Owning a bearded dragon can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its share of challenges.
If your bearded dragon keeps scratching at the glass, it’s often a sign of stress or boredom. Ensure their tank is well-sized and stimulating and provides proper lighting. Adding enrichment and interaction can help reduce this behaviour.
This guide explores why your bearded dragon keeps scratching at the glass and solutions.
What is Bearded Dragon Glass Surfing Anyways?
Bearded dragon glass surfing is when your bearded dragon tries to climb the glass walls of its tank repeatedly.
This behavior, or glass dancing, usually happens when something bothers them, like stress or confusion. Your bearded dragon might be trying to escape, see its reflection, or be bored.
It’s essential to figure out why they’re glass surfing so you can make them more comfortable and happy in their environment.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Scratching at the Glass? 8 Surprising Reasons
Reason #1: They See Their Own Reflection
Bearded dragons don’t recognize their reflection. They might think it’s another dragon, making them feel threatened or territorial when they see it.
This can cause stress, leading them to scratch at the glass as they try to interact with or challenge the “other” dragon they see in the reflection.
Reason #2: They Don’t Comprehend the Idea of Glass
Bearded dragons don’t understand that glass is a solid barrier. They might see something outside their tank or want to explore further, so they try to move through the glass.
This misunderstanding can cause them to repeatedly scratch the glass, especially if they’re curious or frustrated.
Reason #3: Something is Off in Their Habitat
If something is wrong in their habitat, like the tank being too small, improper lighting, or stressful decorations, your bearded dragon might start scratching at the glass.
Even the tank’s location in your home could be causing them stress. Ensuring their environment is comfortable and safe is crucial in reducing this behaviour.
Also Read: How Long Is A Bearded Dragon Pregnant For – Ultimate Guide!
Reason #4: They Cannot Sufficiently Thermoregulate
Bearded dragons must move between warm and cool areas to regulate their body temperature. If the temperature in their tank isn’t right, they might scratch at the glass to try and escape. Ensuring their habitat has a proper temperature gradient can help prevent this issue.
Reason #5: They’re Bored and Want to Spend Time With You Outside Their Cage
Bearded dragons need mental and physical stimulation. If they’re bored, they might scratch at the glass to get your attention or signal that they want to come out and explore. Spending quality time with your bearded dragon outside the tank can help keep them happy and engaged.
Reason #6: They’re Hungry
Sometimes, your bearded dragon might scratch the glass because they’re hungry and trying to tell you it’s time to eat.
If their feeding schedule is off or they’re starving, this behavior can be a way of communicating their needs to you.
Reason #7: They’ve Pooed…and Need You to Clean it Up ASAP
Bearded dragons like to keep their space clean. If they’ve pooped and the tank isn’t cleaned right away, they might scratch the glass to let you know they’re uncomfortable and want their living area cleaned up as soon as possible.
Also Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Mums – Health And Safety Insights!
Reason #8: They’re Getting Ready to Lay Eggs
Female bearded dragons might start scratching at the glass when ready to lay eggs. This behavior is often paired with digging.
If your dragon is around 18 months to 2 years old, she could be preparing to lay eggs, which could be why she scratched.
Could My Bearded Dragon be Sick if They’re Scratching the Glass?
Scratching the glass doesn’t usually mean your bearded dragon is sick, but it could be a sign of stress or discomfort.
If your dragon also shows symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior, it might indicate an illness.
In such cases, it’s essential to consult a vet. However, glass scratching is typically due to environmental factors or boredom rather than a medical issue.
How to Stop Your Bearded Dragon from Scratching the Glass
1. Get a Bigger Tank
As your bearded dragon grows, their tank needs to grow, too. A small tank can make them feel cramped and stressed, leading to glass scratching.
Upgrading to a larger tank gives them more space to move around, explore, and feel comfortable. This simple change can make a big difference in their happiness and reduce unwanted behaviors like glass surfing.
2. Have the Appropriate Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential for your bearded dragon’s well-being. They need a basking spot that’s warm enough, along with UVB lighting to help them process calcium.
They might scratch the glass out of discomfort or stress if the lighting isn’t proper. Ensure their habitat has a well-balanced light setup to keep them healthy and content.
3. Provide More Enrichment
Boredom can lead to glass scratching, so keeping your bearded dragon mentally and physically stimulated is essential.
Provide toys, climbing branches, and regular time outside the tank. Interacting with your bearded dragon and introducing new activities can keep them engaged and happy, reducing the chances of them scratching the glass out of frustration or boredom.
Bearded Dragon Scratching At Glass
When a bearded dragon scratches the glass, it indicates stress, boredom, or discomfort. This behavior, known as glass surfing, suggests that something in their environment needs attention, like tank size, temperature, or mental stimulation.
Must Read: What Wattage Heat Lamp For Bearded Dragon 120 Gallon
My Bearded Wont Stop Clawing At The Glass In His Tank.
