Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I purchased a baby bd female, and is about 12" now and started showing signs of a black beard outside today. Does a little bit of black beard mean shes a male? Thanks

Not always... some females will black beard when disturbed/frightened.

At twelve inches the hemepenes should be visible if you lift up on the base of the tail.

Females have no division there. Also the pores running along the leg are more pronounced in males as well typically.

Try checking those things out also.

Here's a good description

http://www.dachiu.com/beardeddragoncare/sexingdragons.html

both males and females can blacken their beards. Males will have much more black covering a wider area of the throat/neck area than a female. They will blacken their beards when stressed, nervous, territorial displays as well as in breeding behavior.
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PHLdyPayne