Aside from hiding and digging, beardies can keep scratching the glass in their vivarium hours on end and this can be a sign of stress or boredom. If your beardie is displaying this behaviour, it’s important to take action to try and resolve the issue.
There are a few potential reasons why your bearded dragon might be scratching at the glass of their enclosure:
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1. They’re trying to escape
If your bearded dragon is constantly scratching at the glass, it could be a sign that they’re trying to escape. This is usually the case if they’re not getting enough space to move around, if the temperature in their enclosure isn’t optimal, or if they’re not getting enough food.
If you think this might be the reason why your beardie is scratching at the glass, try increasing the size of their enclosure, providing more hiding spots and enrichment, and ensuring they’re getting a nutritious diet.
2. They’re bored
Bearded dragons are naturally curious creatures and need stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If they’re not getting enough mental stimulation, they can become bored which can lead to behaviours like excessive scratching at the glass.
To keep your beardie from becoming bored, make sure their enclosure is large enough for them to move around and explore, and provide plenty of enrichment in the form of toys, climbing structures, and different textures to investigate.
3. They’re stressed
Scratching at the glass can also be a sign of stress in bearded dragons. This is often the case if they’re not getting enough hiding spots, if the temperature in their enclosure isn’t ideal, or if they’re being handled too much.
Try providing more hiding spots, ensuring the temperature in their enclosure is correct, and handling them less.
4. They’re trying to shed
Bearded dragons often scratch at the glass when they’re going through the shedding process. This is because they’re trying to remove the old skin that’s clinging to their body.
Try misting their enclosure more often to help soften their skin and make shedding easier. You can also offer them a warm bath to help with the shedding process.
5. They have mites
Mites are tiny parasitic insects that can infest bearded dragons and other reptiles. If your beardie has mites, they’ll likely be scratching at their skin in an attempt to get rid of them.
If you think your beardie has mites, take them to the vet for treatment.
6. They have a respiratory infection
Scratching at the glass can also be a sign of a respiratory infection in bearded dragons. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, increased respiratory rate, and mucus around the nose and mouth.
If you think your beardie has a respiratory infection, take them to the vet for treatment.
7. They have an itch
Itching is another common reason why bearded dragons scratch at the glass. This can be caused by a number of things such as allergies, mites, and dry skin.
If your beardie is itch, try giving them a warm bath to help soothe their skin. You can also offer them a food that’s high in moisture to help with hydration.
8. They’re trying to get your attention
Bearded dragons can also scratch at the glass to get your attention. This is usually the case if they’re not getting enough interaction and they’re trying to get you to come over and play with them.
Try spending more time with them and playing with them on a regular basis.
9. They’re feeling threatened
Scratching at the glass can also be a sign of aggression in bearded dragons. This is usually the case if they feel threatened by something in their environment or if they’re not getting enough space.
If you think your beardie is feeling threatened, try removing the source of the threat and giving them more space.
10. They have a medical condition
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause bearded dragons to scratch at the glass. These include skin infections, allergies, mites, and respiratory infections.
If you think your beardie has a medical condition, take them to the vet for treatment.
FAQs
Q: Is bearded dragon scratching the glass normal?
A: Bearded dragons can scratch at the glass for a number of reasons including boredom, stress, and Shedding. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing, it can be a sign that something is wrong. If your beardie is excessively scratching at the glass, take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.
Q: Why is my bearded dragon scratching his head or belly on the glass?
A: Bearded dragons can scratch their heads or belly on the glass for a number of reasons including boredom, stress, and allergies. If your beardie is excessively scratching their head on the glass, take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.
Q: What should I do to stop my beardie from scratching at the glass?
A: There are a number of things you can do to stop your beardie from scratching at the glass including providing more hiding spots, ensuring the temperature in their enclosure is correct, and handling them less. If your beardie is excessively scratching at the glass, take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.
Q: How can I tell if my bearded dragon is sick?
A: There are a number of signs that can indicate your bearded dragon is sick including a loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and changes in stool. If you think your beardie is sick, take them to the vet for treatment.
Q: How often should I bathe my bearded dragon?
A: Bearded dragons should be bathed once a week in warm water. This will help keep their skin healthy and hydrated.
Q: How often should I handle my bearded dragon?
A: Bearded dragons should be handled a few times a week for short periods of time. This will help them stay socialized and prevent them from getting bored.