Bearded dragons have become incredibly popular pets in recent years. Their calm and friendly personalities combined with their unique looks make them very appealing reptiles to keep. When getting a bearded dragon, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a male or a female. There are some notable differences between the two sexes that impact their suitability as pets. This article will examine the key factors to consider when choosing between a male or female bearded dragon for a pet.
Size Differences
One of the most noticeable differences between male and female bearded dragons is their size. Males tend to be significantly larger than females. An adult male can reach up to 24 inches long from head to tail. Females are quite a bit smaller, growing to about 20 inches maximum.
This size difference occurs because males need additional bulk to establish dominance over other males when breeding. The larger size of males can make them more challenging to handle and house. Very large males may be too big for smaller terrariums. Their heavier weight also means they can’t climb branches and wood decor as easily as lighter females can.
If space is an issue, a female or juvenile male may be a better choice. However, if you enjoy the imposing appearance of a larger lizard, an adult male would be ideal. Just make sure you have a large enough terrarium and sturdy decor/furniture that can handle their size.
Aggression
Male bearded dragons are generally more aggressive than females. High testosterone levels cause male dragons to be territorial. They will bob their heads and puff out their beards to warn off any perceived threats. This natural aggression can make males more likely to bite when being handled, especially during breeding season.
Females tend to have more docile personalities than males. They are less prone to defensively biting or displaying territorial behaviors. This can make females a better choice for families with small children who want a friendlier pet lizard. However, individual personality plays a role as well, even among females.
If getting a male dragon, it’s best to select one that was socialized early on to become comfortable with handling. Picking one that has calmed down after reaching adulthood can also increase your chances of getting a gentle male pet.
Appearance
Male and female bearded dragons display some subtle differences in their physical appearance beyond just size:
– Head size – Males have larger, broader heads than females. Their more muscular necks and jowls give them a stockier look.
– Bearded display – Male dragons typically have more pronounced black beards underneath their throats. They can flare these out to appear more imposing.
– Tail base – Males will have enlarged scales at the base of their tails to house hemipenes for mating. This gives them a bumpier look from above.
– Coloration – Males often have more vivid coloration, especially yellows and reds. However, females may show brighter colors when gravid (carrying eggs).
– Claws – Males tend to have longer, sharper claws for grasping females during breeding.
The more vivid colors and imposing looks of adult male dragons appeals to some owners. But females and juveniles have attractive appearances as well, often with finer scaly features. Females’ smaller size can also be endearing to pet owners.
Behavioral Differences
In addition to varied aggression levels, male and female bearded dragons exhibit some other behavioral differences as well:
– Activity level – Males are often more active, exploring their enclosures more frequently. Females typically move at a more leisurely pace.
– Social tendencies – Males may be more inclined to challenge or nip at other dragons asserting dominance. Females are usually less confrontational.
– Handling reactions – Males can become overly excited by handling, especially during breeding season. Females tend to remain calmer.
– Communication – Males bob their heads up and down frequently to communicate with other dragons. Females rarely do.
So in general, females exhibit more laid-back behaviors that make them easier pets to care for. But active, exploratory males can be fun to interact with as well. Watching a male dragon’s rituals like head bobbing adds interest for some owners too.
Breeding and Egg Laying
The key advantage to getting a female bearded dragon is the ability to breed her and produce eggs. However, this process does come with some complications to consider:
– Breeding stress – Females may become stressed or aggressive while pairing with a male and laying multiple clutches. Not all females readily breed each season either.
– Diet – Breeding and egg production requires extra calcium and protein in the diet. Without proper supplements, females can develop metabolic bone disease.
– Egg binding – Difficulty passing a clutch is a life-threatening risk requiring emergency vet assistance. It occurs more frequently in older females.
– Infertility – Not all female dragons reliably produce fertile, viable eggs after breeding and ovipositing.
– Clutch loss – Even with successful fertilization, entire clutches are often lost to causes like improper incubation. Hatch rates below 50% are common.
If you want to breed bearded dragons, it takes patience and dedication to be successful. The breeder must invest in proper setups for breeding pairs and egg incubation too. Casual pet owners should think twice before getting a female solely for breeding purposes.
Males are infertile, so you don’t have to worry about any complications from breeding and laying eggs with them. This makes males easier to care for as simple pets. You also avoid the ethical concerns of recklessly breeding more baby dragons that may not find good homes.
Lifespan Differences
Female bearded dragons generally live slightly longer than males on average. Exact lifespan ranges are still being researched for the species. But current estimates are:
– Females – Up to 10 years when optimally cared for.
– Males – Up to 8 years in captivity on average based on current data.
The increased size and muscle mass of males puts more strain on their bodies over time. Breeding stress on males may also contribute to shorter lifespans.
