Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok do uros gape to cool off like beardeds?What can I do to calm down my uro he is really frigging skittish. He bolts when I walk past his cage and he freaks out when I try to handle him.What body language do they use when they are trying to warn you of a bite or tail whip?

thanks

It took a lot of reading to find information on gaping when I needed to find out why my uro was acting so weird. They gape because it is a way for them to regulate their temperature. My uro was gaping because she was too cold. I didn't have the basking area at a high enough temperature. She was also sleeping on top of a thermorock that was in her tank at the time. Now that I've increased the heat in the tank (higher wattage bulbs) I seldom see her do it and she is back to sleeping in her cave. As for the wiping or biting, mine is very friendly. She runs to the front of the tank whenever she sees me. Someone else can comment on the biting beacuse I wouldn't know what a warning you should look for. Hope the info on gaping helps.
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Lisa

1 Mali Uro - Matilda
1 Leopard Tort - Herman
1 Shih Tzu - Jake

lisasmith@optonline.net

Well my uro does only do it when hes under his basking spot but his spot is 120-125 degrees Do you mean he was gaping to cool down?Also exactly what do they do when they are gaping?Mine kinda pushes his throat in and out is that normal?

thanks

Didn't you just get your Uro the other day? If so, give it a chance to get used to its new home. You are probably stressing it out by 1. moving it to a new home and 2. handling it so soon.

$.02

I only picked him up for a few seconds when I was looking him over and when I brought him home to put him in his cage.He has very nice colors but one of his front toes is a little deformed looks like he got a toe nail ripped out.How can I let him burrow in something w/o having it collapse on him?

That's cool. I hear that when they are young, they are kinda jumpy. The big ones tend to chill out as they age.

If you have rocks and other heavy stuff in your cage, make sure they rest on the bottom of the cage. My Uro burrowed to the bottom already, and promptly nestled under a piece of slate (resting on the bottom).

Some folks use PVC pipe to simulate a burrow. I'm currently working on some cool burrow stuff myself. Maybe a trip to Lowe's will stimulate these old brain cells!

Gaping usually is their way of cooling down, like a dog panting. Mine do it on occasion, usually when sitting under the basking lights.
As far as body language, from my own observations, when they are pi$í off, they sway their bodies from side to side, the uro dance (not to be confused with the glass dance LOL). If they are demonstrating this behavior it is best to leave them alone.
Since you just got your uro, it is stressed at the moment. One thing I have found to be helpful is to always talk to them in a calm soothing voice, even if they are hidden. They will recognize your voice and hopefully associate it something pleasant in the future. Patience is what it takes, but always remember, uros are like people, each has its' own personality, so some will become more tame than others. I have very tame ones and others that will not run when they see you but are not happy to be picked up either. Others are like reptile versions of your dog, love to be petted, held and sit with you. Good luck.

Pam