How to Stop Glass Surfing in Bearded Dragons

Glass surfing, a common behavior in bearded dragons, can be distressing for both the reptile and its owner. To prevent this, ensure a proper habitat with ample stimulation, maintain consistent lighting and temperature, and provide mental enrichment through toys and hiding spots.

With proper care, glass surfing in your bearded dragon can be reduced or eliminated. Read on to learn more about how to stop glass surfing in your beardie!

 

Understand What Causes Glass Surfing

Glass surfing is a behavior commonly observed in captive bearded dragons. It refers to the act of the bearded dragon repeatedly and anxiously running or scratching against the walls or floor of its enclosure, typically the glass sides. Several factors can contribute to glass surfing in bearded dragons:

1. Reflections: Bearded dragons have a keen sense of sight and may interpret their reflection in the glass as another bearded dragon. They may display territorial behavior and attempt to establish dominance by glass surfing.

2. Enclosure size: Inadequate enclosure size can lead to glass surfing. If the enclosure is too small, the bearded dragon may feel confined and attempt to escape by repeatedly running along the glass walls.

3. Boredom or lack of stimulation: Bearded dragons require mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and engaged. If their enclosure lacks environmental enrichment, such as hiding spots, climbing structures, or toys, they may become bored or restless, leading to glass surfing.

4. Improper temperature or lighting: Bearded dragons are ectothermic reptiles, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. If the temperature gradient within their enclosure is incorrect or there are issues with lighting (such as insufficient UVB exposure), they may exhibit glass surfing in an attempt to find the right temperature or proper lighting conditions.

5. Stress or anxiety: Various stressors can trigger glass surfing in bearded dragons. Changes in their environment, such as relocation, the introduction of new tank mates, loud noises, or excessive handling, can induce stress and result in glass surfing.

6. Breeding season: During the breeding season or when sexually frustrated, male bearded dragons may display glass surfing behavior as a means of seeking a mate or responding to pheromones.

To address glass surfing in bearded dragons, it is essential to evaluate and address potential underlying causes.

 

 

Creating a Suitable Habitat to Discourage Glass Surfing

Glass surfing is not only distressing for the bearded dragon but also worrying for pet owners. It can lead to health issues such as heightened stress levels, exhaustion, and even physical injuries. Therefore, it’s crucial to create a suitable habitat that discourages glass surfing in bearded dragons. Here are some tips to help you out.

 

Opt For an Appropriate Size Enclosure

Bearded dragons require adequate space to move around freely. A small enclosure can cause them to feel trapped which can lead to glass surfing. As a rule of thumb, the enclosure should be at least 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet tall for one adult bearded dragon. If you keep more than one, add an extra 2 feet to the length.

 

Choose the Right Substrate

The substrate is the material covering the floor of the enclosure. Avoid using loose substrates such as sand, gravel, and wood chips as they can cause impaction if ingested. Instead, use non-adhesive shelf liners, paper towels, or reptile carpets.

 

Provide Hiding Spots

Bearded dragons need hiding spots to retreat to when they feel threatened or stressed. Place a few hiding spots in the enclosure such as rocks, logs, and caves. Hiding spots provide a sense of security and privacy which can discourage glass surfing.

 

Create a Basking Area

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals and require a basking area to regulate their body temperature. The basking area should have a heat lamp that will provide a warm spot of around 100°F to 110°F. The cool side of the enclosure should be around 80°F to 90°F. A proper temperature gradient will keep them comfortable and discourage glass surfing.

 

Provide a Water Dish

Bearded dragons require access to fresh water at all times. Place a shallow water dish in the enclosure and change the water daily. Ensure that the water dish is not too deep as bearded dragons can drown. Add water-based decorations such as floating plants and rocks to stimulate their interest in the dish.

 

Enrich the Environment

Bearded dragons need plenty of stimulation to stay healthy and active. As such, the enclosure should be enriched with toys, climbing structures, and other items that will keep them mentally engaged. Place foraging mats filled with vegetables and insects in various spots around the enclosure to encourage natural behaviors as well.

 

Provide Mental Stimulation and Physical Exercise

If you’re a bearded dragon owner, you may have noticed your pet engaging in glass surfing – a behavior where they repeatedly run up and down the glass walls of their enclosure. This can be a sign of boredom or stress, and it’s important to provide mental stimulation and physical exercise to prevent it. Here are some tips for stopping glass surfing in bearded dragons:

• Enrichment activities: Provide your bearded dragon with things to do and explore in their enclosure. This can include hiding places, branches to climb on, and toys to play with. You can also place food in different areas of the enclosure to encourage them to move around and forage.

