Bearded dragons can sometimes exhibit a behavior called glass surfing, where they pace back and forth along the glass walls of their enclosure as if trying to escape.
Glass surfing can be a concerning behavior for owners, but luckily there are steps you can take to help stop your bearded dragon from glass surfing. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of glass surfing and how to prevent your bearded dragon from engaging in this behavior.
Glass surfing can be caused by a few different factors, such as your bearded dragon feeling stressed or bored, or even just an attempt to get their owner’s attention. Whatever the cause, it’s important to address the issue and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
The first step is to make sure your bearded dragon’s enclosure is large and stimulating enough for them. This means providing plenty of space, with a variety of items such as branches, rocks, and other accessories for them to explore.
Additionally, make sure that their environment is the correct temperature and humidity, and that their diet is varied and nutritious.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Glass Surf?
Bearded dragons glass surf for a variety of reasons, including temperature and humidity regulation, the reflection of their environment, and escape. The high temperatures and humidity levels in their natural habitat can cause a bearded dragon to seek out a cooler surface to regulate their body temperature, such as a glass window.
The reflection of the glass also allows the dragon to survey its surroundings before venturing out. Lastly, the glass provides a barrier that may help a dragon feel more secure, enabling them to explore the environment without fear of being attacked.
Temperatures and Humidity
Another factor to consider when answering the question, ‘Why do bearded dragons glass surf?’ is the impact of temperature and humidity. Glass surfing can be an indicator of an attempt to regulate their environment, particularly in the case of an enclosure with temperature and humidity issues.
For instance, bearded dragons often glass surf when the ambient air temperature is too low or too high for their comfort. Additionally, if the humidity is too high or too low, they may display this behavior as a response. To ensure your pet is content and healthy, it is important to monitor the temperature and humidity of their enclosure.
A few key points to remember in regard to temperature and humidity control are:
- Temperature: The basking area should have a temperature of 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit and the cool side should be 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The basking area should have a temperature gradient (cool end to hot end) to allow the dragon to move and self-regulate their body temperature.
- A thermometer and/or thermometer gun should be used to determine the temperature accurately.
- Humidity: The humidity should remain between 30-50% at all times.
- A hygrometer should be used to determine the humidity accurately.
- Misting the enclosure (2-3 times a day) and providing a humid hide can help maintain proper humidity levels.
Ultimately, it is important to ensure the temperature and humidity levels within the enclosure are within the recommended ranges to ensure your pet’s health and well-being.
Reflection
In addition to temperature and humidity changes, another potential cause of glass surfing is the reflection of the bearded dragon in the glass.
While this is not a definitive answer, it is possible that bearded dragons glass surf due to the reflection they see when they approach the glass. When a bearded dragon sees its reflection, it may interpret it as another dragon and become agitated, resulting in glass surfing behavior.
Bearded dragons may also be attempting to interact with their own reflection. This behavior can manifest itself as a type of play, as bearded dragons may try to touch their reflection or make other movements in an attempt to communicate with the “other dragon.”
This behavior may also be due to stress, as the bearded dragon may be trying to find a way to interact with another dragon when none is present.
Below are some potential causes of glass surfing prompted by reflections:
- Agitation due to perceiving another dragon
- Attempts to interact with the reflection
- Playful behavior
- Stress relief
Escape
As previously mentioned, bearded dragons can engage in a peculiar behavior known as “glass surfing”. There are various potential causes for this behavior, such as temperature or humidity issues, seeing their reflection, or even boredom or stress. Another cause, however, is that bearded dragons may be attempting to escape.
It is not uncommon for bearded dragons to attempt to escape their enclosures, even if they are adequately provided for. In some cases, they may even attempt to climb the walls of their enclosures, resulting in their eventual “glass surfing”.
For this reason, it is important to ensure that all enclosures are adequately secured to prevent the bearded dragon from escaping.
When constructing their enclosures, it is also important to consider what type of material should be used. Some materials, such as glass, are particularly difficult for bearded dragons to climb.
This can help to reduce the risk of the dragon attempting to escape. Additionally, it is important to consider the size of the enclosure. Bearded dragons need enough space to move and explore, and an enclosure that is too small can create feelings of confinement and stress.
