Leopard geckos are known for their cute behaviors like tail wagging and licking their eyes However, one behavior that owners observe that may not be so cute is glass surfing As the name suggests, glass surfing is when a leopard gecko repeatedly tries to climb up the glass walls of its tank. This article will explore the reasons behind glass surfing and things you can do to curb the behavior.
What Exactly is Glass Surfing?
Glass surfing is the phenomenon where leopard geckos frantically scratch and climb at the glass walls of their enclosures using their legs and belly. To an observer, it looks like the gecko is trying to desperately get out of its tank. Their legs paddle aggressively against the glass as they try to find traction and climb out.
While a gecko glass surfing may look distressed, it’s important to understand that this behavior itself is not harmful. Glass surfing is merely a symptom that indicates an underlying issue making the gecko uncomfortable or stressed. Figuring out the root cause and addressing it is key.
Top 13 Reasons for Glass Surfing in Leopard Geckos
There are several possible reasons why your leopard gecko may be glass surfing Here are the most common causes
1. Inadequate Tank Size
Leopard geckos are active reptiles that need sufficient space to move around and explore their environment. An ideal minimum tank size for one adult leopard gecko is 20 gallons. If the tank is too cramped, the gecko will try to escape to find more space.
2. Tank Overcrowding
Housing multiple leopard geckos together can increase aggression and stress, especially between males. Make sure the tank is large enough to comfortably fit all occupants.
3. New Tank or Environment
Leopard geckos dislike change and new environments. After bringing home a new gecko or upgrading its tank, expect glass surfing for the first few weeks as it gets accustomed.
4. Hunger
If your leopard gecko is not being fed properly, it will try to escape and hunt for food. Make sure you are feeding age-appropriate insects in the right quantities.
5. Reflection Confusion
A leopard gecko may glass surf because it sees its reflection and thinks it is another intruding gecko. Adding a background to the tank walls can help.
6. External Distractions
Flickering lights, cell phones, or other animals outside the tank may catch the gecko’s attention. It will try to get out towards these distractions.
7. Cold Temperatures
Leopard geckos are cold-blooded and need adequate external heat to regulate body temperature. If the tank is too cold, they will try to escape and find warmth.
8. Hot Temperatures
On the flip side, if the tank gets too hot, especially without a proper cooler area, the gecko will try to escape the uncomfortable heat.
9. Low Humidity
Lack of moisture causes bad sheds. This discomfort can make the gecko glass surf to get away from the dry environment.
10. Lack of Hides
Leopard geckos need a cool, moist hide and a hot, dry hide to feel secure. An exposed tank with no hides causes stress.
11. Wrong Substrate
Certain substrates like sand, wood shavings, or pebbles can irritate a leopard gecko’s skin. To escape this irritation, the gecko will glass surf.
12. Breeding Behavior
A female leopard gecko may glass surf and try to escape when she is ready to find a mate to breed with. This usually occurs in the spring.
13. Mite Infestation
Parasites like mites are irritating and can cause excessive glass surfing as geckos try to escape the mites.
8 Ways to Stop Your Leopard Gecko From Glass Surfing
If you notice your leopard gecko glass surfing, observe carefully and try to determine the underlying cause. Once you identify the reason, take appropriate steps to modify the tank conditions and environment to address the problem. Here are some tips:
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Get a larger tank, upgrade to at least 20-gallon size for an adult gecko.
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If housing multiple geckos, make sure there is adequate space and hiding areas.
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Make sure temperatures across the tank are ideal: 88-92°F on warm side and 70-75°F on cool side.
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Increase humidity inside the tank to around 40-50%. Provide a humid hide.
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Add more decor items like hides, fake plants, branches etc. to break line of sight across glass walls.
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Feed a healthy, balanced diet with appropriately sized feeder insects. Avoid over or underfeeding.
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Check for mites or other parasites. Treat any infestations. Disinfect and thoroughly clean tank and decor.
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Limit external stimuli around tank that could distract the gecko like bright lights, TV, other pets.
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When introducing anything new to the tank, do it slowly over multiple days to allow adjustment.
Be patient and persistent in figuring out what is stressing your leopard gecko and causing the glass surfing. Eliminate or modify the source of stress and the behavior should stop over time as your gecko becomes comfortable again.
When to See the Vet
In most cases, glass surfing itself does not require medical treatment. However, if the behavior persists for weeks and your leopard gecko is showing other signs of illness like lack of appetite, lethargy, or weight loss, then a vet visit may be required.
Chronic glass surfing along with other symptoms could indicate an underlying health issue, parasites, or other problems that need evaluation. Seek exotic pet veterinary help to identify and resolve any medical conditions.
