While glass terrariums are great for your bearded dragon, at times, they’ll see their reflection and mistake it for a different bearded dragon.
It stresses them out, and they may even start attacking the glass!
So, how can you stop your bearded dragon from seeing its own reflection? There are a few different ways to prevent your bearded dragon from seeing its own reflection, including covering multiple sides of the tank with a backdrop, testing out different lighting in and around the tank, or adding plants and other decorations to reduce reflection in the tank.
Every beardie is different, so in this post, we’ll cover each option in detail so you can determine the best way to stop your bearded dragon from seeing its own reflection.
How Do I Stop My Bearded Dragon From Seeing Its Reflection?
If your bearded dragon is struggling with seeing its own reflection, there are a few ways you can reduce reflection inside of its tank.
Cover part of the tank with a backdrop
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce reflection in your bearded dragon’s tank is to cover part of it with a backdrop.
You can find a wide variety of backdrops online or at your local pet store that are specifically designed for reptile tanks.
Adding a backdrop will not only help reduce the reflection inside of the tank but also make it more aesthetically pleasing.
You should leave at least one side of the tank uncovered, so your bearded dragon can still see out and won’t feel too enclosed.
Test out different lighting
Another way to reduce reflection in your bearded dragon’s tank is by testing out different lighting.
Bearded dragons need UVB light to help them absorb calcium and vitamin D, so you’ll want to make sure the lighting you choose doesn’t block out all UVB rays.
You can find special reptile bulbs at most pet stores that emit UVB light.
If you have a glass terrarium, you may also want to try using a basking bulb to help reduce the reflection inside the tank.
Basking bulbs emit heat as well as light, so your bearded dragon will be able to warm up under it while also reducing the reflection inside the tank.
Make sure you never put lights on the side of the tank since your beardie’s eyes are very sensitive to direct light, so you want to avoid that at all costs!
Adding plants and decorations
Our last suggestion for reducing reflection in your bearded dragon’s tank is by adding plants and other decorations.
Bearded dragons love to climb, so adding branches and rocks will give them something to do while also reducing the amount of reflection in the tank.
It’s best to use live plants in the tank, which will help filter out toxins and make the tank more aesthetically pleasing.
While fake plants are easier to maintain, they aren’t the best choice for most beardies, since they may be toxic and have small parts.
Please make sure the plants you choose are safe for bearded dragons and that they’re not poisonous!
Is It Bad For Bearded Dragons To See Their Reflection?
While each bearded dragon is different, most beardies will be stressed if they see their own reflection.
Certain bearded dragons will see the reflection as a challenge, and others will simply ignore it.
Either way, it’s best to try and reduce the reflection in their tank so they don’t have to see it as much.
If your bearded dragon is attacking the glass or seems particularly stressed, you may want to consult with a reptile vet to see if there are any other options for reducing stress in your beardie.
Do Bearded Dragons Get Used To Their Reflection?
Although bearded dragons are smart reptiles, they don’t get used to their reflection.
Like most animals, they don’t have the self-awareness to understand that it’s them.
This causes stress, uncertainty, and they see it as a threat!
It’s good to give your beardie a distraction to help them avoid their reflection.
So while they don’t get used to their reflection, you can do a few things to help make it easier on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my bearded dragon scratching on the glass?
If your bearded dragon is scratching on the glass, it’s likely because they see their reflection and think it’s another bearded dragon.
They may also be trying to get to the other side of the glass!
It’s important to provide your beardie with enough space so they don’t feel the need to escape their enclosure.
And if your beardie is still scratching the glass, you may want to add in a backdrop, change the lighting, or add a distraction to the tank!
Why is my bearded dragon obsessed with his reflection?
If your bearded dragon is obsessed with his reflection, it’s likely because he’s seeing another bearded dragon.
He may think it’s a friend or a mate, or maybe he thinks it’s a threat to his territory.
Either way, you may want to take advantage of the tips in this post to stop your beardie from seeing his reflection.
Should bearded dragons see their reflection?
While it’s not necessary for bearded dragons to see their reflection, it can be beneficial in certain situations.
It’s best to have a balance between your beardie being able to see out of the tank, but not being scared or stressed due to seeing their own reflection.
Final thoughts
Hopefully, this post helped you reduce reflection inside of your bearded dragon’s tank.
Whether you covered part of the tank with a backdrop, changed the lighting around, or added a plant or distraction to the tank, your beardie is much less likely to see his own reflection moving forward.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please check with your veterinarian to make sure.