The following list outlines the key considerations for preventing bearded dragons from escaping:
- Secure Locking Mechanism: Choose an enclosure with a secure locking mechanism that cannot be easily bypassed by the bearded dragon.
- Material: Select an enclosure that is made of a material that is difficult to climb, such as glass.
- Size: Select an enclosure that is large enough for the dragon to move and explore freely.
By following these guidelines, it is possible to reduce the risk of your bearded dragon attempting to escape, and thus reduce the likelihood of them engaging in “glass surfing”.
How to Stop Glass Surfing?
To stop glass surfing, it is important to provide a large enclosure for the reptile. This helps them to feel secure and thus reduces their stress levels. Once you have done that, place branches and rocks inside the enclosure to give them something to climb and explore.
This will help to keep them active and provide stimulation. Lastly, decrease stress by providing a comfortable environment and ensuring that all their needs are met.
Provide Large Enclosure
It is important to understand that glass surfing is a sign of stress in bearded dragons. In order to prevent glass surfing, it is important to provide a large enclosure. A large enclosure can help decrease stress and provide ample space for your bearded dragon to roam and explore.
Here are some tips on how to provide a large enclosure for your bearded dragon:
| Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Choose an enclosure that is at least 4-5 times the length of your bearded dragon | This will allow them to have sufficient space to move around and explore |
| Fill the enclosure with branches and rocks | This will provide a natural environment for your bearded dragon to explore and climb on |
Furthermore, it is important to provide plenty of enrichment for your bearded dragon. Some enrichment activities include:
- Provide your bearded dragon with a variety of toys and objects to explore and play with
- Include items like paper towel rolls, cardboard boxes, and other textured objects to investigate
- Incorporate items like hammocks, swings, and branches for your bearded dragon to climb on
- Provide your bearded dragon with a variety of plants, like ficus, aloe vera, and hibiscus, to explore
By providing a large enclosure and plenty of enrichment activities, you can help reduce stress in your bearded dragon and, ultimately, help stop glass surfing.
Decrease Stress
It is essential to reduce stress levels in order to stop glass surfing. A bearded dragon may be stressed by its environment, the presence of other animals, or lack of stimuli. With a few simple steps, owners can help provide a stress-free environment for their beardies.
| Environment | Routines | Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Provide a large enclosure | Keep regular daily routines | Handle your bearded dragon regularly |
| Cover the back and sides of the enclosure with a solid background | Maintain stable temperatures and humidity | Provide mental stimulation |
| Make sure the temperature and humidity in the enclosure are correct | Provide enrichment items | Interact with them in a calm, gentle manner |
To reduce stress levels, it is important to create a comfortable and stimulating environment for your bearded dragon.
Providing a large enclosure with plenty of room to explore, covering the back and sides of the enclosure with a solid background, and making sure the temperature and humidity in the enclosure are correct are all important steps.
Additionally, keeping regular daily routines and providing enrichment items such as branches and rocks can help keep your bearded dragon content and provide mental stimulation.
Finally, it is important to handle your bearded dragon regularly and interact with them in a calm, gentle manner. This can help create a strong bond between the owner and the bearded dragon, helping to further reduce stress levels.
Place Branches & Rocks
It is important to provide bearded dragons with different levels of branches and rocks to climb and explore. By providing an environment rich in furniture and décor, bearded dragons can break the habit of glass surfing and be more active and engaged.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Activity | Bearded dragons can exercise and explore their environment by climbing on rocks and branches. |
| Stimulating Environment | Providing branches and rocks can create a stimulating and enriching environment that will help keep bearded dragons entertained and distracted from glass surfing. |
| Decrease Stress | Bearded dragons can de-stress and relax when they are provided with a comfortable environment with plenty of enrichment elements to explore. |
| Exploration | Bearded dragons can explore and discover new things in their environment with the presence of branches and rocks. |
| Enrichment | Having furniture and décor in the enclosure can provide an enriching experience for the bearded dragon, providing them with an opportunity to keep themselves entertained and distracted from glass surfing. |
When it comes to furniture and décor, there are several options:
- Placing branches and rocks in the enclosure provides bearded dragons with different levels to explore and climb on.
