Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an adult male-female pair of Beardies (Fred & Ethel) in a large vivarium set-up (5 ft long x 3ft wide x 3 ft ht). It is a very nice set-up with sand, climbing and basking areas, UV and thermostat regulated. set-up has been stable for over a year.

I'd like to add other species with similar habitat requirements, such as Ornate Uromastyx and/or Frilled dragons.

I know that the knee jerk reaction is to say do not do it.

But does anybody have actual experience with
housing Beardies with any other species?

If success with other species, which species?

Is the usual don't house two male together
apply across species? If can house two species
together, can one house pairs together, since
males of different species won't be agressive
against each other?

E: steven.karen@verizon.net

-Steve

Though it is possible to house multiple species together, alot has to be taken into considering. Each animal's requirements for heat, food, hides, activity level, tolerance of other species in close proximity etc. All three of t hose lizards are diurnal, active during the day time, all need large enclosures with basking spots etc. Frilled dragons need alot more height than dragons, and get bigger than dragons. Uro's are about the same size as dragons (though the Egyptian uro is much larger) but required higher basking temps and are not all that great at climbing. This means having a low basking area for the uros close to 120F (can't remember their exact basking temp, but seem to recall it is around the 120F mark...or am I mixing uro's up with monitors?). As bearded dragon's don't mind a baskign temp around that range especially right after they wake up and eat, competition for basking space may occur. Though a higher basking spot may be used by the dragons instead, or be a place of contention between the frillies and dragons.

Besides competition for the best basking spots, uro's and bearded dragons have a very very similar diet, especialy when considering adult bearded dragons and any aged uro's. Uro's are vegetarians and eat the same greens as dragons. Thus, a food competition comes into play. Having multiple feeding bowls can help alleviate this but stress may still result in one or more animals of both species. Frillies, if I recall correctly, are complete insectivors (I could be wrong here, been awhile since I read up on frilly care requirements). Thus, the frillies will compete with the dragons for insects and given that frillies can be much larger than bearded dragons as adults (average bearded dragon is about 20" long. Average frilly 24" ) bearded dragons may be stressed and intimidated by teh larger frillies...especially if they flare up their frills.

Without going into possibilities of cross contamination of parasites and diseases, the three species you are thinking of putting together are probably not the best choices. Viviariums with multiple species are possible but care must be taking in choosing which species to put together. I can't think of any specices that would go with bearded dragons perfectly off hand. None reptile eating arboreal or desert dwelling snakes which don't get too big (3-4 feet) may live happily with a bearded dragon pair, but again, you will have to research these snakes, or other reptiles thoroughtly. Not just basic captive care requirements but their wild nature as well. How do they live and thrive in the wild? Secretive or highly aggressive species may not do well in an enclosed area with other species. Also, you have to ensure nothing can be eaten or will be eaten by other cage inhabitants.

Uro's and bearded dragons may be able to get along, if you make s ure th ere are sufficient basking/uvb bulbs to give all animals a wide choice (two basking spots near uvb lights per animal would be ideal). Visual obstructions to break direct line of sight between some basking spots will help 'isolate' them from eachother. Rocky outcrops, thick wooden branches, cork slabs etc, can be used to segregate the animals.

A pair of uros in with a pair of dragons would be plenty, no more than that. But I suggest making a separate enclosure for your uros, so they can be given their own home, if they or the dragons show signs of stress or combat. Don't put baby uro's in with teh dragons, as they will most likely become lunch. Full grown uros which are healthy and vet inspected for parasites etc, should be introduced, and monitored.

Though earlier I indicated it may not be a good ideal, I really wanted to point out all the possible problems and have you prepare for them first. I think uro's can be housed with bearded dragons but it is very hard to know for sure, as i have not done extensive research into uros. Having higher basking areas and feeding areas accessible easily by the dragons may help eliminate food competition and basking competition between the s pecies and individuals.
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PHLdyPayne

i fell this is a bad idea with uros, i dont know much about frilled so i wont comment ther but o few years back i was visiting one of my favorite pet stores and was shown there new arivals thet had a pair of egytian uros both about 24 in, well they made the mistake of placing them in a large enclosure with an adult water dragon while they prepped a diff enclosure for the uros,well it went bad. im not sure completly how but the water dragon got half his face bitten off, litarally down to the bone. i just could not belive the amount of damage done in a few min, by the way the water dragon did heal but will always be scared pretty badly.
if you feel you can be watchfull and able to quickly seperate them feel free to try but you are taking a risk with your pets, what im saying is never underestimate the ability of one of your animals to instantly snap and tear the crap out of the others, well good luck to you and i hope whatever you decide to try works out for you

I wanted to add, I have a pet store near me that has a Uro in with a pair of beardies. They seem to get along fine. I think that largely it has to do with the personality of the animal and how it was raised. If it was raised in a community setting, I think it will handle well with others, if it was was raised isolated, it will need to stay isolated. I would be more concerned with possible parasites carried by the Uro, rather than I fight.
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1.1 Crested Geckos
1.1 Fat tailed gecko
0.0.3 Fire Belly Toads

I kept 2 adult beardies in a 85 gal. tank with my 3 Uro's and never had a problem. Just remember that they do have different diet requirments.
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Kelly Wood

1.1 Cherry Head Redfoots
0.1.1 Brazillian Redfoots
1.1 Leopard tortoises
1.3 bloodred Bearded Dragons
0.1 collared lizard
0.3 Dogs
1.3 Parakeets

thanks to those responding based on actual experience.
As to parasites, always a concern, though I only captive bred.
As to food requirements... it is my understanding that Uros are more purely vegetarian, while of course our beardies get a mix of collard greens, crickets, worms, pellets and the occassional berries. Along with ca & vit.