Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey,
For those who dont know Hubert is your basic fat and happy water dragon, but it bugs me when I go to feed him I put him on my floor and throw worms around and make him ran after them (figure he could use the exercise) well while or after I feed him he gapes his mouth and breathes, this because the worms are blocking his air passage could he be out of breath from running??? I dunno I'm confused and any info would be appreciated he his normal all other times just when I go to feed him superworms does this happen. Let me know!!
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THX> Kyle

Kyle.
here is a couple possibilities..
1) dragons dont breathe while they run . thats why they stop to pause ,then they run again. idont know how far you have him running for his grub but he may be trying to catch his breath. when you feed him when he is still does he gape? If he does then
2) it could be a mild resp infection OR he needs more heat and HUMIDITY. my dragons used to do that when the humidity level was low . I bumped it up to about 80% and they are fine now. hope this helps

peace

Yea, opening the mouth alot is usually a bad thing.... if it continues, take him to a vet.
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www.mplionhearts.com

If it is only happening when you feed him, it is probably not a respiratory infection. Sometimes my male will open his mouth real wide, like a show of dominance, similar to head bobbing or tail flicking. Sometimes he does both, open mouth and head bob, when he is on the top shelf towards his mate. He thinks he is bad a** and after your dragon chases around all of those worms he probably thinks that too.
Look for other signs of infection, like raspy breathing or drainage from the mouth. When my dragons are sick or upset their color changes. When Neptune sheds he turns dark until the big pieces fall off. He is pretty spoiled. Anyway, good luck!

I don't think that there is a problem. I have seen this behavior with my WD's when eating Zoophobas as well. These "super worms" have a strong after taste and I believe that reaction is the Water Dragon equalivent to "That's a spicey meat ball!!!"