Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hello,

well, i finally have a new cage set up with the lights and temps on target. i have decided to get a beardie to add to the family and have a couple questions that i was hoping you all could help with...

first, just wondering between the difference in regular beardies and leatherbacks? is it just a difference in the texture of the spines on the back? any difference in temperment? size? ect...

next, just wondering about the differences in sex. as i understand it, the males are larger. anything else? temperment?

i'm just trying to get a little more info before i decide on a new pet. thanks

jonathan

Leatherbacks have reduced to no scales on their backs, giving it a smooth leathery feel. The sides, stomach, legs and tail I believe, all have normal scales.

There is little difference in temperament between sexes. Males are more territorial once they reach sexual maturity than most females (though females can be territorial too). Not really an issue if you have only one dragon or house all dragons alone.

Males do get heavier and tend to be a bit bigger overall, with larger heads, than females, but there is variation in this among individual males.

The only real difference in the sex is females can be a bit more work due to their tendency to lay infertile clutches, even if they never seen a male in their life. Not all females produce infertile eggs, but some do quite regularly once they are old enough. With proper preparation and setup, this typically isn't a problem..but does require a bit more work...and the possibility of egg binding. Males, of course don't have this issue.
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PHLdyPayne

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