Wait until the bearded dragon is at least 6 to 8 months old for more reliable sexing
Check the tail base for hemipenal bulges
Look for two bulges at the base of the tail for a male
Look for a flatter or single central bulge for a female
Hold the dragon with the tail gently lifted and the underside facing you
Shine a bright light through the tail base from behind to help reveal bulges
Compare the size of the head and jowls
Look for a broader head and thicker jowls for a male
Look for a smaller head and slimmer jowls for a female
Check the femoral pores on the underside of the thighs
Look for larger, more pronounced femoral pores for a male
Look for smaller, less visible femoral pores for a female
Observe behavior during breeding season
Look for head bobbing and arm waving patterns, which are not definitive alone
Use a veterinarian or experienced breeder for confirmation if unsure
Avoid sexing very young juveniles by appearance alone
Use multiple traits together instead of relying on one sign only