Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I have tried everything, and my extremely docile Jackson's will not open his mouth for me under any circumstances.

I am trying to clean the mouth-juncture area (he had an infection here before) once a week and he is making it very difficult.

I tried covering his nostrils, but he wouldn't open his mouth after more than a minute so I got scared. How long should I wait after covering his nostrils? I was afraid he might suffocate. Should I just wait as long as it takes?

I hate forcing his mouth open. I'd love to hear some suggestions as to how to get his mouth open without me having to pry it.

thanks!

I remember inspecting the mouth of my new vieled at the pet store and the clerk used a credit card, and GENTLY pried the mouth open until the cham opened up wide, this might not work with your jax, but try the prying part.

I would recommend against the prying part.... I could see damage to lips or mouth by doing that.... If the nose thing doesn't work, just pull gently on his lower throat under his mouth, and you can usually get it open. That area will stretch quite a bit, but won't stay that way or anything. Wrapping the chameleon in a towel will keep his legs from moving too much, just kinda curl him up in the towel and leave his head sticking out the top. Often, holding them that way will make them open their mouth out of just defense if nothing else. Try it.
-----
Tyler Stewart
Las Vegas NV
www.BLUEBEASTREPTILE.com

Yeah, I got a credit card out and just couldn't force it bewtween his lips.

He still just wil not open his mouth. He used to, but now he won't get mad at me at all. He just squirms like crazy with his mouth closed.

He's actually as healthy as he's ever been right now, too. So I don't get it.

I tried holding his nose again, and two whole minutes went by and he dodn't open his mouth. So screw that. I can just see the little weirdo suffocating in my hand.

I also tried hooding him by a heater. I thought maybe the heat would make him gape. But, nope.

I can tug on his gular skin a little, but only get his mouth open about a quarter inch. I actually need it to open FULLY, so I can swab the mouth juncture area (Jackson's have a thick fold there that is notorious for collecting "gunk". I want to do this once a week or so to prevent his infection from coming back (he just got off of Byatril for four weeks, and is doing fantastic). Anyway, if anyone has any other tricks they use, PLEASE let me know!

thanks