Lizards make fascinating pets, each featuring an interesting range of behaviors and dietary needs. If you’re a reptile enthusiast, you probably love watching your lizards and watching them interact, but we often hear one question more than others, and that is: “Will my pet lizards eat each other?”
The short answer: it depends on many factors, such as species, size differences, enclosure conditions, and territorial instincts. In general, it’s not a great idea to house multiple lizards together without careful consideration. Continue reading to find out more below.
Understanding Cannibalism in Lizards
Cannibalism is an unfortunate behavior that can occur in some species of lizards. It happens when one eats the other. This behavior is common when lizards are stressed, such as from overpopulation or being in small enclosures. Larger lizards can often see smaller ones as food, especially if their food sources are scarce.
On top of this, lizards can sometimes show aggressive behaviors or fight over territory, and these altercations can sometimes be fatal. However, not all lizards are prone to cannibalism. Many species are very peaceful and can be housed with other lizards of the same type, such as female anoles. Others seem to be more naturally solitary or territorial and should never be housed together.
Understanding your specific species’ behavior and needs is important for avoiding any dangerous situations. While it might seem sad to see your pet alone sometimes, note that reptiles don’t have the same socialization needs as cats and dogs. Many are content to live solo.
Avoid Mixing Lizard Species and Sizes
Avoid mixing species and sizes in the same enclosure unless you’re absolutely certain that they’re compatible. Even if two species seem to have similar environmental needs, they may have entirely different temperaments and social structures.
For example, bearded dragons can be really territorial and may view other lizards as rivals, leading to fights, attacks, and possibly even death. Leopard geckos, on the other hand, can become stressed or aggressive if housed with others, as they’re generally more solitary.
While it might seem like a good idea to keep different sizes of lizards together (after all, who wants to clean multiple tanks?), it can lead to serious problems. Larger lizards can often view smaller lizards as potential food, especially if they’re stressed out or hungry. Even if your lizard isn’t usually predatory, size differences can lead to aggression.
How to House Multiple Lizards Safely
To prevent cannibalism and other forms of aggression among your pet lizards, ensure you create a safe and proper environment. This may involve:
- Getting separate enclosures: The best way to prevent any potential for cannibalism is to house each lizard in its own enclosure. This allows you to control its environment, food, and resources more effectively.
- Ensuring you have sufficient space: If you decide to house multiple lizards of the same species together, ensure that the space is big enough to give each lizard its own area. Overcrowding can lead to high-stress levels and aggression.
- Offering hiding spots and basking areas: Provide your lizards with hiding spots and basking areas in the enclosure to allow them to establish their own territory and feel secure.
- Having feeding and watering stations: To prevent competition for resources, place multiple feeding and watering stations in the enclosure.
- Including environmental enrichment: Lizards need plenty of mental stimulation and physical activity to stay healthy and reduce stress. They also require a clean space.
Examples of Potentially Territorial and Aggressive Species
Some lizard species can be particularly territorial and aggressive, making cohabitation nearly impossible. These species may often fight over territory, mates, or food:
- Bearded dragons: Although generally calm, male bearded dragons are highly territorial and may fight for dominance or mates. Female bearded dragons can also become aggressive during the breeding season, especially when competing for resources.
- Leopard geckos: These lizards are solitary by nature, and even females can exhibit territorial behaviors. Leopard geckos should not be housed together unless you’re breeding them and have enough space.
- Green iguanas: Green iguanas are notoriously aggressive and territorial, especially when they reach maturity. They should never be housed with other iguanas or lizards as they can be territorial and violent.
- Chameleons: Particularly species like panther chameleons are solitary and territorial by nature. It’s important to make sure that they are always housed alone to avoid aggression and stress.
Signs of Aggression and Stress in Pet Lizards
There are many signs of stress in lizards, some of which are more obvious than others. If you notice any of the following, you should separate your reptiles to ensure they don’t eat each other:
- Biting or tail whipping: Biting or tail whipping is a very common sign of aggression, particularly in males or territorial species, and it can be very dangerous.
- Hiding excessively: While hiding is very normal in lizards, excessive hiding may indicate that a lizard feels threatened or stressed, which can lead to fights.
- Lack of appetite: Stress from cohabitation can lead to a loss of appetite which can harm a reptile’s health. For instance, without proper nutrients, a lizard may develop metabolic bone disease, a serious condition that could jeopardize their longevity.
- Wounds or injuries: If one lizard has visible injuries or bites, isolate them from its tankmates. This ensures they don’t suffer further injuries or contract an infection.
