Pet Critique

Hi there, pet lovers! 🦎

Today, we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in reptile care: cohabitation. That’s the practice of keeping more than one lizard in the same enclosure. While it may sound appealing for various reasons, it’s a topic that needs careful consideration. Let’s break it down together and explore the pros, cons, and critical factors to think about before housing lizards together.

Why People Consider Cohabitation

Many reptile keepers entertain the idea of cohabitation for several reasons. Let’s explore the most common ones:

1. Lizards Might Be Lonely
   It’s easy to project our human emotions onto our pets. We feel lonely without companionship, so it’s natural to assume our lizards might, too. However, most lizards are solitary creatures. With rare exceptions, they prefer to live alone and may view other lizards as competition or even prey.
2. Space and Cost Efficiency
   Housing multiple lizards together can seem like a great way to save space and money. Instead of investing in multiple enclosures, a single habitat may seem more economical. For some, this also opens up the possibility of creating a larger, more elaborate enclosure that’s more enjoyable to look at.
3. Observing Natural Behaviors
   Watching lizards interact can be fascinating. Some keepers enjoy observing behaviors they wouldn’t otherwise see when lizards are housed separately. However, not all these interactions are positive—some may be stress-induced or territorial disputes.
4. Breeding Purposes
   If you’re a breeder, cohabitation is sometimes necessary to pair males and females during the breeding season. However, even in this scenario, cohabitation should be done carefully and temporarily.

The Risks of Cohabitation

Despite the potential benefits, cohabitation often comes with significant risks. Let’s look at some of the key issues:

1. Aggression and Conflict
   Lizards can be territorial, and housing them together may lead to fights. This aggression can result in injury or even death. Size and dominance play a role, with larger or more dominant lizards often outcompeting smaller or weaker ones.
2. Stress
   Even if there’s no visible aggression, simply sharing a space can be stressful for lizards. Stress can manifest in various ways, such as changes in eating habits, hiding excessively, or abnormal behaviors. Chronic stress weakens their immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses.
3. Competition for Resources
   In a shared enclosure, lizards will compete for basking spots, food, water, and hiding spaces. This competition can leave one lizard thriving while the other struggles.
4. Health Risks and Disease
   Each lizard has its own unique microbiome of bacteria and fungi. While harmless to themselves, these microorganisms can be harmful—or even deadly—to other species or individuals. Cross-contamination can result in diseases that are difficult to diagnose and treat.
5. Different Care Requirements
   If you’re housing different species together, you’ll face another challenge: meeting their varied needs. Temperature, humidity, diet, and enclosure layout can differ greatly between species. It’s nearly impossible to create a shared space that’s ideal for two species without compromising their individual needs.

When Cohabitation Might Work

While cohabitation is generally discouraged, there are rare situations where it might be possible:

• Species-Specific Considerations: Some species, like crested geckos or anoles, can sometimes cohabit under very specific conditions, such as equal size and plenty of resources.
• Same-Species Cohabitation: Lizards of the same species might share an enclosure if they’re of similar size and temperament. Even then, careful monitoring is essential.
• Temporary Breeding Arrangements: Breeding pairs can sometimes be housed together temporarily during the breeding season, but they should be separated afterward.

Remember, even in these situations, the risk is never zero. Always be prepared for potential issues.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Before considering cohabitation, ask yourself the following:

1. Do I Know Enough?
   Have you done thorough research on the species and individuals involved? Are you aware of the possible risks and how to mitigate them?
2. Is It Worth the Risk?
   While the idea of housing lizards together may seem appealing, the risks can outweigh the benefits. Are you willing to accept the possibility of injury, illness, or stress for your pets?

Our Recommendation

Generally, we don’t recommend housing lizards together. While some keepers have successfully cohabitated lizards, the risks often outweigh the rewards. Reptiles thrive in carefully controlled environments tailored to their individual needs. Providing each lizard with its own enclosure ensures their safety, health, and happiness.

Final Thoughts

Cohabitation might seem like a fun or cost-effective idea, but it’s not a decision to take lightly. By understanding the potential risks and prioritizing your lizards’ well-being, you’ll create a safe and enriching environment for your scaly friends. Have you ever housed lizards together? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you! 🐍