Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all,

What are the tell-tale signs that the cage is too cold or too hot?

My uro seems to be breating rapidly alot more -- you can see it in his neck, and also his mouth is open much more often, so I'm wondering if that's a sign of temperature control or something else.

I don't mean to be overly concerned - but everyone's advice is different about temperatures in the hot spots, cool spots and night temperature, so I have to kind of let him go for a while and see for myself.

Thanks again for everyone's help.

the hot spot has to be at 120-130 this is the basking spot , the warm area of the cage has to be at 100 and the cool side anywhere from 80-90

The open mouth is usually just a means of thermoregulation. If he's constantly on the cool side of the cage with his mouth open, the cage could be too hot. Too cool and your uro would likely be sleeping all day.

I really think it's an individual lizard-preference as far as the "ideal" temps. I've seen ranges from 110 - 130 for the basking spot. Mine is about in the middle of that (115-120). My two are very different in where they spend their time. Joe loves the heat - the more the better. Arthur is less in the heat and sleeps a lot more. Maybe it's the size difference. Arthur's about 3" shorter than Joe.
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Torey
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
0.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Leeloo)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)