With the introduction of a new beardie, Stewie won't eat

[amyb]

We've had Stewie for about 6 months now.. he's a male, approx 330grams, about 6-7 months old. Currently in a 40 gallon breeder with all the right necessities (heat, UVB, hot/cold side, etc). He's always been active and a healthy eater.

Lately, we've noticed he's not eating (today will be day 2). The past month or so it's been on and off with him (only eating 3-4 roaches a day, if any). He used to eat so much! Also, for about the past month, he's had some weird behaviors.. always digging in his tank (to the point where his nails are almost gone!), and whenever we take him out of his tank, he'll immediately run off to find a cool, dark place sleep in. All he seems to be doing is sleeping lately. I've done some research.. He's too young to go into brumation, right?

All those things put aside.. we adopted a three-legged beardie (Stubby!) about two months ago. He's extremely healthy, eats like a PIG, already a third the size of Stewie. They're both in the same room (NOT the same tank), but they're able to see each other from across the room.

Whenever they see each other, Stewie gets all black and bobs like crazy, and Stubby will go right into waving. There was one time when I was holding Stewie, and my boyfriend was holding Stubby.. Stewie all of a sudden leaped from my arms and tried to attack Stubby. ... We have definitely gotten the hint that they don't like each other!

I'm just wondering if the introduction of Stubby has made Stewie so stressed to cause all these behaviors? Is that possible? Or could he be in a point of semi-brumation? :?:

Any advice will help! Thanks so much!

 

[Kaiser]

There's a high probability that your bearded dragons are being stressed out by one another's presence (or at least, the ability to see one another). The head bobbing, black bearding, and the arm waving are all signs of dominance and submission, which can cause stress for the bearded dragons, which may alter their eating habits, personalities, etc. I cannot say that all of these changes of habit are a result of them being able to see one another; however, I am pretty sure when I say that there is a high chance of that being a potential problem for the bearded dragons, if not now, then further along the road as well. If possible, try to keep them out of sight from one another. You can block certain sides of the tanks with wallpapers or such, if they are housed in glass terrariums, or you can move them out of range of one another, etc.

And yes, I think he is too young to go into brumation. Although there is some speculation that size has to do with when bearded dragons brumate, not just (or perhaps not even because of) age, though oftentimes there is a correlation between the two.

Also, someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but... Since Stubby may be a bit young, it may actually be difficult to tell what gender he may be. If he is actually a she, then the black bearding, head bobbing, and arm waving could also be mating rituals, as I do believe it is or will soon be mating season for bearded dragons. Nonetheless, this changes behaviors as well, and it's probably best to keep them out of visual (and perhaps contact-wise, as well) range. Besides, if it is indeed a desire to mate, both bearded dragons are much too young to safely mate.

Otherwise, I don't know of any other reasons why Stewie would undergo such changes (besides housing and husbandry changes or issues, which you've noted aren't the case). I would try removing them from each other's view, and then wait to see if Stewie returns to normal (or at least improves). Best wishes!

 

[amyb]

First off, THANK YOU for taking the time out of your day with such a detailed response!
We took everything you had to say into consideration. We ended up moving Stubby's tank to a place in the room where Stewie could no longer see him. And tonight (just now!), Stewie ate for the first time in 3 days!!!
I'm so thankful for your advice

 

[Kaiser]

First off, THANK YOU for taking the time out of your day with such a detailed response!
We took everything you had to say into consideration. We ended up moving Stubby's tank to a place in the room where Stewie could no longer see him. And tonight (just now!), Stewie ate for the first time in 3 days!!!
I'm so thankful for your advice

You're welcome. I am glad that I could be of some help, and that Stewie has eaten. Hopefully he will keep it up and feel better soon. Best wishes to you and your bearded dragons. :]