why is this??

[xxsxc_samxx]

hi
i have to leos that are the same around age they have been a little edgey oneach other but fine my first one i got is rising its self and niping the other one i have been gettin the out to check under neath to see the sex but both male and females have the pores right?? now one is a little bitbigger that the other the first one and the both a ppear to have sum pores comming on do males still fight if notin a breeding situation do you know why this is happening i put them in there new viv last week could that be it??

[clint545]

How old are they? The first thing to do is seperate them into different cages. It could be a case of bullying or males coming of age.
The one doing the nipping does he shake his tail? Males have a very noticable "V" of pores and bulges while a female won't. Here's a link on sexing http://www.reptilecare.com/leopardgender.htm

but regardless you need to be housing them seperately.

[xxsxc_samxx]

there about 4-5 moths and yes i will i think they are both males coz i can see the pores coming on ,as for trhe snake tail thing kinda it does it it rises itself to say as if im the boss
http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/4228/my248zz.jpg

[clint545]

They're big enough to sex. Like I said before you're best to be housing them seperately.

[Nuclear]

Definately agree, they must be seperated. And if they turn out to be male and femlae, that could be realy bad if you dont seperate them asap.

Also, is that loose substrate? The thing with loose substrate is that if ingested (which it will be over time) it can cause impaction (clogged intestines) If you insist on using a loose substrate then you must use washed sifted playsand, and only for adults. My suggestion is repticarpet,(3-12 bucks and washable and reusable) slate carpet is the best as it most simulates the leos natural environment. After all in the wild they barely ever see sand, they live in areas of hardpacked dirt and clay like ground. But it may be hard to get them to fit in the tank without being cut to size, but I have a tank that twelve by twelves fit perfectly. You can also use non adhesive shelf liner, you can get it at the dollar store. Finally, the easiest, cheapest means of a new substrate is to use paper towels or unprinted newspaper. If you insist on using sand, just ask yourself, what makes it worth the risk that will always be there? Or even ask me and I'll try to help you out a little more.

[mathaldo]

You should separate them just to be safe.

I don't think it's sand, but none the less, you should still switch to paper towels, or tile/slate.

[Nuclear]

It is loose though, so yes, I'd definately make the switch.

[drewlowe]

I agree with the rest about seperating them.

The substrate looks to be vermiculite, if i'm correct.

Vermiculite is great as an incubation medium, but not a substrate for any herp.

Jamie

[Nuclear]

Oh! I think you are right Jamie. Vermiculite or Perlite are probably the worst possible substrates excluding thumb-tacks! lol, if ingested impaction is almost certain due to its high absorbency.