Although multiple bearded dragons can coexist in the same enclosure, bearded dragons prefer to live alone because they are naturally solitary creatures. They would rather keep their resources, such as food and heat, to themselves. In the wild, they often live alone and only interact with other bearded dragons when mating or establishing territory is required.
As a result, a terrarium does not need to house more than one bearded dragon at a time. If you do decide to get two bearded dragons, there are some important factors to consider before introducing them, such as the dragons’ sex, size, and temperament.
What You'll Learn
Considerations when Keeping Two Bearded Dragons
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- Male bearded dragons should never be kept together because they will fight over territory and can injure each other severely.
- When kept together, make sure that both bearded dragons are roughly the same size.
- You must consider their temperaments; this will ensure that they are well matched and can coexist peacefully.
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Sex
When considering keeping two bearded dragons together, it is critical to consider each individual’s sex. In general, housing two males together is not recommended because they may become territorial and fight for dominance. Females can also become aggressive when housed together, so introduce them slowly and watch for signs of aggression. If you do decide to keep two bearded dragons together, make sure they are both of the same sex to avoid conflict. It is also preferable to pair a female with a male, though be aware that this may result in breeding.
Size
When deciding whether to keep two Bearded Dragons together, size is an important factor to consider. If the size difference between the two beardies is too great, the larger one may overpower or even injure the smaller one. It’s critical that the Bearded Dragons you keep together are roughly the same size, as this will help to keep both healthy and stress-free. Keeping two Bearded Dragons of similar size can also help to reduce aggression and territoriality, which benefits both parties.
Temperament
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to keep two bearded dragons together is their temperament. Bearded dragons have distinct personalities, with some being more aggressive than others. If one dragon becomes overly aggressive or territorial, the other dragon may experience stress and possibly injury.
It is critical to closely monitor their interactions and, if necessary, provide a separate space. It may also be advantageous to pair up dragons with similar temperaments, as this will help them get along better.
Benefits of Keeping Bearded Dragons in Pairs
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- You won’t have to purchase another enclosure for your second bearded dragon, which will save you money in the long run.
- Two beardies can socialize and interact with one another, which reduces stress and increases happiness.
- Breeding is also possible if you keep multiple females or a male and female together.
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Increased Socialization
Keeping two bearded dragons in the same enclosure can be a great way to increase their socialization if certain precautions are taken.
While bearded dragons are naturally solitary, having another dragon around provides them with more stimulation and enrichment. Furthermore, two bearded dragons in the same enclosure can form strong bonds and even play together, which won’t happen a single dragon.
Reduce Stress Levels
When two bearded dragons are kept in the same enclosure, they can provide warmth and security for each other. Having another bearded dragon around can also be beneficial because it provides mental stimulation, which helps to reduce boredom and stress levels.
Possibility of Breeding
One of the potential benefits of keeping two bearded dragons together is that it may allow them to breed.
Breeding should be done with extreme caution and only by experienced keepers. It should be noted that breeding should only take place if both the male and female bearded dragons are of the appropriate size and age. Furthermore, both should be well-tempered to ensure successful breeding and the health of the hatchlings.
It’s also critical to keep an eye on the environment, as high humidity levels can cause stress in the parents and the hatchlings.
Cons of Keeping Bearded Dragons Together
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- Because of their territorial nature, bearded dragons may become aggressive towards one another, resulting in physical fights.
- Even among bearded dragons of the same size, one may be more dominant than the other.
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Risk of Injury
It is always important to consider the risk of injury when keeping two bearded dragons together. Two bearded dragons in close proximity may fight for territory or dominance, resulting in serious injuries.
It is critical to keep a close eye on the pair for any signs of aggression, such as physical contact or territorial displays. If there are any signs of aggression, it is best to separate the two and provide them with separate enclosures.
It is also critical to ensure that the enclosure is large enough and has plenty of hiding spots and perches so that each dragon has their own space and privacy.
Increased Territoriality
Bearded dragons are naturally territorial creatures, so keeping them in pairs requires you to be aware of their increased territoriality. This can lead to physical contact like head bobbing and tail waving, as well as more aggressive behaviors like chasing and even physical fighting.
Keep an eye out for signs of aggression in pairs and intervene if necessary, as allowing them to fight can result in serious injury. It is also critical to give them plenty of room to establish their own territories. Having a variety of hiding places and basking platforms can help to reduce the likelihood of territorial disputes between two bearded dragons living together.
Signs of Aggression in Pairs
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- If you want to keep two bearded dragons together, you should be aware of any signs of aggression between them.
- Aggression is frequently manifested through physical contact, such as head butting and biting.
- Territoriality is another indicator of aggression, with dragons pushing each other away from preferred basking areas or food sources.
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Physical Contact
Physical contact between two bearded dragons should be avoided at all costs. If one beardie exhibits aggressive behavior, such as head bobbing, arm waving, biting, or chasing, it is not safe to keep the two together.
When introducing two bearded dragons, it is critical to observe any physical contact they make. If one is being overly aggressive and attempting to dominate the other, they may need to be separated.
Territoriality
Male bearded dragons can be extremely territorial. When two males are kept together, they can become aggressive to one another. Even when two females are kept together, they can exhibit territorial aggression behaviors such as physical contact and territorial marking.
To avoid this, keep beardies alone or pair two females together in a cage. Providing your bearded dragons with multiple enclosures can help reduce the risk of aggression and injury. If you do decide to keep two beardies together, be aware of signs of territoriality and aggression so that you can intervene before the situation becomes too serious.
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- Bearded dragons are solitary creatures by nature, but they can be kept in pairs.
- Male bearded dragons are territorial and may fight when kept together.
- To reduce the risk of injury or conflict between two bearded dragons, size and temperament should be considered.
- Keeping two bearded dragons together has several advantages, including reduced stress, increased socialization, and the possibility of breeding.
- Aggression, dominance issues, and the risk of injury are all potential disadvantages of keeping two bearded dragons.
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Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