However, these lifespan ranges are based on averages only. With attentive care, some male dragons live long lives comparable to females. Genetics impacts longevity as well. So there’s no guarantee a female will outlive a particular male when comparing individual pets.
If your goal is to have a bearded dragon for as many years as possible though, the odds may be slightly in favor of getting a female. Just be sure to have a proper setup and diet to support your female’s health into old age.
Ease of Care
When it comes to the basic care requirements of bearded dragons, there isn’t much difference between the sexes. Both males and females need:
– A adequately sized terrarium (minimum 75 gallons for an adult).
– Proper heating from overhead basking bulbs and an under tank heater.
– UVB lighting for calcium metabolism.
– A varied diet of vegetables, insects, and calcium/vitamin supplements.
– Substrates that hold heat and allow for burrowing, like reptile carpet or sand.
– Hides, branches, and rocks for ample basking and exploration.
– Regular handling to socialize and exercise them.
– Attention to their growth and health with vet checkups.
However, female dragons do need some specialized care during breeding and egg laying periods:
– Maintaining optimal nesting sites to encourage ovipositing.
– Providing a laying bin with appropriate substrate when ready to deposit eggs.
– Extra calcium/vitamin D3 supplements pre- and post-laying to support egg health.
– More frequent health monitoring for signs of egg binding complications.
So outside of breeding responsibilities, female bearded dragon husbandry is comparable to males. But good breeders may spend extra time managing their environment and diet.
Cost Differences
In most cases, purchasing a baby or juvenile bearded dragon is fairly affordable, ranging from $30 to $100 online or from breeders. Adult dragons are more expensive at over $100 and up to $500 for rare color morphs from breeders.
At these initial purchase prices, male and female dragons are typically the same cost. But differences arise in the expenses of care and equipment over time:
– Larger enclosure – Adult males may require a bigger terrarium, increasing habitat costs.
– More food – Bigger males eat more insects and vegetables, adding to dietary expenses.
– Reproductive supplies – Breeding and egg incubating equipment adds major costs for female owners.
– Vet bills – Egg binding and other breeding complications increase chances of expensive vet visits.
So while female and male dragons are similar in price to purchase, females often cost more to properly care for long term. The extra expenses of breeding must be factored in as well if you want to become a bearded dragon breeder.
Temperament Considerations
As discussed earlier, female bearded dragons tend to have calmer, more docile temperaments. Their smaller size and energy levels make them a bit easier to handle day-to-day as well. These traits often appeal to first-time reptile owners or families with young kids.
Males can be a bit more challenging – they are faster moving, more alert, and often more nippy when threatened. But for a committed reptile lover used to confidence building and training techniques, a male can still become a very tame and interactive pet over time.
Here are a few key tips for evaluating temperament when choosing a baby or juvenile dragon as a pet:
– Observe its activity level in the terrarium before handling. Lethargic or hyperactive babies may have health issues.
– Let them walk from hand to hand to gauge comfort level around people.
– Approach from the front vs above to avoid triggering biting instincts.
– Lift gently underneath the abdomen for support rather than grabbing at them.
– Start handling daily once settled into their new home to build docility.
With routine gentle handling using these methods, even female and male babies with more active dispositions often mellow into great pets with time.
Conclusion
So which is better – a male or female bearded dragon for a pet? There are good reasons for choosing either sex.
Females tend to be the calmer choice that stays smaller in size. They live a bit longer as well. But males can still make very enjoyable pets for dedicated owners willing to put in extra handling and training.
Here are some final quick pros and cons to help decide between male and female bearded dragons as pets:
Female Bearded Dragon Pros
- Smaller adult size around 20 inches
- Peaceful temperament
- Less aggressive behaviors
- Ability to breed and produce eggs
- Longer average lifespan over 10 years
- Bright colors when gravid
Female Bearded Dragon Cons
- Can deal with breeding stress and egg-related health issues
- Higher long-term costs of reproductive care and vet visits
- May need supplemental UVB lighting
- Less active and alert than males
Male Bearded Dragon Pros
- Vivid masculine coloring from yellows to reds
- Entertaining rituals like head bobbing
- Active exploratory behaviors
- Visually imposing adult size around 24 inches
- No breeding or egg laying to manage
Male Bearded Dragon Cons
- Larger size requires extra space and stronger furnishings
- Aggressive tendencies, especially during breeding season
- Higher food costs to feed larger appetite
- Shorter lifespan, up to 8 years on average
- More handling required when young to build docility
In the end, either sex can make an excellent pet bearded dragon for the properly prepared owner. Females tend to be the easiest choices for beginners, but confident handlers can succeed with males too. Consider your own experience level, space constraints, and desired traits to pick the bearded dragon gender that best fits your situation!
