Viv background problem!! He tries to run into it!

[VivariumDesign]

Just got Boris my beardy a Australian outback background on his viv. The thing is, he keeps on trying to run into it, thinking he's actually there. Is this something I should be worried about or is it normal? Thanks

 

[CooperDragon]

Dundee does that with his background sometimes too. "Ooh, that bush looks nice I'll go climb it!". As long as he has plenty of spots to really climb and wander around in his tank (based on the photo he does) then that's fine. Just keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't hit the glass very hard to cause an injury.

 

[Taterbug]

Personally I try and minimize any confusion the environment might be causing. If he does it infrequently or eventually gives up it wouldn't be so troubling as if he persists. It could contribute to long term stress if he continues to think he can go over there, similar to glass dancing. Hopefully he will figure it out.

 

[CooperDragon]

That's a good point. You don't want it to become a source of stress for him. There is a difference between occasional confusion and stress coming from regularly trying to access an area that appears to be available.

 

[Jettum]

Mine got really confused at first too. I watched her climb her branch and try to step on the picture of what looks like a flat spot of a rock. She did it and fell several times. The first few days were the worst. I was tempted to take it back off bc it didn't have the calming affect I had anticipated. But now she doesn't do it at all. And she seems happy snuggling in the corner of her viv at night, which she never did b4 I put up the background. (She still glass dances across the front when she wants something tho. Lol)

 

[npgeorgeuw]

At first ours both did that. Within a few days they were much more comfortable and clearly better off with it. I wouldn't go back to not having one now seeing the effect it had...

 

[VivariumDesign]

Thanks for all the advice guys, Boris has stopped trying to jump into the background now. He looks like he is a lot more comfortable in there to be honest.

 

[npgeorgeuw]

Yeah, I think that's what most people observe. It's tough since it's so objective but I can tell you that if we didn't have one our dragons would see each other and as soon as they do it's instant stress marks....

glad things have calmed down. He'll grow to love his cage as long as it's a good environment...