for any overly aggressive moves by male or females. As soon as there is any indication of aggression, separate them. Though mating can look rather violent, with the male grabbing ahold of the female by the back of the neck, most times there is little to no injuries. Bites aimed for the legs or tails, are not mating bites, these are fighting bites.
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PHLdyPayne