How to Introduce New Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are lizards that are very docile with humans. They are easy to care for, and they are excellent choices for a beginning reptile keeper. While it is entirely possible to keep one bearded dragon on its own, you may also choose to house two together --- although this species prefers to live alone and often housing two together is a recipe for disaster. Keeping two female dragons together is the safest option, as two males will fight for dominance and a male bearded dragon stresses out a female dragon with constant attempts at mating. Introduce a new bearded dragon to the cage with care and keep an eye out for dominance squabbles.

Things You'll Need

  • Quarantine cage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the new bearded dragon in a quarantine cage for at least seven days to ensure that it is in good health. A new animal may introduce new diseases to your other lizard if it was carrying something from its previous life.

    • 2

      Place the new bearded dragon only in a cage with a same-sized lizard. Only house two bearded dragons together that are of a like size, as this prevents bullying. Larger bearded dragons may even engage in cannibalism by eating smaller lizards.

    • 3

      Watch the bearded dragons carefully. Bobbing heads, puffed beards and gaping mouths are all threatening signs in bearded dragons and may lead to a scuffle, fight or even death. If the confrontation stops with these signs, allow the bearded dragons to cohabit, but if they lead to biting and wrestling, remove the new bearded dragon.

    • 4

      Scoop the new bearded dragon out of the cage by cupping your hand underneath its abdomen and picking it up if the fight becomes physical. Try the introductions again if they were not successful the first time, but aggressive behavior is a sign that the two dragons should not be housed together. Never leave two bearded dragons that are showing signs of aggression alone and unsupervised.