Change in behaviour after introducing a new animal

[rukita]

Hi there. My bearded dragon is approx 4-5 months old. She was doing perfectly fine until we brought home a chinchilla. Thorne ( bearded dragon) has her tank in a spare room that no one really uses and when we got the chinchilla we put his cage in the same room as Thornes. Ever since then Thornes behaviour has changed, she has been moody and she hasn't been eating at all for about 3 weeks. She's lost a lot of weight and she isn't growing at all. She was kept in that room for about a month before the chinchilla was brought in.
Could the chinchilla have an impact on her behaviour?
We never let them out at the same time. When the chinchilla is out then Thornes in her tank. We have tested her for parasites and she came back negative.
I'm very confused.
Please help

 

[YoursTruly]

Hi, yes, the chincilla in the same room could absolutely be causing stress to your beardie. I would switch one of the tanks/cages to another room. If you're unable to do that, I'd suggest putting something in the way, like a blanket, towel or piece of cardboard. This will block the line of sight between the two of them.

 

[Taterbug]

she has been moody and she hasn't been eating at all for about 3 weeks. She's lost a lot of weight and she isn't growing at all.

How much weight? More than 10% is cause for concern. Are chinchillas nocturnal? Is it possible the chinchilla is keeping Thorne awake or something? I would try to remedy her seeing the chinchilla but keep close tabs since it's possible the two aren't related.

 

[kingofnobbys]

Know nothing about chinchillars .... can you place the two tanks so your beardie can't see the animal ?

Might help - maybe....

At 5 months old , your beardie may be getting hormonal.

Another possible cause of the change in beardie's behavior is jealousy, are you giving chinchilla attention where beardie is able to see this ?

 

[rukita]

Hi, yes, the chincilla in the same room could absolutely be causing stress to your beardie. I would switch one of the tanks/cages to another room. If you're unable to do that, I'd suggest putting something in the way, like a blanket, towel or piece of cardboard. This will block the line of sight between the two of them.

Hi they are not in direct contact with each other. They are situated in the room. In such a way that they are unable to see each other. However the chinchilla is nocturnal yes, and my chinchilla makes a racket during the night so​ I do think it's keeping Thorne awake. She has been more lethargic these days. Thanks so much I will try change their rooms

 

[Gormagon]

Dragons love interaction with humans, move Thorne into a high traffic room the love to watch and size you up, lol!