Bearded dragons or Pogona vitticeps are easy to care for. They are hardy and can thrive even in captivity. As long as they have dedicated owners, it should not be a problem for beardies to survive. They are unique creatures that make them preferred by many reptile enthusiasts.
Due to their friendly nature, bearded dragon keepers want to care for another reptile. Keeping more than one pet can create unnecessary problems. It can make both animals stressed, ill, or even become dangerous for one of them. But having a tank mate is not impossible. Keep on reading to see what animals they can tolerate.
What Can Live With a Bearded Dragon?
Bearded dragons are solitary animals and it’s not recommended to keep another reptile in the same habitat. They are very territorial and can cause one to bully the other. Sometimes keeping them together in the same habitat can work out. If their enclosure has a lot of space, that can be possible.
However, you have to also consider if the reptiles have the same housing requirements. That way, they can survive within one habitat. There are different species that you can house with your bearded dragon. If you decide to do that, you should choose the right tankmate for them.
1. Other Bearded Dragons
In the wild, bearded dragons spend their time alone. That means that they prefer it that way and it should not be different from captivity. But some keepers house bearded dragons in groups. They do this to raise juveniles in groups as well as for breeding purposes and it’s possible to do.
If you decide to add another bearded dragon to your existing one, they must have the same size. Both of them should also be well fed to avoid nipping on each other’s tails or digits. Avoid adding a smaller or bigger bearded dragon to the same habitat. The bigger beardie will dominate the smaller one and can negatively affect its health.
Adult female beardies can tolerate each other but if they are both males, they will fight. If they are of different gender, they should live in a separate tank. It can also be unhygienic to keep more than one beardie in one habitat. Parasites such as hookworms can build up fast in a dirty enclosure and they will cause illness.
2. Species From the Same Habitat
If you like to have a mixed species in the same enclosure, it’s crucial to have species from the same natural habitat. Bearded dragons came from the deserts of Australia. The potential tank mate they should have must have originated from the same type of environment as well.
Make sure to only put together animals of the same size as well. It will avoid being the prey or the predator of one another. Some zoos have mixed-species exhibits. They consist of bearded dragons, shingleback lizards, and blue tongue skinks. These animals all came from similar environments so you can house them together.
3. Tortoises
Tortoises can be considered to live in a mixed-species habitat. They are usually housed with herbivores as well. These animals are protected by their shells so they will not become prey of other reptiles within the enclosure. Tortoises and bearded dragons can live in the same habitat.
As long as the tank is big enough for them and matches their housing requirements, they can live together. Dry climate species are good choices such as leopard tortoises and spurred tortoises. You can find Russian tortoises with dragons in Lincoln Park Zoo. They reported that this arrangement has good results.
4. Nocturnal Lizards
Including nocturnal lizards in your bearded dragon’s habitat is a good idea. They are not active during the daytime while your beardie is awake. That makes them compatible tank mates. When one is awake, the other one will be sleeping soundly. They don’t have to interact with each other often compared to other animals.
As desert dwellers, nocturnal lizards will be suitable to live in the same condition as bearded dragons. They have the same requirements to survive which makes them the perfect tankmates. In the wild, nocturnal geckos share habitats with bearded dragons. As well as five different Diplodactylus species and smooth knob-tailed geckos.
What to Consider Before Keeping Other Reptiles in a Bearded Dragon’s Habitat?
Keeping bearded dragons in the same enclosure can sometimes work. That can also happen when you house other reptile species on the same tank. But there are some things to consider before trying to keep other reptiles in the same habitat. It’s best to make necessary preparations before doing it.
Make sure to know as much information as you can get about giving your beardie its tankmate. If not, both of your pets will end up severely injured or may even end up killing each other. Bearded dragons are territorial and they will fight to protect their habitat. If you add the wrong tankmate, that will mean disaster for both of them.
1. Put Them Together While They Are Young
It’s a good idea to put species together while they are both young. Baby reptiles are a good option if you want to achieve good results. Baby bearded dragons and other baby reptile species can live together in one habitat. Both of them should have a lot of space even while they are still small.
Putting young reptiles together reduces the risk of them being injured. Adult reptiles can end up killing each other. Baby reptiles will not do much damage to each other even if they fight. If you want to house different reptile species, try baby reptiles. It’s safer than doing it with adult reptiles.
2. Get a Second Tank
It’s a good idea to get a second tank if you have two reptiles in the same enclosure. When the bearded dragon wants to go on brumation, the other reptile may bother it. The bearded dragon will not be able to brumate and it will cause health issues for them.
The best thing to do is to put the other reptile on the second tank. If mixing two reptile species did not work out well, they might attack each other. Having a second tank will allow you to separate them to avoid further damage or injuries.
3. Add Many Hiding Places
When you’re keeping two different reptile species, having a reptile carpet and a hiding spot will not be enough. Make sure to add as many hiding spots as you can if you have more than one reptile inside an enclosure. Keeping two reptiles means they will need more hiding places.
