My dragon started gaping about 2 wks ago and he has never done this before.But the only times I have seen him do it is under his basking light.I also see him flare up his beard sometimes and it doesn't turn black when he does it.His basking spot is 110 degrees and the humidity level is low.I dont know how he could have gotten a respiratory infection but I just wanna make sure he doesn't any opinions?Also does anyone know the normal breathing rate for a bd this might also help in knowing if hes sick or not.
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unsure
pacman101
Jan 10, 2004 05:12 PM
Replies (6)
steve1488
Jan 10, 2004 05:51 PM
They usally gape there mouths when they get hot instead of moving away from the heat.Your temps sound good,its normal for them to do that.
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Owner of:
0.1 Red Tail Boa,
1.0 Red Tail Boa,
0.1 Reticulated Python,
0.1 Green Burmese Python,
1.0 Bearded Dragon,
0.1 Leopard Gecko
pacman101
Jan 10, 2004 06:05 PM
I know its normal for them to gape but he started doing it suddenly and it is also a symptom of a respiratory infection.
NorwegianDragon
Jan 10, 2004 07:11 PM
Well, if you think his behaviour is strange, and you suspect a respitory infection, take him to a vet just to make sure. But if he's only gaping when on his basking spot, which is actually quite hot, I'd say this is completly normal. Are you sure the temp hasn't changed? Just a couple degrees warmer could make it necessary for him to cool off by gaping.
pacman101
Jan 10, 2004 08:04 PM
The closest vet is 2 hours away.I not gonna go to a vet unless he shows another symptom that can't be confused with healthy behavior.
NorwegianDragon
Jan 11, 2004 04:08 PM
Well, I'm confused. You claim that this gaping is unusual, and not the gaping easily identified as thermoregulation. You think something might be wrong. Then you say you won't take the beardie to the vet, because he's 2 hours away???
My suggestion is simple: If your beardie is constantly gaping, and not only occasionally while basking, get in your car and take it to the vet, even if it takes you 2 hours. If it's only gaping when basking, and not continuously, stay home.
NorwegianDragon
Jan 10, 2004 07:07 PM
That's right. As long as he's only doing it when basking, and not all the time, there's no respitory infection. It's just a way of thermo-regulating 
