Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by Miranda
Understanding Glass Surfing in Bearded Dragons
Glass surfing in bearded dragons is a common behavior often misunderstood by pet owners. It’s when these reptiles repeatedly run or claw at the glass sides of their terrariums. While it may appear amusing, it is usually an indication of stress or discontent. This behavior can arise because the dragon perceives movement in its reflection as another dragon’s presence. Understanding this behavior is crucial to address its causes effectively.
Glass surfing, also known as glass dancing, is a behavior in which your bearded dragon feverishly claws at the glass on the terrarium’s side. This is generally because the bearded dragon notices his reflection in the glass and assumes there is another bearded dragon nearby. It might also indicate that the terrarium’s temperature is too high!
Bearded dragons are excellent pet dragons. They’re laid-back, non-aggressive creatures who don’t mind being handled, and they’re also full of personality. They do, however, require the proper equipment, which includes a big vivarium, a basking lamp, UVB light, and insects to consume.
Ideal Terrarium Conditions for Bearded Dragons
Ensuring your bearded dragon’s habitat mimics its natural environment is vital. This includes maintaining proper temperature ranges, usually between 75-85°F for the cooler side and up to 100°F for the basking area. Humidity should be kept low, around 30-40%, to prevent respiratory issues. Setting up hideouts, safe climbing areas, and a photoperiod similar to their natural day-night cycle can reduce reflection-induced stress and promote general health.
We’ll show you how to prevent your bearded dragon from seeing his reflection in this blog post. Bearded dragons’ enchanting world is a fascinating place of mystery, enchantment, cuddling, love, and worry!
Is It Bad for Bearded Dragons to See Their Reflection?
Feeling threatened by its own reflection in the glass can cause stress.
When your dragon is under duress, he will begin to glass surf. Boredom or hunger, as well as poor substrate, illumination, or temperature, can cause stress in a bearded dragon.
A bearded dragon’s stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It is up to the pet owners to figure out what is wrong by reading these indicators. Of course, you should take your pet to a trained reptile veterinarian as soon as possible if they start acting strangely.
Do Bearded Dragons Get Used to Their Reflection?
Bearded dragons don’t know that their reflection is merely their own, mistaking it for a neighboring bearded dragon with whom they can interact or be threatened.
The first thing you should do is give him some time; it may just take a few days! You may have to go to extremes to get him to settle down. I can understand how a scenario like this may be difficult, since every time he attempts to assert authority, the “other dragon” will do so as well, and if he backs off, the other will as well, tempting him to assert dominance again, and so on.
Fortunately, reptiles, despite their reputation for being dumb, are excellent learners who can see patterns and act on them, so there’s a chance he’ll just settle down with time!
How Do I Stop My Bearded Dragon from Attacking His Reflection?
Bearded dragons, like many other creatures, do not recognize themselves in their reflections. They’ll most likely mistake their reflection for another bearded dragon. Unfortunately, because bearded dragons are solitary and territorial animals, this may cause complications.
Also read: Bearded dragon keeps scratching the floor
Construction paper taped approximately 4″ across the front glass and 8+” around the sides might be used to keep your dragon from attacking his reflection. Allow it to sit for a time; it should help him relax. Alternatively, they may just use a fantastic backdrop that wraps around their tank’s back and sides.
How Do I Get Rid of My Bearded Dragons Reflection?
Get a backdrop from the pet shop and place it in the interior of the tank with double-sided tape on the top and bottom. Add some ornamental weight around the borders, but only in such a way that you can still see him. Finally, you may choose to cover 1-3 of the sides with an aquarium-themed backdrop.
Bad tank setups can even cause bearded dragon sunken eyes!
How Do I Stop My Glass Tank from Reflecting?
First and foremost, ensure that the space he is in is adequately lighted and that his enclosure is not overly bright. This may well be accomplished by encompassing his basking space in plants or logs, which can stop lightweight from putting the glass and inflicting a mirrored image. It’s also a good idea to keep the glass tank near a light wall.
