Are pairs better?

[kaska798]

I just got my first BD. It's about a month old. I'm afraid he will be lonely after being used to being around all of his mates. I'm thinking about getting a second one. Is it better to keep them in pairs or as a single pet? I appreciate any input! Thanks

 

[Gormagon]

They are solitary creatures and very territorial. Trust me he is much happier living alone!!!

 

[kaska798]

Thank you so much for that information. I almost made a mistake getting him a friend!

 

[kingofnobbys]

No problem with having two ,

SO LONG AS
--- they are never housed together (unless you are letting a male and female mate for a very brief period), as said , they are territorial and one will wind up dominating the other and the other will be under constant stress and will not thrive like the dominant dragon will, this domination can become physical and very violent too.


--- two who have a large difference in size should never meet each other - the smaller one will likely become a snack.

--- they are never fed together

--- they are never allowed out together (though 2 girls might behave themselves ... maybe ????) , two boys out together is asking for trouble and is likely to result in blood being shed or worse.

If you have two (espec a boy and girl) you'll see some interesting interactions when they see each other. Though two girls will arm wave and headbob at each other too.

I have three pet beardies, they all have individual tanks, and all get individual floor time each day(sometimes with one of my pet two bluetongue skinks as a floor buddy, Rex and the BTs get on well and I've never seen even a hint of aggression between the two similar sizes species).

Floor time is always strictly supervised for all my pet lizards.

 

[Rankins]

If you have a very large enclosure it is possible to house them together. They can establish territories in different areas of the enclosure. A typical sized aquarium is too small.
Rankins tolerate groups better than bearded dragons.

 

[kaska798]

The breeder I got him from says most people get 2 and if they are about the same size and grow up together there usually is no problem and is unlikely. . His opinion is that they do best in pairs. This is really confusing now.

 

[Gormagon]

He is wrong, I have read a lot of horror stories on here and other places that speak to the contrary! I wouldn't do it.

 

[nathb1]

Yeah should check out the ER beardie discussion page.Some were housed together and one is missing feet and hands...

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah should check out the ER beardie discussion page.Some were housed together and one is missing feet and hands...

https://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=228673

 

[nathb1]

Yeah that... god that made me hug my beardie to bits when i saw that

 

[Taterbug]

The breeder I got him from says most people get 2 and if they are about the same size and grow up together there usually is no problem and is unlikely. His opinion is that they do best in pairs. This is really confusing now.

It's a roll of the dice. They will have personalities and some may get along fine and some may not. Most enclosures are too small for two dragons though.

Personally to even consider try to cohabit two I would want a cage something like 6x3x4' so that I can offer resources (basking spots, perches and food) separately and so each dragon can have its own "territory".

 

[Rankins]

Rankins dragons do okay in a community tank as long as there are not multiple males and the tank is big enough. Bearded dragons dont get along as well as rankins. But the breeder you got yours from probably houses them in pairs for breeding. If your not interested in breeding there is no need to buy another dragon. Your dragon doesn't need company.