The most common pet reptile is the bearded dragon, but it's because of its gentle nature and ease in care. However, they look very similar in most cases, yet there are certain distinguishing features among male and female bearded dragons, that potential owners should be informed of this would assist in their ability to properly take care of their reptilian pets.
Physical Characteristics Varying Between the Male and Female Bearded Dragon
Body Size and Form
The male bearded dragons are larger and heavier compared to the female. They have the wide head with a body more muscular in build. The female ones are lean and streamlined in body and hence a bit smaller in size.
Tail Characteristics
The practical means of determining a male's versus female sex would be in terms of the existence or lack of tail bulges. The two most significant bulges at the base of the tail characterize the males. The female has only one central bulge; in some cases, however, no bulge at all exists. The above characteristics are accentuated by the increase in age.
Femoral Pores
These pores occur on the belly side of the thighs of a bearded dragon and they are tiny. The one appearing on a male is considerably larger as that in a female. This is because they offer another function which they undertake and perform, and it is that of action of the pheromone, when marking as well, but also in order to mate. Those occurring in a female seem to be quite tiny and just invisible.
Coloration and Beard
These tend to be darker, almost more vivid in color, beard, especially during mating or when threatened. The beards of a male do turn jet black during instances of dominance and aggression. Females do also undergo color changes, but not to nearly the same extent.
Behavioral Differences Between Male and Female Bearded Dragons
Territorialism
Males are much more territorial than females and will fight to dominate if housed with other males or even threatened. They can quite quickly bob their heads or puff out their beards to assert dominance. Females are much less territorial, yet still show signs of dominance but are much more social and cooperative with other bearded dragons.
Mating Behaviour
Male shows more activities at the breeding time through bobbing heads, arm waves, and even chases. When he tries to impress the female, it has been seen that they get puffed beards at this age while dark colours begin showing on the body. In females, receptivity is shown when females have exhibited submissive arm waves which are slowly waved.
Digging and Nesting
Female bearded dragons dig primarily when pregnant. Females even when never bred, will lay eggs at times that will never grow into a pregnancy. At these times, they will dig and nest for themselves. Men dig only unless they could induce environmental responses.
Care and Health Issues Facing Male and Female Bearded Dragons
Health Problems
Both sexes have some health problems. Females suffer from one disease which is called egg-binding through which they cannot lay eggs. If these females are not treated at the correct time, then this situation becomes fatal for them. Hemipenal prolapse is the disease that is prevailing in males. Here, the hemipenes cannot retract.
Lifespan
Even though they differ as far as life cycle is concerned, it is in their care where most variation concerning sexes comes into play. For example, with proper diet and appropriate UVB lighting coupled with habitat, the two genders can live for 10 to 15 years more or so.
Housing Requirement
Males should be separated from each other since they can become aggressive, not only to the other male but even to a female at times when it is not breeding season. Females, however, can tolerate being kept together and observation is needed to make sure that stress does not dominate or that a bully emerges.
Which gender to choose?
Mostly, the determination of choosing a male or a female bearded dragon should depend on personal preference as determined by what gender is easier to be taken care of. To illustrate, males require so much space because of the territoriality. Females might also require special care after the female bearded dragon will lay eggs. Nonetheless, females are a bit tame, especially for new reptile owners who tend to have a rather tame pet.
Conclusion
The right care and healthy happy life of your pet are what define a difference between a male and female bearded dragon. Even though they look extremely alike, they differ on small grounds, mainly when it comes to the physical aspects, behavior, and even in terms of the needs in care. The bearded dragons for both the sexes make an excellent pet to keep you company and to give you interesting interaction.
FAQs
1. How to determine whether my bearded dragon is male or female?
The sex can be determined from the external features such as hemipenal bulges, femoral pores, and also size. One can take advice from a vet or an experienced breeder also.
2. Which gender of bearded dragons makes a better pet?
No issue; females and males are excellent pets. Males are very territorial, and females would require special care during the egg-laying season.
3. Can two male bearded dragons be kept together?
No, it is not advisable to keep two males because they are highly territorial, and they might fight with each other.
4. Do female bearded dragons lay eggs without a male?
Yes, females do lay eggs even without the male mating with them. They could lay infertile eggs.
5. What behavior does the male and female demonstrate during the breeding season?
They'll be very active, dominantly showing head bobbing and beard puffing behaviors while females may show nesting or digging.