• Outdoor time: If weather permits, take your bearded dragon outside for some natural sunlight and fresh air. They can explore new surroundings and get some exercise at the same time.

• Playtime: Interactive playtime with your bearded dragon can be a great way to keep them mentally stimulated. You can use toys to play games of fetch or hide-and-seek.

• Vary their diet: Offer a variety of foods to keep your bearded dragon interested in their meals. This can include live insects, vegetables, and fruits.

• A larger enclosure: Consider upgrading your bearded dragon’s enclosure to a larger size. This will give them more space to explore and exercise.

• Interact with your bearded dragon: Spend quality time with your reptile through gentle handling and socialization. Bearded dragons can form bonds with their owners and enjoy gentle interactions. However, always ensure you handle them appropriately and respect their boundaries.

Remember, keeping your bearded dragon mentally stimulated and physically active is key to preventing glass surfing. By implementing these tips, you can help ensure your pet remains happy and healthy.

 

Limit Access to the Glass Surface of the Enclosure

Limit access to the glass surface of the enclosure to reduce the chances of glass surfing. This can be done by placing a plastic sheet or screen over the outside part of the enclosure, covering the sides with decorative paper or tape, or placing furniture against the walls.

You can also try using an opaque background to make it harder for your bearded dragon to see reflections in the glass. If you decide to go with a screen or plastic sheet, make sure there are no gaps between it and the walls of the enclosure, as this can provide an escape route for your pet.

Additionally, keep other objects away from the walls of the enclosure that may encourage climbing or running against them. Finally, try adding other visual barriers, such as tall plants or shelves, to the enclosure to distract your bearded dragon from glass surfing. With these simple tips, you can make a significant difference in reducing glass surfing in your pet!

 

Monitoring Health and Behavioral Changes in Your Dragon to Prevent Glass Surfing

Monitoring the health and behavioral changes in your bearded dragon pet is crucial for ensuring its well-being and preventing issues like glass surfing. Here are some tips to help you monitor your bearded dragon’s health and behavior:

• Regularly observe your bearded dragon: Spend time observing your pet’s behavior daily. Look for any unusual actions, changes in eating habits, or signs of distress.

• Maintain a proper environment: Ensure that the enclosure is set up correctly. Provide a suitable temperature gradient, appropriate UV lighting, a comfortable hiding spot, and a clean, spacious area for your bearded dragon to roam.

• Monitor eating habits: Keep track of your bearded dragon’s appetite. Changes in eating patterns, such as reduced appetite or refusal to eat, could indicate health issues. Make sure to provide a varied diet consisting of appropriate vegetables, fruits, and live insects.

• Check for signs of illness: Be aware of common signs of illness in bearded dragons, including lethargy, weight loss, abnormal stool, mucus discharge from the mouth or nose, or swollen limbs. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a reptile veterinarian.

• Maintain proper humidity and hydration: Bearded dragons require specific humidity levels and access to fresh water. Monitor the humidity in the enclosure using a hygrometer and ensure your pet has access to a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking.

• Maintain a clean enclosure: Regularly clean and disinfect the enclosure to prevent the buildup of bacteria or parasites that could affect your bearded dragon’s health.

• Regular veterinary check-ups: Schedule routine check-ups with a reptile-savvy veterinarian to ensure your bearded dragon receives proper care.

Remember, every bearded dragon is unique, so it’s important to become familiar with your specific pet’s normal behavior and appearance. Early detection of health or behavioral changes can significantly improve your bearded dragon’s overall well-being.

 

Provide Regular Veterinary Care for Your Bearded Dragon

Regular veterinary care is essential for the overall health and well-being of your bearded dragon pet. You should take your bearded dragon to a reptile-savvy veterinarian at least once a year for check-ups, and more often if needed.

During these visits, the vet will examine your pet for any signs of illness or parasites that could be causing glass surfing behavior. The vet will also provide advice and guidance on how to create a suitable environment for your bearded dragon, as well as tips on proper feeding and hydration.

They can also provide assistance with any behavioral issues such as glass surfing, or offer recommendations on enrichment activities to keep your pet engaged and entertained. Regular veterinary care is key to promoting a long and healthy life for your beloved beardie.

 

In Conclusion

Glass surfing in bearded dragons is a behavioral issue that can be caused by various factors. To prevent glass surfing, it is essential to create suitable habitats, provide enrichment activities and physical exercise, and monitor for any health or behavioral changes.

Regular veterinary care is also necessary for the overall well-being of your pet. With these tips, you’ll be able to ensure a happy and healthy life for your beloved bearded dragon.