Behavioral Signs of Sexual Maturity?

[LynnSnow]

I have a nearly two year old male beardie. I usually let him run about my room during the day (I've dragon-proofed my room :lol: ), but recently it's been getting a little harder to let him have free-range.

He's always had a tendency to scratch on the glass and bump his nose on it to get my attention in the morning (when I show signs of movement; his tank is practically at the foot of my bed), but recently it's been getting a little ridiculous. He gets very light and bright-colored and his beard turns entirely black until I let him out. He then runs around my room very energetically, stopping every so often to puff himself up. If I move toward him at all, he gapes threateningly.

This is all very, VERY strange behavior for him, since I've handled him practically every day since he was three weeks old. He's usually the sort to look for a shoulder or a chest to cuddle on and enjoys lazily perching on the windowsill to view his domain.

I'm assuming this is sexual frustration, considering the time of year and the territorial behavior. Am I correct in guessing so?

 

[runningguy]

I'm wondering the same thing. My dragon is only 11 months old but he has been standing on his rock or on top of his hide log and puffing out his beard which has become darker. He doesn't want out of the cage though. When I try to handle him he runs and today he puffed up at me. This was right after I found him burying his head in the sand in his cage. I checked the temp with a temp gun and it was only 89 degrees where he was at so he wasn't too hot.I figure he is starting to mature and all this is normal.

 

[n00bness]

I'm also worried about behavior changes in my male, Jaeger. He had always puffed up at my father and guards his logs and rocks, but now he runs away, spooks easy, and arm waves. Is this normal or is there a problem?

 

[ChellyBeans]

Your beardie is just hormonal. It's breeding season and their bodies are telling them to hunt for women. It's really no offense to you and my 9 month male has got it the worst since he has the hots for my female.

Just give them time. It may take them a while to get over it, but it is just a part of a beardie's life.