Scratching Glass

[mastermoche]

Hey guys! So, for the past week my beardie has been going insane on the far right side of her tank, glass dancing and scratching. The temps are always 75-80 on the cool side (the only side she scratches at) and around 90 on the warm side with a basking spot of 110-115. She only glass dances on the right side of the tank so I don't know if it's her reflection or what. I heard it could be because of too warm of temps but her temps seem fine. If she is seeing her reflection, I don't know why she only scratches that side. She will run up to her basking spot then jump off and run over to the glass and start scratching. Over and over and over. Same thing every day. I know it can be stressful on her and it's just annoying to me, haha. Hopefully someone can help me out! Thanks!

 

[CooperDragon]

That could indicate a problem with the setup, anger at a reflection, or just a desire to get out for a bit. The setup sounds pretty good in general although I'd lower the basking site temperature slightly and try to keep that under 110 if you can. Raising the basking light a couple of inches should do the trick. You can try putting some paper over the cool side wall or maybe a background of some kind to see if it's a reflection problem. My guess is that she may just want to get out and doesn't understand glass. If she sees something outside the tank that needs investigation she may just keep scratching at the glass trying to get to it. If you take her out and let her roam a bit does she calm down?

 

[DracoLord510]

This is often referred to as "glass surfing", and it's a common behavior in a dragon if it's agitated. It could be something in the tank (maybe a cricket or light bothering it) or it could be seeing something outside it's tank that is making it upset. I would recommend what was said above and take your dragon out of its cage and let it roam around a bit while you supervise. Our male glass surfs every day around 3 because that's when he is fed and our female scratches her glass when she wants some time with me or my wife

 

[Taterbug]

What size is your enclosure?

 

[mastermoche]

I put up a piece of cardboard on that one side that she scratches and she is now scratching everywhere and freaking out. I'm going to get background today to see if she will stop scratching. Also, she has stopped eating, I don't know if this has anything to do with it. I'm afraid she is really stressing out. She is in a 55 gallon tank.

 

[Taterbug]

I put up a piece of cardboard on that one side that she scratches and she is now scratching everywhere and freaking out. I'm going to get background today to see if she will stop scratching. Also, she has stopped eating, I don't know if this has anything to do with it. I'm afraid she is really stressing out. She is in a 55 gallon tank.

How old is she? Is it possible she is lookin for a place to lay eggs?

 

[mastermoche]

She's almost a year old. It could be possible. I took all her substrate out because she had parasites and I'm treating her for those, she is currently on paper towels. I just put a background up so she can no longer see her reflection. Hope this does the trick!