Black beard

[kaska798]

I see talk about black bearding. I'm new to owning a BD. Can someone explain what this is to me? Is it bad?

 

[Stres]

I see talk about black bearding. I'm new to owning a BD. Can someone explain what this is to me? Is it bad?

From what iv read it's generally when they are feeling stressed, more noticeable in males but females will also show it just not as dark.
I think makes will also show it when trying to mate with a female.

I'm currently noticing my male displaying it whilst out of the vivarium when he's exploring my lounge which is strange as when he is on the couch or sat on me he seems fine, but after 5 minutes of running around his beard will go black for no apparent reason, then after being back on the couch for a few minutes it will disappear ?

 

[SHBailey]

Maybe when he's prowling around he feels the need to do his big bad macho dragon routine so he can defend his territory? Then settles back down when he's back in his little safe space?

(Just a wild guess.)

It is also my understanding that a black beard can mean that they're stressed or in pain, but it can also mean that they're trying to either intimidate someone or impress the ladies. We humans get to try and figure which is which :?

 

[Stres]

Maybe when he's prowling around he feels the need to do his big bad macho dragon routine so he can defend his territory? Then settles back down when he's back in his little safe space?

(Just a wild guess.)

He does do some head bobbing whilst he's walking around and there's no reflections at his height or any other animals in the house so you may be onto something thanks, I'll stop stressing so much over it.