Very little is known about the development of the ability to squirt blood in young lizards. Scientists have focused their studies of this strange behavior on adult horned lizards. However, we do know that this behavior, as well as the other defense mechanisms, are not learned behaviors, but are genetically programmed defense mechanisms.

a mother and her eggs [15]

    Horned lizards provide no parental care for their young. Some species, primarily those that live in colder, higher altitude environments, give birth to live young, while other species bury their eggs in the sand. Immediately upon birth or hatching, the young burrow into the sand and are left to their own resources for survival. Once they emerge from the sand, the young begin to hunt for their own food and are at risk of predation. The young are born with obvious cranial horns, though there bodies remain relatively smooth for some time. It is not clear at what age the young develop the ability to squirt blood as a means of defense, but by the age of two they reach young adulthood and by three are fully grown.  [6]

babyliz [10]    mom and newborn [2] another baby [3]