beckys19":3flt0m48 said:
I just want any ideas on how best to introduce them to each other so they get used to each other's presence/smells.
They'll get used to each others' smells on their own--both species have excellent sense of smell.
I'm hoping to get them to peacefully coexist so the beardie can eventually hang out in the living room with us.
And here we go again... That can be--and has been--a hot button topic/Con-Sub.
While there have been and are (
rare, IMO) exceptions,
in general, beardies and other species (including other beardies) getting along is the stuff of Disney movies.
Now I expect a flurry of posts from folks extolling how their cats, dogs, ferrets, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, etc. get along famously with their bearded dragons. Great. Please note all the qualifiers I embedded in the above paragraph. I've already acknowledged it happens. I'm delighted (truly I am) for those fortunate few. Nevertheless, I am concerned that--
more often than not--it's a recipe for disaster. This comes in part from a lifetime association with veterinarians who've had to deal with the not-so-idyllic consequences of such encounters.
My own personal experience: We (DW & I) have always had dogs throughout our 40-
mumble years together. ALL those dogs have been gentler than average, and wouldn't even snap at flies. During a time when I kept Anoles, one unexpectedly jumped off of my arm. In a flash (and miracle) I got hold of the lizard's tail
as the lizard was on its way down the dog's throat, and managed to pull the animal to safety. This wasn't the fault of anyone--it was
instinct, and instinct is one of--if not THE--most difficult behaviors to modify/overcome in
any species. The Anole survived, but I've never taken such a chance again, and I never will. These things can happen
FAST and without warning. It was quick reflexes and Adrenalin that saved that lizard, and my reflexes aren't what they used to be.
Each must choose for themselves (and live with the results), but I advise
extreme caution.
Actually, I advise against taking the chance, but for those who decide differently, expect & prepare for the worst, and as with investing, "
Past Performance is No Guarantee of Future Results".
Think about cats and/or dogs who live together peacefully; 99% of the time they may be the best of buds, then from out of nowhere, you've got a cat/dogfight on your hands. Cats & dogs usually survive such tiffs with minor fur flying. With a BD, there could be a far more serious result. Were I a parent, I think I'd also be concerned about my kids witnessing something like that. Please think carefully--
for the sake of the pet/s.
IMO the "game room" with the door closed is a far better/safer alternative.