Why is my female bearded dragon aggressive? Should I separate them?

Thanks for reaching out about Zoro and including a photo. Aggression with younger animals can be due to breeding season and hormones, trauma or stress. Continue to work with and be slow/gentle. Offer treats via hand to win trust. Good luck.

The change in environment may have caused her some stress resulting in a bit of flightiness or aggression. Gradually re-acclimate her to you again. Start slow and easy by simply sitting near her enclosure. Progress to placing your hand in the enclosure for ever increasing periods of time, then to enticing her with a treat. Eventually, you should be able to handle her again. Check environmental parameters to ensure adequate heat and lighting. Maintain a clean cage and proper diet. She maybe approaching a shed which could make her grouchy. The period between 6 and 8 months for most dragons can also be a "grouchy" time....think teenager attitude and behavior. Be patient though, it will pass and she should settle down again.

Bearded dragons in the wild mate in the spring. Captive beardies can be bred year round. Check the environmental parameters and look her over for signs of injury or parasitic infection. This may include redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding. If the behavior persists, consider a physical exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury.

It is best to keep them away from direct sunlight since it can cause tank temperature to rise quickly and to dangerous levels. It is also best to keep them away from drafts. He is likely head bobbing at his reflection as a challenge to the "strange" lizard he sees. You can use a tank surround to cut down on reflections. Captive beardies can be bred year round, however in the wild they typically breed in the spring.

Males are difficult because they can be territorial. This can result in aggression and potential injuries. Mixing different species is never recommended. Introducing a female may be your only option, but you risk breeding and unwanted or accidental clutches of eggs.

While it is true that these signs could be due to trauma caused by the other beardie, it is also possible that it could be due to inappropriate nutrition or environment. Make sure that you are providing your bearded dragons with adequate calcium (supplemented in the food), and sufficient heat and UVB lighting in their cages. I also recommend that you take Luchi to see a reptile veterinarian in case he was injured and requires pain medications. You can find a reptile veterinarian in your area on www.arav.org.

Provide a lay box or other area for her to lay. Keep her warm and as stress free as possible. If she hasn't mated, the eggs are likely infertile. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or straining to defecate or straining to lay. You may need to have her seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles depending on how long it has been.