The Takeaway
Glass surfing in leopard geckos is generally caused by stressors in the gecko’s environment that make it feel uncomfortable and want to escape. By optimizing tank conditions and carefully observing your pet’s behavior, you can identify triggers for glass surfing and take steps to eliminate them. With a few habitat tweaks and lots of patience, this should resolve the glass surfing over time.
Scratching At Glass? Not Eating? | WHY LEOPARD GECKOS DO THIS
FAQ
What does it mean if my leopard gecko is glass surfing?
Some leopard geckos glass surf because they don’t have sufficient food and they’re looking for something else to eat. If you notice your leo glass surfing especially around feeding time, it’s trying to tell you that you aren’t giving it enough food. You can try increasing either the frequency or quantity of its feed.
Why is my lizard glass surfing?
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Stress:
- Reflections: Lizards may see their own reflection and mistake it for another lizard, leading to stress and aggression.
- Territoriality: They might be trying to defend their territory or compete with other lizards, even if they’re not housed together.
- Overcrowding: A tank that’s too small for the lizard can lead to stress and a desire to escape.
- New decorations or changes: Any changes to the enclosure, including new decorations or rearranging, can cause stress.
- Suboptimal conditions: Incorrect temperature, humidity, lighting, or substrate can also lead to stress.
- Reflections: Lizards may see their own reflection and mistake it for another lizard, leading to stress and aggression.
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Environmental factors:
- Incorrect temperature: If the basking spot is too hot or the cool side is too cold, the lizard may try to escape to find a more comfortable temperature.
- Poor ventilation: A poorly ventilated enclosure can lead to a buildup of ammonia and other toxins, which can stress the lizard.
- Smell: If the enclosure is not cleaned regularly, the lizard may try to escape the smell of waste.
- Incorrect temperature: If the basking spot is too hot or the cool side is too cold, the lizard may try to escape to find a more comfortable temperature.
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Boredom and lack of enrichment:
- Lack of stimulation: If the enclosure is not enriched with hiding spots, climbing structures, or other opportunities for exploration, the lizard may become bored and start glass surfing.
- Hunger: A lizard that is not getting enough food or the right type of food may also become stressed and try to escape.
- Lack of stimulation: If the enclosure is not enriched with hiding spots, climbing structures, or other opportunities for exploration, the lizard may become bored and start glass surfing.
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Other factors:
- Constipation: Sometimes, frantic activity can be related to constipation, making it uncomfortable for them to poop.
- Illness: In some cases, glass surfing can be a sign of an underlying health problem.
- Constipation: Sometimes, frantic activity can be related to constipation, making it uncomfortable for them to poop.
How to tell if a leopard gecko is stressed?
If a gecko is stressed they will sometimes avoid all food options given to them. Tail wagging, vocalization, rapid breathing and being incredibly skittish are also signs of stress as well. If your gecko is exhibiting these signs, something in their environment or their care may be causing them worry or discomfort.
Why is my leopard gecko attacking the glass?
Leopard geckos may glass surf because they are exploring their environment, or because they’re bored, hungry, or cold. Leopard geckos may also glass surf in an attempt to get away from mites or other geckos in the enclosure that may be irritating them.
Why do leopard geckos glass surf?
The most common reason why leopard geckos glass surf is to try to get out of a small or overcrowded tank. So always ensure that your leopard gecko has a tank of at least 20 gallons and avoid housing it with other geckos. Even though leopard geckos can live in small colonies in the wild, it’s hard to recreate such conditions in a tank.
Do leopard geckos climb glass?
Since leopard geckos have narrow clawed toes and don’t have sticky toe pads, they’re not good at climbing. As such, they look like they’re surfing whenever they try to climb up glass surfaces. That’s why this common leopard gecko behavior is called glass surfing.
Do leopard geckos like wall surfing?
Some leopard geckos will feel uncomfortable in a tank that is 10 gallons or less. If you switch to a bigger tank, the issue might resolve. An adult leopard gecko needs a tank that is at least 15-20 gallons. Another reason for wall surfing can be a lack of terrarium furniture that your leopard gecko can climb and it might be bored.
Why does my leopard gecko Eat Glass?
The irritation and frustration of dealing with mites can drive your Leopard Gecko to increasingly frustrated behavior, including glass surfing. If you notice your Leopard Gecko clawing at their eyes or rubbing up against things in their environment along with glass surfing, mites may be more likely to be the culprit.
Why are leopard geckos stressed out?
Alternatively, they could be stressed out because their tank is too cold. What is glass surfing? Since leopard geckos have narrow clawed toes and don’t have sticky toe pads, they’re not good at climbing. As such, they look like they’re surfing whenever they try to climb up glass surfaces.
What happens if you bring a leopard gecko home?
Inexperience and curiosity When you bring an inexperienced leopard gecko home, they may be stunned by the transparent glass walls of their tank and try to go through them. Discovering that they can’t do this may even make them more curious and compel them to try climbing their way out of the tank.