Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My beardie spends LOTS of time with his mouth open on his basking rock. Does this mean its too hot? Its about 105 or so.

I would say it's probably not a problem. Is your basking spot large enough where your beardie can move into a spot where there is not quite as much heat, like by just a couple of degrees? I mean is it basically 105 or 85, take your pick?

Also, if your beardie isn't gaping while not on his basking spot I would also say that is a good sign there's not a problem there.

If he's gaping while not in the heat I think that may be a sign of a respiratory infection but I'm not 100% sure on that, I just know it's not normal.
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Rob Talkington

He has a high basking spot thats not under the light but he never uses it. when hes out of his cage he dosnt have his mouth open.

Ill try to get him a bigger basking spot.

I think by "bigger" basking area they meant more options. If that's how you took it sorry. Just make sure there are lots of options for him temperature wise. One of mine I think has an r.i. and along with the gaping is some noticeable heavy breathing and huffing.

>>I think by "bigger" basking area they meant more options. If that's how you took it sorry. Just make sure there are lots of options for him temperature wise. One of mine I think has an r.i. and along with the gaping is some noticeable heavy breathing and huffing.

Either more basking spots at different levels all together or a bigger basking spot directly under the light with enough room that the dragon can either be directly under the light or off to the side where it's not quite as hot. Either way would work just so long as the beardie has options.

Personally, I think a bigger basking area would be best and allow the most variable amount of heat. Even a basking area that, at it's highest point, is directly under the light with an incline leading to the floor would be variable enough.
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Rob Talkington

i have a branch angled under the spot light so theres basking spots at different levels, he always chooses right under the bulb and gapes all the time so its his choice to be up there roasting lol
doesnt gape other than when basking, as mentioned this is not normal if he gapes in cold areas

sounds normal to me !!!!