Nowadays, owning bearded dragons has become a popular trend worldwide, making them one of the most sought-after reptile pets. Many people consider housing multiple bearded dragons in the same tank.
Pet shop owners often try to sell bearded dragons in groups, claiming they enjoy living together. But is this true? Do bearded dragons really prefer living with others? Many individuals trust this advice and purchase multiple dragons.
The real question is: can bearded dragons live together? Let’s explore.
Can Bearded Dragons Live Together?
No, they cannot live together. While some people successfully keep them together without issues, it is not recommended for all.
Bearded dragons are solitary reptiles by nature. They prefer to live alone and do not seek companionship. Housing multiple reptiles together can lead to dangerous problems, including fights and dominance battles.
Male bearded dragons, in particular, are aggressive and territorial, often fighting to claim their space. However, keeping a male and female together may be possible if you provide a tank that is large enough.
3 Risks of Keeping Bearded Dragons Together
There are several reasons why keeping two or more bearded dragons together is not recommended. While housing them in the same tank might work temporarily, it is only suitable for a short period. Initially, you may overlook issues, but over time, it becomes risky. Bearded dragons are solitary creatures that live and hunt alone in the wild, preferring isolation.
Now, let’s examine the problems that can arise when bearded dragons share the same tank.
1: Fight for Dominance
Bearded dragons are solitary reptiles and can become angry if forced to live with another bearded dragon. When housed together, they often fight for dominance, with male bearded dragons potentially harming each other. However, female bearded dragons may coexist peacefully with another female.
Fights can also occur between young and adult bearded dragons, as adults often bully younger ones.
2: Living Together Can Cause Stress
If bearded dragons live together, they may fight for dominance, causing stress for both. This stress can lead to appetite loss, and the less dominant dragon might fall ill. Prolonged stress and lack of food can harm their health and may even result in death.
3: Fight for Food
When bearded dragons live together, they often fight, especially over food. Larger, more dominant dragons bully smaller ones and take most of the food. This leaves the other dragon with nothing to eat. To keep two dragons, place them in separate enclosures. If sharing a space, hand-feed both to ensure they get enough food.
6 Ways to Protect Bearded Dragons Living Together
Monitoring the behaviour of bearded dragons living together is challenging, even under close observation. These creatures can still fight. You must oversee them. Follow these steps to keep bearded dragons together safely.
1: Never Keep Males Together
Never house male bearded dragons together. Males are territorial and often aggressive. They fight for dominance, especially during breeding seasons in summer and fall. Even if raised together or siblings, they will clash. These fights can be intense, risking serious injuries.
2: Keep Different Size Bearded Dragons Separate
Keep small bearded dragons separate from adults. Babies often get bullied by larger dragons. They also need their resources. Attacks can cause severe harm to minors.
3: Keep Bearded Dragons in Large Enclosures
Bearded dragons require spacious living areas. Large indoor and outdoor enclosures are ideal for their well-being. Younger bearded dragons are more active and need plenty of space to explore. Larger enclosures also offer adult dragons safe spots to retreat when needed. Ensure your bearded dragon has a suitably significant habitat.
4: Multiple Basking Spots
Bearded dragons require a designated space for basking. Reptiles can sense small changes in the height and position of rocks and branches, as well as access to elevated basking areas that humans might overlook. They can adapt to different sizes without competing if multiple basking spots are available with varying heights.
5: Provide Refuge
Several caves, crevices, and cracks with entrances and exits can serve as hiding spots and escape routes. You can create hiding spots using branches, rocks, grass, and other materials, giving your bearded dragon a place to hide.
6: Reduce Food Competition
Establishing a feeding schedule for your bearded dragons can help prevent rivalry. Distribute their food so they can eat whenever they want. This will reduce the chances of fights between them.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are solitary creatures by nature. While they may coexist in large enclosures at zoos, they are provided with ample space to establish their territories. At home, however, it’s impossible to offer the same vast space. For this reason, you should never house multiple bearded dragons in the same tank. To avoid territorial disputes and stress, each bearded dragon should have its separate tank.
FAQs
Can two male bearded dragons live together?
Avoid keeping male bearded dragons together if you want peace. They are aggressive and territorial, often fighting fiercely for dominance. Male bearded dragons prefer to live alone, as they want to protect their territory. Keeping them together can lead to injury, with battles typically resulting in severe harm to one or both reptiles.
Can a male and female bearded dragon live together?
You can house a male and female bearded dragon together, but there are important considerations. Be mindful of their behaviour and potential territorial issues. Mating behaviour can also become aggressive or stressful for one or both dragons. Monitor their interactions closely to ensure their well-being.
Can two female bearded dragons live together?
It is generally safe to keep two female bearded dragons in the same tank. They are typically non-aggressive and don’t display territorial behaviour. However, in rare cases, they may start to fight.
Can adult and baby bearded dragons live together?
It’s not recommended to house a baby bearded dragon with an adult. The adult may bully and intimidate the baby, putting it at risk. Always keep baby bearded dragons separate from adults.
Can two baby bearded dragons live together?
If you’re considering putting two baby bearded dragons together, keep a few things in mind. Initially, they will get along in the same enclosure. Over time, however, they may become aggressive. Once this happens, it’s best to separate them.