BLACK AND WHITE AGRESSION PROBLEM?

KMG

How's it going guys? I just joined the group, but have always been a lurker of sorts checking out posts. Anyway, I've had my pair of black and whites for about a year now. I thought that my husbandry was about perfect until my sunday cage cleaning brought to my attention that my female has what look to be like calloused scaleson her neck and shoulders. I have witnessed the male grab her on the nape of the neck two times during feeding, but now feed both seperately. There is no way that they can be burns because the heat lights are completely enclosed and 18 inches away from the basking area. (120 degrees), but well dispersed heat. Could the male be dominating her for territory within cage? The enclosure measures 8x2.5x3 feet. Any feedback would be great.

tegulevi · Respected Member Joined: Mar 10, 2005 Posts: 489

he is proving his dominance for breeding. this is common when they are mating. my male does it too

KMG · Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:20 pm Post subject:

Isn't he a little too young to show interest in breeding. They aren't even 2 years old yet? I don't think I specified that before. I guess maybe I should think about seperation. This is just one of those variables that I did'nt take into consideration. They will be going into hibernation soon so I'll have time to sort it out. Thanks for the feedback.

tegulevi · Respected Member Joined: Mar 10, 2005 Posts: 489

males will breed earlier than females. mine is under a year and try's to breed all the time. but my female is old enough. its not so much of an age question as it is the size of your tegu.