Scratching at tank walls?

[Maggiemoo]

Why? We have had him since last May/June. He is currently in an 80 gallon tank with a basking log and food and water dishes. 2 lamps, heat and UV. Growing like a weed. Crickets daily. Greens every other or so, but he never eats them. At first I thought he was still hungry, but he still scratches at the walls.

 

[chromesaurus]

Some beardies don't understand glass is in the way of the outside, or you need to exercise him more/

 

[CooperDragon]

How often does he glass dance? It's fairly common behavior with the younger ones. I wouldn't worry too much if it just happens once in a while. What temps are you measuring in the basking area and the cool side of the tank?

 

[Maggiemoo]

At first it was just once or twice a week for short periods. I know at least one episode was due to being hungry. Not the case now. It has been constant today. I held the thermometer next to him while basking. It was at 105. Is that too hot? It is a big log, however. He sometimes lays at the top, other times in the middle/bottom. I can adjust the lamp angle/log placement if needed. Ambient is 79.

I'm going to put him in a warm bath and try covering the walls. Maybe it is his reflection? Also, he has never been super friendly. Not aggressive, just a little skittish. I have been working on that, and I have noticed improvement.

First, I don't want him to be stressed. Second, the scratching is driving me crazy!

 

[Maggiemoo]

He is currently basking at the top of the log with his mouth open. I'm starting to think he is too hot. That may be one issue. The weather here has been warmer lately. I bought his bigger lamp this winter when it was very very cold.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Brezzy99]

What are you using to take the temperature inside the tank?

 

[Maggiemoo]

It is one that suctions onto the side. So not a good one. The last temps I took were with me laying it on the basking log and floor of the tank. If you can recommend a better one, a link would be great. I will need to order online.

I did move things around a bit and let him out for a while. New temp says basking at 100.5. Ambient 85. He scratched a little after being put back, but now seems content.

 

[Tonja]

I don't know if you want to do this or not. When my Geico was a baby he incessantly scratched at the glass so I made curtains and hung them on dowel rods with command hooks and covered 3 sides of his tank to cut down on reflection which almost halted his glass dancing. I put natural wood bird toys in the corners of his tank for him play with and climb but he got to big for that so took the out. White paper may cut down on reflection better than colored or black paper since white reflects light and tones down the reflection. Emily almost stopped her glass dancing with a couple of stuffed animals in her tank to play with and climb on. So now both my babies have curtains and stuffies to play with and glass dancing, except when I go to feed them or take them out, has stopped.

 

[Maggiemoo]

Thank you. I will try that on Monday. No way am I going to Walmart on Easter.

 

[CooperDragon]

Try this or similar to take more accurate temp readings http://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-TM-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B006V4WNYU/

 

[Maggiemoo]

Done.

 

[CooperDragon]

Great. That will really help you get the temps dialed in properly which goes a long way to keeping a dragon happy.

 

[Maggiemoo]

The new thermometer confirmed the temps. I bought a smaller heat bulb. I think he has grown alot and the temps here are now much warmer. I increased baths. I have also given water by mouth. There has been improvement. Some defecation and eating. I gave 1:1 gatoraid:water tonight. He is dehydrated. Going to ask the vet to give SQ fluids tomorrow. Doing better, but needs a jump start. He's at 90 basking and 80 ambient. Any hotter stresses him out.