55 gallon tank ~ how many beardies?

[Mwilliams32931]

We have a 5-6 month old that we just moved into a 55 gallon tank. A friend of mine has a baby that she has to give up and wanted to know if I would take the little one but I don't know if that is feasible. Can you have 2 beardies in a 55 gallon and if I can how do I introduce them?

 

[GeorgesHuman]

Hi. It is really not at all advisable to have more than one dragon in any size enclosure. Beardies can be very territorial and can fight with/harm each other. Even if they do not outwardly appear to be showing aggression, one can still be dominating the other in more subtle ways, and this can lead to stress and ill health on the part of the more submissive dragon. Besides, 55 gallons would not adequately house 2 dragons anyway, even if they could live together. A standard 55 gallon tank is usually very narrow, and although it would be okay for a baby, it most likely would not be wide enough for a single adult. Hope this helps!

 

[Mwilliams32931]

Thanks!

 

[BrianB]

Just to add: Your 5-6 month old would merrily eat another beardie if there's enough size difference. So, if it's truly a baby, don't let the big one near it until it's a juvie size.

You should also quarantine any new animal brought into the house. Keep them separated by distance, don't share supplies, and wash hands after handling/doing cage maintenance.

For two dragons, I'd look at two 40 breeder footprint cages, about 36x18" floor space. That's a decent size for a single adult dragon, though they'll happily use more size if you can give it to them.