Having many hiding places can help them to flee when they get attacked by others. It will also make a difference between attacking and escaping. If your beardie scares the other reptile, it can hide instead of attacking. Without places to hide, the reptile will not have many options but to attack.
4. Find Reptiles with Same Housing Conditions
Make sure that your bearded dragon and the other reptile species have the same housing condition requirements. It will help them both to thrive and give them the same requirements they need. Both reptiles should have the same UVB requirements as well. It will avoid harming the other reptile if it has different requirements than the other.
If the other reptile needs a lower temperature than your beardie, that’s fine. The bearded dragon enclosure should have different temperature zones. That will allow the other reptile to stay in the cool area of the enclosure. But the habitat should meet both of their housing needs. It will avoid one of them getting sick and remaining healthy.
Here is an article from The University Of Queensland about How to Care For Your Bearded Dragon.
5. Add Multiple Basking Spots
If you have a huge habitat to house two reptiles, it’s impossible to provide enough heat with just one basking area. Provide multiple basking spots to provide enough heat inside the tank. It will also help the reptiles avoid each other. Having more than one basking area will ensure that both of the reptiles can bask properly.
6. Parasites Can Be Deadly
Some parasites are fine and reptiles have them since they need them for their system. But bearded dragons have more parasites. It can be bad for the other reptile to add them to the same habitat. The parasites from beardies can be fatal for other reptile species.
7. Gender Can Make The Difference
Male bearded dragons are very territorial and will defend their territories from other species. They will puff, hiss, and show up their black beard as a warning. It will attack if necessary until the intruder flees from the scene. Therefore, male dragons should not have a tankmate.
Female bearded dragons are not territorial and they can tolerate another female. In the wild, make dragons will not attack female beardies but will try to mate with them. Female bearded dragons can choose to mate or not. They can leave without being attacked by male beardies.
How Bearded Dragons Share a Space?
Bearded dragons are territorial creatures and they cover a lot of space in the wild and captivity. When a male bearded dragon suddenly shows up, the other beardie will challenge the other. They will fight for dominance and also for mates. Beardies will inflate their beards and gape their mouths.
The bearded dragons might also hiss at each other as a warning. After that, it will be followed by attacking and biting. Bearded dragon’s aim is not to kill another reptile but to show their dominance. In female beardies, they will do this for live food. That’s why there are different requirements when bearded dragons have to share a space.
1. Space
For a single adult bearded dragon, the minimum space they need is between 50 to 75 gallons. If you’re about to add another reptile, it means that you have to also get a bigger space for them. You also need to have an additional setup. They will be needing additional heat lamps, UVB bulbs, basking spots, reptile carpet, and more.
If you put them too close, it will result in dominance with a submissive bearded dragon. The dominant beardie will abuse the other and it may not get enough food. It may also have an issue with basking since the other beardie will stop it from coming close to the basking area. Consider getting a bigger enclosure to provide them with enough space.
2. Hygiene
Keeping two bearded dragons on the same tank means you have to clean the enclosure more than before. Doubling the cleaning frequency will help the enclosure to stay clean. A filthy habitat can pass on parasites and diseases quickly. Below are ways to clean a tank with two bearded dragons.
- Spot Cleaning
Do this between 2 to 5 times daily by checking and removing their droppings. Uneaten foods should also be removed to avoid them from rotting. It can cause bacterial buildup and make the bearded dragons ill if not cleaned right away.
- Rough Cleaning
Do this 2 to 3 times weekly if you have two bearded dragons in one enclosure. Rough cleaning means you have to remove the beardies from the enclosure. After that, wipe down the furniture and close the inside of the tank. Use a vinegar and water solution to sanitize the enclosure.
- Deep Cleaning
For deep cleaning, you need to do this 2 to 3 times monthly. Remove the beardies and all the furniture from the tank. After that, wipe the furniture with the water and vinegar solution. Remove the flooring and wipe down the walls and bottom of the tank. Change the flooring once everything is clean.
How to Introduce Another Reptile to Bearded Dragon?
The space should be big enough for two reptiles. They shouldn’t interact with each other often to avoid problems. The humidity and heat levels of both reptiles should be the same or at least close to each other. Before adding the new reptile inside the tank, make sure it’s checked by a vet first. It will avoid the spread of diseases that it may have.
Even after the vet checks up, the disease may not appear right away. The new reptile must be quarantined for at least a month in its own tank. Introduce the bearded dragons outside the enclosure. Place the new reptile for a short time to allow them to interact with each other. Add the new beardie gradually for longer until it can stay there for days without any issues.
Here is an article from VCA Animal Hospitals about Bearded Dragons Diseases.