If your bearded dragon doesn’t stop clawing at the glass, it could be due to stress, hunger, or a need for more space. Checking their environment and providing enrichment can help reduce this behavior.
Why Does She Keep Scratching At The Glass??
Your female bearded dragon may scratch the glass due to stress, boredom, or even preparation to lay eggs. Ensuring her environment is comfortable and engaging can help minimize this behavior.
How To Stop Glass Surfing In Bearded Dragons
To stop glass surfing, ensure your bearded dragon’s tank is the right size, has proper lighting, and offers enough enrichment. Addressing these factors can reduce stress and keep your dragon happy.
What Is Glass Surfing In Bearded Dragons?
Glass surfing in bearded dragons is when they scratch or try to climb the glass walls of their tank. It’s usually a sign of stress, boredom, or discomfort in their environment.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Glass Surf?
Bearded dragons glass surf when stressed, bored, or uncomfortable in their environment. This behavior involves them scratching or trying to climb the glass walls of their tank, often signaling that something isn’t right, like tank size, temperature, or lack of enrichment.
Terrible Scratching Non Stop
If your bearded dragon scratches nonstop, it could be due to stress, discomfort, or frustration with its environment. Check its tank’s size, lighting, and enrichment options to ensure it feels comfortable and happy, reducing the constant scratching behavior.
Tapping And Scratching The Glass
Tapping and scratching the glass is a sign that your bearded dragon might be stressed or trying to get your attention. This behavior often indicates that it needs more space, proper lighting, or extra stimulation and interaction outside the tank.
Glass Surfing With Black Beard
If your bearded dragon is glass surfing with a black beard, it’s a vital sign of stress or discomfort. The black beard indicates they’re upset, so it’s essential to check their environment and make necessary adjustments to reduce stress and improve their well-being.
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Scratch At Walls?
Your bearded dragon may scratch walls because it’s trying to escape, feeling stressed, or bored. This behavior often means its environment needs adjustments, such as more space, better lighting, or added enrichment, to keep it engaged and comfortable.
Must Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Hornworms? – Essential Guidelines!
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Keep Scratching At The Glass?
Your bearded dragon keeps scratching at the glass due to stress, boredom, or discomfort in its tank. This behavior, called glass surfing, signals that something in its environment needs attention, such as tank size, temperature, or lack of stimulation.
My Beardie Won’t Stop Scratching At His Background?
If your bearded dragon is scratching at the background, it might be reacting to their reflection or feeling stressed. Check if the background is causing confusion or discomfort and ensure their environment is comfortable and enriching to reduce this behavior.
Glass Surfing Like Crazy
If your bearded dragon is glass surfing excessively, it’s usually a sign of stress or boredom. Ensure their tank is the right size, has proper lighting, and offers enough stimulation. Addressing these factors can help reduce excessive glass surfing.
How To Stop My Bearded Dragon From Glass Surfing
To stop glass surfing, improve your bearded dragon’s habitat. Ensure their tank is large enough, has proper lighting, and provides enrichment. Regular interaction and adjustments to their environment can reduce stress and eliminate the glass surfing behavior.
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Scratch In The Corner
Scratching in the corner may indicate your bearded dragon is stressed or trying to hide. Check their habitat for issues like inadequate space, lighting, or stressors. Improving their environment can help alleviate this scratching behavior.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Trying To Escape His Tank
If your bearded dragon tries to escape, it’s usually due to stress, discomfort, or boredom. Ensure their tank is appropriately sized, has proper lighting, and includes enrichment to keep them content and less likely to attempt escaping.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Scratching The Floor
Scratching the floor may indicate your bearded dragon is bored, stressed, or trying to dig. Check their tank for proper temperature, lighting, and enrichment. Ensuring a comfortable environment can help reduce this floor-scratching behaviour.
See Also: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Clover Flowers – Safe Or Harmful?
Is Glass Surfing Bad For Bearded Dragons
Glass surfing isn’t inherently harmful but indicates stress or discomfort. It can lead to physical and mental stress if not addressed. Ensure your bearded dragon’s habitat is well-suited to their needs to prevent glass surfing and maintain their well-being.
Bearded Dragon Keeps Scratching at Glass Surfing
When your bearded dragon scratches at the glass, it may feel bored, stressed, or want to explore. Providing more hiding spots, toys, and enriching activities can help reduce this behaviour and keep your dragon happy.
Bearded Dragon Keeps Scratching at Glass While
If your bearded dragon scratches the glass often, it might be trying to escape or feel anxious. Check its environment for stressors and ensure it has enough space, light, and temperature to feel safe and comfortable.
Bearded Dragon Scratching Glass at Night
It might be active if your bearded dragon scratches the glass at night. Bearded dragons are crepuscular, meaning they are awake at dawn and dusk. Consider adjusting its light cycle to help regulate its activity.
