Male or Female? 3 Easy Ways to Check Your Bearded Dragon’s Gender

So, you’ve got a bearded dragon, but you’re stuck in the ultimate pet mystery: is it a he or a she? Unlike dogs or cats, bearded dragons don’t exactly make it obvious.

But with a few easy tricks, you can finally settle the debate—and maybe even stop calling your ‘boy’ Bella.

Check for Hemipenal Bulges

This is the easiest way to tell if your bearded dragon is a boy or a girl. Males have two bulges under their tail. Females have one or none.

I remember checking my first bearded dragon, Spike. I was nervous, but he didn’t seem to mind. Here’s how you can do it too!

How to Check

1. Gently pick up your dragon – Make sure they’re calm.
2. Lift the tail slightly – About a 45-degree angle is enough.
3. Look at the base of the tail – Right above the vent (the opening on their belly).
4. Check for bulges – Two means male, one or none means female.

What to Look For

Gender	Bulges Under Tail
Male	Two distinct bulges
Female	One or no bulge

Pro Tips

• Good lighting helps a lot!
• Don’t bend the tail too far—it should never feel forced.
• If your dragon is young, the bulges may not be obvious yet.

The first time I checked my female dragon, Luna, I was sure she was a male. Turns out, I just needed better lighting! If you’re unsure, try again in a few weeks.

Look at the Femoral Pores

Femoral pores are tiny openings on your bearded dragon’s back legs. They release a waxy substance used for marking territory. Both males and females have them, but there’s a big difference in size.

How to Find Femoral Pores

1. Gently place your dragon on a flat surface.
2. Lift one of the back legs slightly.
3. Look at the row of small dots running along the underside of the thigh.

Ready to learn more about Bearded Dragon? This post will give you fresh insights! How Old Is Your Bearded Dragon In Human Age?

Male vs. Female Femoral Pores

Feature	Male Bearded Dragon	Female Bearded Dragon
Pore Size	Large, very noticeable	Small, barely visible
Texture	Raised, waxy buildup	Smooth, little to no buildup
Scent Marking	Active scent marking	Minimal scent marking

My First Time Checking Femoral Pores

I remember the first time I tried this. My dragon, Spike, was not a fan of me poking around his legs. He gave me the ultimate stink-eye. But once I saw those huge pores, I knew—definitely a boy!

Tips for Checking Pores

• Good lighting helps! Natural sunlight or a flashlight works best.
• Don’t press too hard—just a gentle lift of the leg.
• If pores look in-between, your dragon might still be young.

Femoral pores are one of the easiest ways to tell gender. Just don’t be surprised if your dragon looks at you like, “Excuse me? What are you doing?”

Examine the Tail Base and Body Shape

This method takes a little practice, but once you know what to look for, it’s pretty simple.

Tail Base Differences

Males and females have slight differences in their tail base.

• Males: Thicker and wider at the base
• Females: Smoother and more slender

If your dragon is young, this might not be obvious yet. But as they grow, the difference becomes clearer.

Body Shape Clues

Males and females can have slightly different body shapes too.

Feature	Male	Female
Head Size	Larger, more angular	Smaller, rounder
Body Build	Muscular, leaner	Rounder, softer

I once thought my dragon, Spike, was a boy because of his spiky attitude. Turns out, “he” was a girl! Her rounder belly gave it away as she got older.

Pro Tip: Look from the Side

Sometimes, looking at your dragon from the side makes these differences easier to spot. A male’s body tapers slightly more, while a female may look fuller.

Still unsure? Don’t worry. Keep checking as your dragon grows!

If Bearded Dragon piqued your interest, this article will take you even further. Why Isn’t My Bearded Dragon Growing? [Growth Chart]

Bonus Tip: The Flashlight Method

Want a cool trick to check your bearded dragon’s gender? Try the flashlight method! It’s like a mini science experiment with your pet.

How It Works

This method helps you see hidden features under your dragon’s skin. Males have two hemipenal bulges, and females don’t. A flashlight can reveal them in seconds.

What You Need

• A small, bright flashlight
• A calm bearded dragon
• A dark room for better visibility

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Hold your dragon gently. Make sure they’re comfortable.
2. Lift the tail slightly—don’t bend it too far!
3. Place the flashlight under the base of the tail.
4. Look at the top side.
   • Two long shadows? Congrats, it’s a male!
   • One or no shadow? You’ve got a female.

Pro Tips

• This works best on older dragons. Young ones might not show clear shadows yet.
• Use a LED flashlight for the best results.
• Be patient—some dragons wiggle a lot!

I tried this on my dragon, Spike. He squirmed at first, but after a few treats, he let me check. Sure enough, two bulges! Now I know for sure he’s a little dude.

If you’re still unsure, no worries. A vet can always help confirm.