Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking at my cham today and don't see any nostrils. His mouth is always closed, how does he breathe? Also, he'll keep his mouth open when basking, why does he do this? these seem like they should have obvious answers, but i am at a loss. thanks

Scott

Scott,
Your jackson has nostrils.... honest!
If he is sitting under a heat lamp with his mouth open - he could be too warm. They thermoregulate by leacing their mouths open.

What kind of bulb are you using?
Jax need it cooler - so don't use higher than a 60 watt house bulb - and make sure that is a few inches away from the top of his cage. Otherwise, you will "cook" him. Jax like it cooler than other chams..... have you gotten a book yet?

Here is a great website to learn about jacksons:
http://www.geocities.com/chamjacksonii/

Take good care,
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Ok, i looked closer and i think i found nostrils...i was so confused, it just didn't make sense that they wouldn't have nostrils.
I am using a powersun 100w, but it's at least 6-8 inches from the top of the cage, and another 10-12 from the closest plant (I'll have to figure something out when the plants get taller). I was concerned that he may get too hot, so when i left this morning i turned the A/C on to low 70's, and when i got back, he was hangning upside down from the top of the screen as close the the light as he could get, leading me to the impression that he was cold. I'll pick up a thermometer to meter the temps more closely and learn from where he spends most of his time. Thanks everybody for your help.

Scott

He does have nostrils, the opening of the mouth when basking is normal, think of it as being similar to panting like dogs do.

hey scott,

the nostils are there they are just not noticeable. Sooner of later you may see white stuff in them - this is only salts he is releasing. Look closely you can see them. here i that cool site that iso posted and you can see the location

as for the gaping they do it to cool off (sort of like a dog panting, and when they see a predator or other cham (Luna saw her reflection in a mirror and got all puffy and gaped!

Everything is normal

lele

>>I'm looking at my cham today and don't see any nostrils. His mouth is always closed, how does he breathe? Also, he'll keep his mouth open when basking, why does he do this? these seem like they should have obvious answers, but i am at a loss. thanks
>>
>>Scott
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles (Jaida, no name)
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - (still no names)