Hi, I'm new to this Forum. I got two leopard geckos yesterday, both 8 month old females. They are in a good sized tank and there are two hide boxes. Also have heat pads. They seemed okay when I got them in the day but come night yesterday, Idunna (darker Leo) bit Athena (biege gecko). I was seriously freaked out and separated them with a divider. I checked on them multiple times in the night. but twice Idunna had gotten through the barrier and was WITH Athena in Athena's hide box. Today they seem okay (it is evening now and they are awake). But while Idunna lay on the hotspot Athena got into Idunna's hide box and started sniffing around and digging ?? Athena wags her tail when Idunna tries to get into her own hide box. Very scared they will hurt each other. Will attach pictures of Athena's wound, looks a lot better today . can someone explain their social system to me or have any suggestions ?? Anything will be helpful, thanks
My 2 new Leos fighting-plz help!!
- Thread starter Emma55
- Start date
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Welcome to Geckos Unlimited! Keep Athena's wound clean and dry.
You've seen biting, territorial behavior, and bullying. Don't wait for more! They will NOT pay attention to "her" hide versus "my" hide.
Separate your leos right away. Their next battle is right around the corner!
Sexing Leopard Geckos Leopard geckos become sexable at about 6 months old. Males can be distinguished from females by a distinct v-shaped row of pores and by bulges right under the vent.
You've seen biting, territorial behavior, and bullying. Don't wait for more! They will NOT pay attention to "her" hide versus "my" hide.
Separate your leos right away. Their next battle is right around the corner!
- If you have a pair, the male will mate with the female way before she's mature (about 18 mo).
- Even 2 females can fight.
- If both are males, they'll know their sexes before we do and will fight to the death of the submissive leo. It's a grim sight.
Sexing Leopard Geckos Leopard geckos become sexable at about 6 months old. Males can be distinguished from females by a distinct v-shaped row of pores and by bulges right under the vent.
- Click: Sexing Leopard Geckos
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thegrymzoo
New member
Elizabeth is awesome. All I can do is second what she said - separate them immediately. Leopard geckos do not like to share their space, and this behavior is likely to only escalate.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Really ?? Wow, (they are both females)I have separated them with a divider, they can both reach the hotspot, hmmm.....I HAVE been considering just buying two separate vivariums for them, they were doing fine and then just now Athena went into Idunn's hide and started picking a fight. Is there no possibility of them living together ? Thanks, will probably separate them tomorrow
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Yes, really. What you've seen is relatively common. Sometimes 2 similarly sized females are buddies for a while, maybe even years. Then one fine day, for no apparent reason, one attacks the other. It could be a vicious attack right away! It could be cumulative bullying and finally one snaps.
Be thankful you're seeing these fights. You can't always be watching them.
Please separate them.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Good for you! I'm hoping that all will be OK once Athena has her own home. How does her foot look?
Interactions between Athena and Idunn and the fact that they are new probably have contributed to their appetites.
