noticeable size difference can be observed. Most
people purchase two animals at the same time that
are the same age and size (initially), and because
there are no obvious signs of aggression, often they
are not aware of the social complications occurring
within the enclosure. Many people do not act until
there is a significant size discrepancy between the
animals and the only solution is permanent
separation. This is one of the more subtle forms of
aggression and dominance between dragons.
Tail and toe nipping.
This issue occurs amongst young dragons that are
housed together and chew on the tail tips or toes of
their siblings. Often it is in relation to a food
response as hatchling dragons are stimulated by
the movement of another lizard and instinctively
pounce on the tail tip, mistaking it for a feeder
insect. When a hatchling has nipped the tail of a
sibling once, they may become a repeat offender
and continue to do so despite being well fed.
Injuries caused by siblings can be very painful and
may even become infected if not treated properly.
Once a dragon loses part of its tail or a toe, it is
gone for good.
Fighting and cannibalism.
Fighting is by far the most obvious sign that two
animals are not getting along. Bearded dragons can
become very aggressive: this often occurs in older
animals (six months upwards) and levels of
aggression may also be heightened during the
breeding season. Dragons can cause serious injury
to each other during a fight. Animals of differing
sizes that are housed together have also been
known to cannibalise cagemates. Two animals that
have happily lived together for many years can also
decide to turn on each other for no apparent reason.
Turtles.
“We would just like to get a couple of turtles to have
in a tank together.”
The vast majority of Australian freshwater turtle
species are solitary creatures that rarely interact
with other members of their species in the wild. In
addition, male turtles can be particularly protective
of their territory. In captivity, it is generally not
advised to keep more than one turtle per tank, as in
many cases this will lead to the demise of one or
more of the animals over time. Like bearded
dragons, turtles will sometimes tolerate each other
in a tank setting and may appear to be getting
along, however if we truly seek to do what is in the
best interest of the animals, they are always much
happier when housed alone.
When multiple turtles are housed together, a
dominant animal will establish itself within the tank.
This individual will see tank mates as competition
for food and other resources and may become
aggressive towards the other turtles. This can lead
to a number of health complications including:
Size difference.
Again, much like bearded dragons, a submissive
turtle in a communal tank may start to fall behind
and ultimately a significant size difference may
become apparent. When this happens between two
turtles of the same age, it is a clear sign that
dominance has been occurring for an extended
period of time. Immediate separation is the only
solution.
Stress-related illness.
Keeping more than one turtle in a tank can cause
unnecessary stress on the animals. Just because
they are not fighting this does not necessarily mean
that the turtles are happy and getting along. Stress
can lead to weakened immunity and turtles housed
together may be more susceptible and prone to a
range of illnesses.
Fighting and aggression.
Freshwater turtles can be extremely aggressive
towards each other in a tank scenario, causing
significant injury and damage. Turtles can bite and
Left: it is widely accepted
that it is best to house
bearded dragons
individually.