Chris- don't worry about not handling your wds and bassie. It's your choice and since they all look extremely healthy and content I don't see any reason to change what you are doing.

The only reason that I can think of as to why it might be good for them to be a bit more used to being handled is for vet visits and inspecting them for injuries/health occasionally without over stressing them.

As for housing the female with the male at one point: How big is your cage? If you have a very large cage it might work, but you might want to think about getting an additional female. Male dragons can be rather ... persistant ... and this will over stress the female. If you have two or more females with a male, well, the male will be happy, and the if things work out no female will be picked on too much more than the other.

If you do try housing them together either make a new bigger cage, or re-arrange the cage that you plan to use, adding some new folliage, branches etc (useful for the female for escape or hiding). this will make the cage seem new to both dragons and it won't seem so much like the new dragon is invading the established dragons territory.

Hope this helps!

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Tricia

your WDs are beautiful!!

Thanks for all the kind words. I am really proud of the way they look, I do my bvery best everyday to make sure they are both happy and healthy.

As for the enclosure size it is 6' tall by 4' wide and 2' deep. It seems to be large enough but the male has a tendency to chase SuperGlide around and she wants none of it. Thanks for the advice everyone, I am glad I'm not the only one out there like that. LOL

Heres WideGlides cage, I had them both in there at first but they are seperate now.


Take care and thanks again!

Chris

I agree with everyone else. Some animals are just not to be held and its not going to bother them a bit. My Bearded Dragons are handled daily because I remove them to clean tanks and to feed them. My snakes are handled once or twice a week for the sames reason. Beautiful WD's...keep posting those pics.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Chris,
We own alot of reptiles and hold them once and awhile, but not on a day to day basis. We are just as happy looking at our reptiles. They are of course wild animals, and can be unpredictable. Do Not be hard on yourself, I'm sure you hold them when you want to!
Steven

Not at all!
Don't worry about it Chris. One of the things that herp keepers have to overcome is the tendency to think of their pets in the same way they think of mammals or birds. What it really boils down to is that handling is for OUR benefit not theirs. They neither need, nor in some cases, want to be handled! Basilisks are one species that are notorious for being stressed by being handled and should just be a "look at me" pet. As long as they have enough room and are kept in the proper conditions, as far as they are concerned, they would just as soon be left alone.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!