Key Takeaways Glass surfing in bearded dragons is a sign of stress, not a playful activity.Common causes of stress for bearded dragons include small enclosures, reflections in the glass, changes in their environment, and competition with other bearded dragons.Solutions to reduce glass surfing involve providing a larger tank, maintaining appropriate lighting and temperature, and minimizing unsettling changes in their environment.
Key Takeaways
Glass surfing in bearded dragons is a sign of stress, not a playful activity.Common causes of stress for bearded dragons include small enclosures, reflections in the glass, changes in their environment, and competition with other bearded dragons.Solutions to reduce glass surfing involve providing a larger tank, maintaining appropriate lighting and temperature, and minimizing unsettling changes in their environment.
Bearded dragons are popular pet lizards known for their unique behaviors such as head bobbing, waving, and doing pushups. However, not all of these actions indicate happiness. Glass surfing, for example, may seem cute but actually signals that something is wrong and needs attention.
Owners should ensure their bearded dragon's enclosure is the right size and provide enrichment to prevent stress. Regular health check-ups are also crucial to identify and address underlying issues.
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What Is Glass Surfing in Bearded Dragons?
When a lizard is frantically trying to climb up the side of its enclosure it's said to be glass surfing. Glass surfing, also known as glass dancing, looks like it sounds: A lizard's belly is rubbing on the glass of its tank and its little legs are paddling as if it's body surfing on the glass. The bearded dragon will also be standing on its hind legs as though it's trying to climb out of the tank, but it keeps slipping back down to the ground.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Glass Surf?
Reptile forums are often filled with pet owners who offer up theories as to why bearded dragons glass surf. While these thoughts vary greatly, there's one common thread: Each is attributable to stress. Glass surfing is thought to be a result of stress and a bearded dragon may be stressed for several reasons:
Any one or a combination of these conditions may cause your bearded dragon to become stressed out, which, in turn, may prompt it to glass surf.
Glass surfing isn't exclusive to bearded dragons, though. Many pet reptiles and even fish glass surf when they're stressed because of many of the same reasons.
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Stress in Bearded Dragons
Aside from glass surfing, if your bearded dragon's color darkens or turns black, it's probably stressed. This is most obviously noticeable on the beard.
If a bearded dragon has a black beard, a recent change involving it may be the source of the stress, even if it was thought to be a good change. For instance, changing the location of the enclosure, moving the dragon to a new or larger tank, or adding a new bearded dragon within its line of sight can all potentially stress a bearded dragon. The source of stress could also be something as seemingly unlikely as the person who regularly cares for the bearded dragon leaving for a week's vacation.
Health Concerns and Glass Surfing
Other than the fact that the bearded dragon is probably stressed, there's no medical reason to be overly concerned about glass surfing. However, if the dragon isn't eating or shedding well, it begins to act lethargic, or there are reasons to suspect it may be sick, veterinary attention should be sought.
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How to Stop Glass Surfing
Since bearded dragons glass surf when they're stressed, it can be difficult to stop the behavior if the source of the stress is unknown. Unnecessary changes in a bearded dragon's environment that could cause more stress should be avoided. Some specific ways to help stop glass surfing include:
![4 Ways to Stop Glass Surfing in Bearded Dragons]
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