New addition making her nervous

[donprec]

We got a baby skink the other day and Precious is not happy about it! They have not been together, nor will they ever. But Precious knows the baby is around and she seems more nervous...which surprises me because she's huge compared to the baby. She now doesn't seem confident when outside for free time and while she's still a cuddle baby, she seems to want to cuddle now more for security reasons rather than to just relax. She just seems a little more on edge now.
The other day, we had the baby out and were feeding worms. Precious came down from her hammock and went to the closest corner of the tank to us and just stared across the room at the baby and worms with the meanest look on her face like, “You're giving her MY worms and MY attention?” It was really pitiful actually.
Will Precious get used to the idea and smells eventually and gain her confidence back? I really feel bad, never meant for her to feel uncomfortable.

 

[PatsyB]

Poor baby! Can she see the baby in its tank while she's in her tank? If so, I would cover the side of her tank that faces the baby. I don't really know what else to do. Maybe show her the baby in its tank and pet her and talk to her calmly. Maybe if she sees the baby in it's tank doing it's thing and you are there with her for security she will learn that it won't hurt her.

 

[Mushuandcricket]

Another side of the coin could she think it is something to eat? When Mushu came my turtle who loves to eat was watching and trying to get to Mushu like she does when she sees her turtle food coming.

 

[donprec]

The baby's tank is on top of Precious's but when we take the baby out and put her on the bed, it's right across from the tanks so Precious sees her then. But that's a great idea Patsy...cover the tank so Precious doesn't see her when she's out!
During free time, she just wants to hide her head somewhere like an ostrich, doesn't want to explore anymore. My son, even though he knew better, was holding the baby and then went to pet Precious without washing his hands in between...Precious jumped and then ran away from him!
I haven't really had her too close to the baby because I was afraid it might trigger some aggressive behavior...although on the other hand, I have a hard time imagining Precious aggressive. But I'll try holding her and letting her see the baby in the tank. I'll let you know what happens.
Mushu, I too thought if anything, Precious would be thinking the baby is a new meal but it definitely seems like she feels threatened. The cats don't seem to bother her but the bitty baby does. I never imagined this would happen!

 

[PatsyB]

Maybe Precious is stressed because she knows the baby is above her but can't see it. There is this "thing" above her head that makes sometimes moves but she doesn't know what it is and if it's going to get her.

I've been wondering this about my own situation with Dexter and Luci. Luci runs around his tank like a mad man and does not stop. Dexter is in the tank above him and one morning while he was in the middle of his marathon I took Dexter out of her tank and brought her into the other room. As soon as we left the room Luci stopped what he was doing and just sat there. Unfortunately, I had to go to work so after I put Dexter back I don't know what Luci did. I thought it was interesting though. She doesn't really move around in her tank but maybe he sees her shadow above him.

 

[donprec]

Yes, she does know the baby is on top of her. Sometimes she'll stand in the middle of the tank with her head cocked to the side to listen to what's going on above her! That situation isn't going to change because I ordered 2 stackable wooden enclosures for them that will be here shortly. Both the same length and width but Precious's will be higher, and I assume a little heavier, so hers will be on the bottom. Maybe the wood might insulate some noises and movements?
I did hold her in front of the baby's tank, she was very interested in it! Not sure if she noticed the baby, she was intrigued with one the baby's hides, kept pawing at the glass like she wanted to get on it lol! She was less jumpy outside the tank today but after she ate some worms, she went to where her tank is and obviously wanted to go right back in...not normal for her as she usually would be happy to get away from the tank. It was a little better today though. Hopefully some time will get Precious back to normal again.