Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If they won't gape at you when handled, what's a safe way to get a Chameleon's mouth open for cleaning, examining, etc.?

thanks

have you tried a mirror? that's how I got Luna to open hers, though she won't do it any more. Another option is to gently pull down on the gular or just wait until he gapes while basking - that's when I peak in Luna's crooked mouth.

lele

>>If they won't gape at you when handled, what's a safe way to get a Chameleon's mouth open for cleaning, examining, etc.?
>>
>>thanks
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles Jaida & Jetta
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta

If that doesn't work, then pinch her mouth on either side near the front, behind the nostrils and in fron ot the eyes, she will gape and/or hiss, so be careful you dont get bitten.
If she really doesn't want to, slide a credit card between her lips and gently (gently is the key word) pry open (this will most likely result in gaping and hissing, or if she is REALLY stubborn, then keep sliding the card in the mouth to about halfway and pry gently, remember the gentle part of this).

Try pinching/gripping the front of the upper jaw/snout with thumb and index finger. Light pressure over/near the nostrils will get them to open. You will need to grip firmly as they will try to wiggle free.