FAQs
1. What Can You Put In a Bearded Dragon Habitat?
Bearded dragon tanks should have a temperature between 75 to 85 F. The basking spot should be between 100 to 115 F. It should be warmer than the other areas of the enclosure. The basking lamp will help to keep that spot warmer. Make sure to have the right size of tank with enough space.
The enclosure should be large enough to create temperature ranges from the basking spot and the cool area. It will help your beardie to move around the warm and cool area of the enclosure. That will help them to regulate their temperature. It will help them to cool down when it gets too warm.
- Temperature
The temperature of the tank should stay around 65 to 75 F. You can use a ceramic heater to regulate the tank’s temperature at night. The humidity in the enclosure should be at 20 to 30%. Monitoring the temperature of the habitat is important. Use thermometers on each end of the tank and a hygrometer to check humidity.
- Lighting
The proper lighting should be provided for at least 12 hours every day. Make sure to also have UVA and UVB bulbs to get the rays they need to process calcium to stay healthy.
- Bedding
Use a reptile carpet to line the tank until it reaches size inches. Replace it with a 3 to 6-inch layer of calcium sand. That’s when the bearded dragon is big enough and will no longer sink into thick bedding. Change the bedding every month but make sure to remove droppings every week.
- Decor
Place at least two pieces of decor in your bearded dragon’s enclosure. Add a rock in the warm area of the tank to help your beardie to stay close to the heat source. Add a shelter in a cool area for your beardie to have a shade.
2. Can Geckos Live With Bearded Dragons?
Leopard geckos are smaller than bearded dragons. That means that it will attempt to eat geckos if given a chance. Bearded dragons carry coccidia which is a parasite. It’s normal for beardies but these parasites can be fatal for geckos. It’s not recommended to put them together.
3. Can Bearded Dragons Live With Tortoises?
Yes, bearded dragons can live with tortoises in the same enclosure. In some cases, they can get along when they live in the same tank. As long as you provide them plenty of space, they can live in harmony. They are both solidarity animals and they can be aggressive with other animals.
4. Do Beardies Like Companions?
Bearded dragons are solitary creatures and they don’t need to have companions. They can go on with their everyday lives on their own. Beardies don’t need to have interaction with other animals to stay happy and healthy. They prefer to be alone and don’t like to share their enclosure.
5. Do Bearded Dragons Get Lonely?
No, bearded dragons don’t get lonely when they are alone inside their enclosure. They are solitary animals and can thrive on their own. But sometimes they also enjoy human interaction. Bearded dragons can get lonely if they are lacking mental stimulation but don’t mind being alone.
6. What is the easiest reptile to take care of?
- Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are medium-sized lizards and they are popular reptiles to take care of. They are one of the bigger but beginner-friendly. Beardies can grow up to two feet long. As sedentary creatures, beardies don’t need much space. They originated from the Australian deserts. That means they prefer to stay in a dry and warm habitat.
- Corn Snake
Another beginner-friendly reptile that you can have as a pet is a corn snake. They are meek and wild but stunning creatures. Corn snakes have patches of fiery red and orange. It makes them look fierce but they are harmless creatures. Feeding and cleaning them is not much of a hassle.
- Greek Tortoise
When it comes to easy care for reptiles, tortoises are one of them. They are usually large but greek tortoises will only grow between 6 to 8 inches. Aside from having a small size, tortoises are also mild, sweet, and smart reptiles. Owners like their unique looks and personalities.
- Leopard Gecko
Another popular pet reptile is the leopard gecko. They are small and cute as well as beginner-friendly lizards. Leopard geckos are adorable spotted lizards that are easy to maintain. They originated from Southwestern Asia and adapted to live in dry climates. It will be easier to set up their tanks since they only require humidity and heating.
- Ball Python
The ball python is the most popular snake species that you can keep as a pet. They are easy to care for and they are not aggressive. These snakes prefer to hide rather than attack a threat. There will be no unpleasant interactions with these snakes. They are moderate in size and don’t grow more than five feet. A standard reptile tank should be enough to house them since they don’t need much space.
7. Is It Okay To Leave Crickets With My Bearded Dragon?
No, crickets and other insects should not be left inside the bearded dragon’s enclosure. They can spread pathogens and can stress out your pet. You should only feed your beardie as many crickets as it can eat in 10 to 15 minutes. After that, remove any uneaten crickets from their enclosure.
8. Should I Get a Male or Female Bearded Dragon?
It depends on your preference but you have to keep in mind that male bearded dragons are more territorial than females. If you decide to get a male bearded dragon, it’s best to provide it with a separate tank if you have an existing beardie. Two females can tolerate each other. But two male dragons will fight for dominance.
9. Do Bearded Dragons Cuddle Each Other?
Bearded dragons are territorial by nature. They don’t cuddle other beardies. But bearded dragons like to cuddle into warm spots or their owners. They can enjoy staying on your lap as a form of bonding. Not all beardie owners may experience it right away. You have to get your beardie to trust you enough to cuddle with you.