Glass Surfing and General Restlessness in Beardies
Glass surfing and restlessness can indicate boredom, stress, or insufficient space. Ensure your bearded dragon has plenty of stimulation with climbing areas, hiding spots, and proper habitat. This will help keep it content and engaged.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Crawling on the Glass?
When your bearded dragon crawls on the glass, it may feel confined or curious about its surroundings. This behaviour can indicate the need for more enrichment or space. Providing various hiding places and toys can help alleviate this.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Scratching the Walls?
If your bearded dragon scratches the walls, it could feel stressed, bored, or trying to escape. Evaluate its environment, check for potential stressors, and add items like branches or rocks to help improve its habitat.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Scratching the Corner?
When your bearded dragon scratches the corner of its tank, it may be searching for a way out or feeling anxious. Ensuring a secure and enriched environment can help reduce this behaviour and make your dragon feel more at ease.
What Does It Mean When a Bearded Dragon Is Glass Surfing?
Glass surfing in bearded dragons often means they are bored, stressed, or seeking attention. This behaviour shows they need more stimulation and comfort. Providing toys, climbing structures, and hiding spots can help reduce this urge.
How to Stop Bearded Dragons from Glass Surfing?
To stop glass surfing, make your bearded dragon’s environment more engaging. Add climbing branches, hiding spots, and toys. Regular handling and interaction can also help reduce boredom and provide mental stimulation, keeping your dragon content and calm.
See Also: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Black Beans – Ultimate Guide – 2024!
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Constantly Digging?
If your bearded dragon is digging often, it might search for a place to hide or lay eggs. Ensure it has enough substrate and hiding spots to feel secure. This behaviour can also indicate stress, so monitor its environment.
Scratching at His Tank
If your bearded dragon scratches at its tank, it may feel trapped or bored. Check its habitat for comfort and enrichment. More space, climbing areas, and hiding places can help reduce this scratching behaviour.
FAQs
1. Why Is My Bearded Dragon Digging Non Stop?
Nonstop digging may indicate stress, a need to lay eggs or boredom. To address the behavior, check their environment, ensure proper temperature, and provide enrichment.
2. What Are Abnormal Signs In A Bearded Dragon?
Abnormal signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, unusual scratching, or color changes. These could signal stress or health issues, so monitor and consult a vet if needed.
3. Why Does My Bearded Dragon Dig And Scratch?
Digging and scratching can be signs of stress, boredom, or needing to lay eggs. Ensure their habitat is comfortable, stimulating, and adequately equipped.
4. Why Is He Head Butting/ Scratching Glass? All Temps Are Good And He’s Is In A 4x2x2
Head butting or scratching could be due to stress or boredom. Check for other stress factors or a lack of enrichment, even with good temperatures and a large tank.
5. Why Is My Bearded Dragon Digging And Scratching When She Gets Really Snug Up Against A Wall?
Digging and scratching near a wall might indicate a need for security or discomfort. Check if the wall placement or tank setup is causing stress.
6. Beardie Is Constantly Running Around, Glass Surfing, Scratching, Diving, And Anything You Can Think Of.
Constant running and glass surfing often signal stress or boredom. Ensure their tank is large enough, has proper lighting, and provides sufficient enrichment and interaction.
7. Bearded Dragon Keeps Scratching At Glass And It Almost Makes Me Go Insane. Pls Help
Scratching at glass usually means stress or boredom. Address tank size, lighting, and temperature, and provide enrichment to reduce the behavior and improve your bearded dragon’s well-being.
8. Why Is My Bearded Dragon Scratching At The Walls Of Her Enclosure? The Enclosure Is Fairly Large And She Has Never Been Stressed Or Unhappy With The Enclosure Size With The Previous Owners, Who I Bought Her Off 8 Months Ago
Scratching walls might be due to stress or a need for more stimulation. Consider adding enrichment and checking for environmental changes even with a large enclosure.
9. Why Is My Bearded Dragon Constantly Scratching To Get Out Of Her New Improved Enclosure That I Built Her?
Scratching to get out might indicate stress, discomfort, or a need for more space. Reevaluate the enclosure setup and ensure it meets all your bearded dragon’s needs.
10. Why Is My Female 10 Month Old Bearded Dragon Digging/Scratching The Floor? She Does It In Her Enclosure And Out. I Don’t Believe Its Heat As She Does It Anywhere. I Also Gave Her A Dig Box But She Doesn’t Use It.
Constant digging and scratching could signal stress or a need for more enrichment. Check her environment for comfort and consider providing different activities or hiding spots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your bearded dragon keeps scratching at the glass, it’s likely due to stress or boredom. Ensuring a spacious, well-lit, enriched habitat can alleviate this behaviour and keep your dragon happy and healthy.
