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I have a 1 year old female that has developed a black beard overnight. Now she is running around in her cage like a chicken with it's head cut off. I had her on my shoulder for a while and she kept jumping off (6') onto the floor and running off. Also, as we wanted a male, female pair, we got a young male for her. He is avoiding her and hiding while she sits on the climbing rock. Any idea what is happening ? Is she in heat ? or is she a he ?

Thanks, Conrad
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Peace through Strength
War through Weakness
Defeat through Kerry (like Johnson)

Some females will act just like males if they are trying to dominate another dragon. If she is bigger than him and is used to being alone I have seen them get black beards, head bob, stomp their feet and even mount the male from behind. They shouldn't be kept together as it would be too stressful for them both.

Mike
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

I agree with Mike. Your female is showing dominant behavior. I also have seen a female mount a male, to the point where I thought the male was the female and vice versa. It could indeed be possible that the female is a male. I wouldn't keep them together, nor introduce them until the male gets a little older (you said that he is a lot smaller than her). Also, a 6' jumps pretty high, keep her a little closer to the ground when she is in those kind of dominant moods (which I'm sure you already knew!!)

David - KDRKreatures

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David and Kevin

KDRKreatures.com
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My daughter gave Fatty a shower and we moved the male into another cage. Fatty is back to her old self now. She is calm and happy now and her beard has returned to is old orange color.

I was wondering if Fatty may be ready to breed with a dominate male. What do you think.

Thanks, Conrad
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Peace through Strength
War through Weakness
Defeat through Kerry (like Johnson)

If Fatty is only 1 year I would wait 6-8 months. It would be healthier for her. She is sexually ready but physically needs to use her nutrition for devloping still. Clutches will be much bigger and she will handle it better if you wait.

Mike
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

>>If Fatty is only 1 year I would wait 6-8 months. It would be healthier for her. She is sexually ready but physically needs to use her nutrition for devloping still. Clutches will be much bigger and she will handle it better if you wait.
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>>Mike
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Thanks for your advice. I have put a divider in my 55 gal tank so Fatty and George are seperated now. Fatty has calmed down now and her beard has returned to it's normal orange color.

Conrad
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Peace through Strength
War through Weakness
Defeat through Kerry (like Johnson)