Arm waving from new lizard..?

[beardo721]

Good morning all,
I have had my bearded dragon now since mid june, she is just about 3.5 months old (hatched may 25th). She is in a full-size 50 gallon tall tank, and loves it. I just got my first new guinea frilled dragon last night (named fred), and I put him in the same sized tank about 6 to 7 inches away, but they are separated by my xbox, which comes about halfway (or a little more) up the cage.

At any rate, I woke up and saw my bearded dragon (puff) doing the "arm wave". First, I thought this was odd for a dragon that is her size (roughly 10 inches long with a 3 inch wide stomach, yes, she's huge for a baby), and secondly, I thought it was either because of the introduction and possible visibility of the new lizard, or if it because I have a horrible and loud cough right now and that could be scaring her.

I temporarily taped some printer paper on the side of her cage that is exposed to the other lizard, and hope that works. My question is, could she seriously be scared of a lizard that is smaller and younger than her, and in a totally different enclosure? Please let me know, I don't want my beardie to stress! Thank you!

 

[Livey]

Can she see the frilled dragon?
Sounds like she is filling a little intimidated ..

 

[ziggy23]

I think it's more surprising that your dragon hadn't waved yet. All gestures like arm waves and bobbing is a form of communication. Just like with human babies, when they learn a new word they don't always use it right, they often say it just to say it or to get a reaction, and sometimes they use it right on purpose.

hatchlings have been well documented at waving and bobbing at everything including food and nothing at all. It's practice for when they're older and perhaps fun, who knows.

I would cover it up so they can't see each other from their vivs, but other than that I wouldn't really be too concerned. If it is the case, then the only further step I would take at this time is not getting them out at the same time. If they're both young, they can get used to at least seeing each other in neutral territory. Of course it might work out that they hate each other so much that even that is too much. But i would wait until that happens. You don't have to get stressed out over their potential stress. You cannot protect them from everything. Big things yes, but the little things no. Give them the opportunity to adapt and grow. The more they get used to, the less stress they'll have long term.