Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My new ARB arrived in one piece and alive yesterday evening along with the bearded dragon and 2 cats that I'm taking in for 3 months for my cousin.

I have two questions come up that I thought could be answered (or at least guided to a good start at finding answers).

1 - When he arrived, right around his mouth in the front was black... no red or anything, just black. I wasn't sure if he was rubbing, digging to try and find some darkness, or if it was something more serious. I noticed this morning there was A LOT less of it after his spending the night in his water bowl. His big cage isn't finished yet, so he'll be staying a 10g tank for about 2-3 days.

2 - All three of us saw him do this a couple of times (cousin, husband, and myself) and cousin stated that even the guy who raised him had no clue about it. Sometime he'll just open his mouth wide open, almost like a human yawn, and just hold it like that for about 5-10 seconds. There's no sound coming along with it and no aggression.

If any of you can help explain these to me, and I'll try to get pictures of his mouth tonight after I get home, please do! I'm a first time snake owner and want to do it all right. And yes, I do have a habit of just jumping in the deep end rather than wading through the easier stuff first. I think it's the engineer in me!
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Carmen

currently
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2.0 cats
1.0 horse

fostering
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2.1 kittens

soon to be added
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0.2 cats (temp - 3 months)
1.0 Argentine rainbow boa
1.0 bearded dragon (temp - 3 months)

All I can say is my corn yawned alot with never any problems and I should leave the reptile questions for the reptile folks, but should be able to help with those cats if you need. Cats are my first love. (Duck!!! Someone is about to hit you!)

Linda

I have a cat you can have. She wandered in 15 years ago and I am still hoping she will leave.
Jeff

>>All I can say is my corn yawned alot with never any problems and I should leave the reptile questions for the reptile folks, but should be able to help with those cats if you need. Cats are my first love. (Duck!!! Someone is about to hit you!)
>>
>>Linda

Thanks and let me offer my advice......Get rid of the wife, get rid of the rodents, then MAYBE the cat will go!

My first rescue kitty is now 15 years old. He spends all his time just being cute. Sometimes he gets up to eat. In my next life I want to be a Blue Barry cat.

Linda
L)L

>>Thanks and let me offer my advice......Get rid of the wife, get rid of the rodents, then MAYBE the cat will go!
>>
>>My first rescue kitty is now 15 years old. He spends all his time just being cute. Sometimes he gets up to eat. In my next life I want to be a Blue Barry cat.
>>
>>Linda
>>L)L

The yawning concerns me a little. He might be breathing through his mouth, which would implicate that he is having difficulty breathing through his nostrils. Two reasons off the top of my head.
1. He may have retained shed in his nostrils...just make sure his humidity is in the 80% ball park. A hide box with damp moss will povide that for him.
2. If he continues to do this...or you happen to hear "weezing," or see bubbles from his nostrils he could have a respitory infection. If this is the case, he should be taken to the vet...double check heat and humidity.

BUT...he could just be yawning...I have a carpet python that does it all the time...I think she just likes the way it feels.

Take care, Chris
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www.chrisolsonreptiles.com