Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a female bearded (yes, 100% female proven breeder) that has taken up head bobbing and fighting with her male cagemate. There have never been any problems between the two, but in the last few days, she has started bobbing her head and chasing HIM around the cage. So much so that she had to be removed and put by herself to keep from hurting him.

I know that females can become agressive (as in all species), but is it normal for her to take on the attributes of a male? Flaring up, darkening of the beard, extreme head bobbing, etc. If I hadn't witnessed the laying of fertile eggs myself (not to mention the lack of hemipenal bulges), I'd swear she was an aggressive breeder male.

Any ideas or suggestions? I'm baffled. She is a top notch, beautiful breeder. I'd hate to see her unable to produce a second clutch of offspring.

You did the right thing by seperating them as it could get nasty fast. She might just need a break! Her way of telling him to back off is by displaying to him.

When Ariel was still alive and her and Sydney were housed together (both females), when breeding season came around, Syd starting acting just like a male. Beard turning black, puffing up, head bobbing and even trying to mount Ariel!LOL Fortunately for me there was no agression, just breeding behaviors. if you see biting, head butting or severe dominance it is always a good idea to seperate, then to be sorry.

I would say try seperating them for a week or so and then try reintroducing them. Goodluck! LindsayMarie
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