There are several reasons why leopard geckos glass surf, including curiosity about their new surroundings, boredom, hunger, or even cold. They also glass surf to escape other things that annoy them in their enclosure, such as mites, other geckos, or unfavorable conditions.

Read more to learn about glass surfing and when it should raise concern!

What Does Glass Surfing Mean?

Glass surfing is a behavior where leopard geckos and other lizards attempt to scale the glass walls in their habitat. In an attempt to try and get a grip on the walls, the leos rub their nose and pot belly on the wall while the legs make a paddling motion, such that the animal seems to be dancing.

While common among Leopard Geckos, glass surfing is not exclusive to this species and may be observed in many other geckos and certain tank-dwelling reptiles. But what makes leos glass surf?

8 Reasons Why Leopard Geckos Glass Surf

Many leopard gecko keepers have speculations as to why their pets are glass surfing, but these are the most common ones.

1. Boredom And Need For Exploration

Although leos are calm and docile, they are inherently curious and may be overcome by the urge to explore. Since they are used to expansive territories in the wild, it’s only natural that they might get bored once in a while and try to scale the glass walls.

2. Small Enclosure

If you notice your gecko is stressed and surfing the glass, the enclosure may be too small. Therefore, you must ensure that adult leos live in an enclosure of at least 20 gallons.

3. Incorrect Tank Temperature

Leos rely on external temperature to keep their internal heat within optimal range and perform integral functions like digestion. For this reason, the temperature inside their terrarium needs to stay within a specific range.

If the temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, these reptiles will try to scale the glass walls to get closer to the heat and light source. Conversely, if the temperature inside the terrarium rises beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it can make the leos overheat. In response, the leos will become restless and try to escape by scaling the glass walls.

4. Competition Or Overcrowding

Although leopard geckos congregate in small colonies in the wild, it’s hard to replicate this in captivity. When you place more than one leo in a tank, they usually compete fiercely for food and space, especially if a male is in the cage.

If you keep several leos in a cage and they keep glass surfing, they might try to escape the competition or the bullying in the cage. Therefore, if you have more than one leo in a cage, ensure a large terrarium and several eating points. Conversely, avoid keeping more than one male in a tank.

5. Starvation

Leopard geckos have a higher IQ than many people give them credit for. If your gecko is aware of when to anticipate its meal times, it is likely to enthusiastically glass surf to get your attention and demand to get its food. Usually, you don’t have to worry or do anything other than give it food.

6. New Surroundings Or New Accessories Or Decorations In The Cage

 Your leopard gecko may be stressed and exhibit other behavioral changes, such as glass surfing if it’s new or you’ve changed its tank size. This is because leopard geckos have a natural apprehension of novelty and the unknown.

Conversely, introducing new items into the cage, such as a new log, new plant, or new hide, might make your leo stressed to the extent that they might try to escape. And since these creatures can’t climb over the walls, they’ll keep glass surfing.

7. Escaping From Mites/Parasites

Your gecko may also surf, trying to escape the mites in the cage that are attacking and causing distress. If a mite infestation is present in your gecko’s terrarium, the mites will soon swarm all over your gecko and viciously attack it.

Glass surfing may be a technique for your gecko to escape these pests because their bites are so unpleasant and painful. Other indications of mites bothering your gecko include self-mutilation, excessive washing, and shedding issues.

8. Observing Its Reflection

As we all know, male leopard geckos are inherently territorial and don’t like to share or see another animal invade their territory. So, when the male gecko sees its reflection on the glass walls, it will believe that this is another leopard trying to invade its space.

Since the glass makes the leopard gecko believe there’s no barrier, they will try to move through it and get frustrated when they can’t reach the animal on the other side. Adding a background to the terrarium’s glass walls is the best way to stop your pet from glass surfing.

How Can You Stop Your Leopard Gecko From Glass Surfing?

You can ensure that your scaly friend doesn’t glass surf in the following ways:

• Add enhancements and toys to reduce boredom in the enclosure.
• Provide a sizeable terrarium that is more than 20 gallons for adult geckos
• Don’t put two geckos in the same cage; if you have to, pair females with females.
• Install a thermostat and digital thermometers to regulate and monitor the temperature in the leo’s tank
• Don’t starve or let your gecko go for days without food
• Make gradual changes to terrarium accessories and decorations
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect the terrarium to prevent parasite infestation.
• Add background to glass walls and doors in the leopard gecko tank to prevent reflection.