- Choose branches that are sturdy and thick enough to support the weight of a bearded dragon.
- Make sure the rocks are large enough for the bearded dragon to climb on and are placed securely in the enclosure.
- Incorporating live plants and foliage can also make the enclosure more attractive and enriching.
- Choose plants that are safe for bearded dragons, such as aloe vera, which is non-toxic to them.
- Place the live plants in the enclosure away from the basking spot, as too much heat can damage them.
Providing branches and rocks in the enclosure is a great way to stop glass surfing, as it gives bearded dragons opportunities to explore and exercise in a safe and stimulating environment.
Additional Tips to Help Stop Your Bearded Dragon From Glass Surfing
Providing a variety of hiding places helps create a safe, comfortable environment for your bearded dragon, and can help reduce stress and the urge to glass surf.
You should also monitor your dragon’s behavior for signs of stress, such as tail curling, and change the environment if necessary. Finally, be sure to provide plenty of enrichment activities to keep your dragon busy.
Provide a Variety of Hiding Places
In addition to making sure the enclosure is well-lit, providing a variety of hiding places can help to deter your bearded dragon from glass surfing.
Creating different hiding spots, such as logs, rocks, and plants, can give your bearded dragon the opportunity to feel secure and protected from potential predators. Here are some tips for providing different hiding places:
- Hides: Provide a few different hides for your bearded dragon, such as logs, rocks, and plants. These can be placed in different areas of the enclosure to give your bearded dragon a safe place to hide and relax.
- Climbing branches: To give your bearded dragon some climbing opportunities, provide some branches with different heights and levels of difficulty. This will allow your bearded dragon to explore and exercise safely while feeling secure.
- Caves: Consider adding some caves to the enclosure. This will provide your bearded dragon with a place to hide and feel secure.
By providing your bearded dragon with a variety of hiding places, you will help to reduce the stress that may be contributing to glass surfing. Additionally, these hiding places will also give your bearded dragon a place to explore and exercise safely.
Monitor Behavior to Look for Signs of Stress
In addition to providing a variety of hiding places and ensuring that the enclosure is well-lit, monitoring the behavior of your bearded dragon is also important in helping to stop glass surfing.
By understanding the signs of stress in your bearded dragon, you can make any necessary changes to their environment in order to reduce their stress levels. Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Physical signs:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Changes in the color of the skin
- Behavioral signs:
- Aggressive behavior
- Hiding more often
- Glass surfing
- Environmental signs:
- Temperature fluctuations
- Inadequate humidity
- Inadequate basking light
If you notice any of these signs in your bearded dragon, it is important to identify the cause and make any necessary adjustments to its environment. By monitoring your bearded dragon’s behavior, you can help reduce stress levels and stop glass surfing.
Change the Environment
In addition to providing a variety of hiding places and monitoring your bearded dragon’s behavior for signs of stress, another way to stop glass surfing is to change the environment of the enclosure. This can be done in several ways:
- Adding plants: Adding live, non-toxic plants to the enclosure can provide your bearded dragon with additional hiding spots and help to create natural shadows. This can help them feel more secure and less likely to glass surf.
- Providing a basking spot: Make sure the enclosure has a warm spot for your bearded dragon to bask in. This will help them feel comfortable and content, and less likely to glass surf.
- Adding more decorations: Adding decorations like rocks, logs, and branches can provide additional hiding spots and create more visual interest in the enclosure. This can help keep your bearded dragon engaged and less likely to glass surf.
By making small changes to the environment, you can help reduce your bearded dragon’s stress levels and decrease the chances of them glass surfing.
Conclusion
Glass surfing is a behavior that can be frustrating to deal with, but it’s important to remember that it’s normal for bearded dragons to do this. With the right solutions and a bit of patience, it’s possible to keep your bearded dragon from glass surfing.
By providing appropriate environmental stimulation, you can help your bearded dragon stay calm and content, preventing it from glass surfing.
Additionally, it’s important to remain patient and consistent when trying to curb this behavior. With a bit of effort, you can help your bearded dragon stop glass surfing and live a happier, healthier life.
