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My bearded dragon is glass surfing. How can I reduce his stress?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My bearded dragon has been acting strange lately and running back and forth and stands up to scratch the sides of his glass we read on google that this is called "Glass Surfing" what can I do to get him unstressed what toys would be helpful? Or possibly can I hold him and play with him more?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 15th, 2017

Make sure his cage is large enough. A 20 gallon tank will be sufficient for now (if that's what you have) but as he grows, you will need to move him into a larger enclosure. Provide multiple hiding boxes and plants (real or fake) for privacy. You can also use cage wraps or backgrounds to provide additional privacy. He can come out of the cage also but be sure he does not get chilled or escape into a small crack or crevice.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on May 20th, 2018
Check the temperatures across his enclosure. Too high or too low may cause stress. Provide a hide large enough for him to fit inside of at each end. You can also use a tank surround (or plain paper) to limit his view through the glass. He could be seeing something that is causing him stress. The surround will also cut down on him seeing his own reflection in the glass.
If the behavior persists or worsens, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or infection.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my 5-month-old Beardie glass surfing? What's his normal size?

He may want to get out for a bit. He may also see his reflection in the glass. An enclosure that is too small may cause stress which could account for the behavior. Check in and around the cage for any negative stimuli. Reduce or eliminate any if found. You can use a tank surround to limit his view. Plain paper taped to the tank about halfway up the sides also work. Take him out a couple times daily for some exercise and playtime. Be sure the cage is large enough for him and add a hide on both sides of the tank.

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Training & Behavior

My bearded dragon has a foot wound and glass surfs. What's wrong?

As long as it isn't bleeding or spreading, you can try managing it at home. Clean it with diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution. Let it dry then apply a dab of triple antibiotic ointment. Use paper towels for substrate and change them daily until the spot heals. If it doen't heal, see your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet. For the glass surfing, try rearranging the enclosures. Confirm proper environmental parameters. Survey the area around them for any negative stimuli. Eliminate or decrease any if found. You can tape a tank surround (or paper) on the sides to limit views and reflections.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

How to prevent my reptile from glass surfing or nose rubbing in its tank?

Use a tank background/surround to limit his view. Plain paper can also be taped to the outside of the tank. Provide a hide on each side of the enclosure. Allow for some "playtime" outside of the cage daily.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My bearded dragon is stressed and flat. How can I help him?

With that black beard, he does seem stressed. Check temps in the cage. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. Survey the area in and around the enclosure for any negative stimuli. This may include loud noises, strong vibrations, cold drafts or high traffic. reduce or eliminate any if found. You can review dragon care at the links below. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Bearded-Dragon/

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why does my bearded dragon glass surf outside her tank when near it?

She may be able to see her reflection better form the outside. It is possible the angle of view is such that it makes this possible. She may also simply want to return to the security of her enclosure if she is in close proximity to it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's the best cage size, substrate, and bioactive setup for my bearded dragon?

Choose the largest cage your space and budget will allow. At minimum, a 55 gallon enclosure should be considered. Acceptable substrates include slate, reptile carpet, decomposed granite or large gravel. Yes, setting up a bio-active environment for beardies is possible. It will take a bit of research and effort to get it right.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

When should I upgrade my 40-gallon tank for a 15-inch bearded dragon?

He's about due for an upgrade now. These guys require a lot of space, so it's best to provide as much as possible. The requirement is that they have enough room to have a hiding place on both sides of the enclosure with enough room for basking in the middle. If you can achieve this, then that would be best. For more information about caring for your Bearded Dragon, I recommend you visit the website at the link below. This has good/well-supported information from experts in the field. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html I hope that helps and all is well with Clyde.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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