Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have 3 healthy, big big boys .. wait, did I mention big? Anyways, my neighbor just got a little one and I'm wondering about something. She opens her mouth every now and then, although it's not constant. It's like she's breathing through her mouth, but she doesn't make any noise like it's a respiratory thing. I know one of my guys did that for a while, but the vet determined he didn't have a res infection, that he was just doing that.

Anyone have any advice? Is this typical behavior, or even sometimes?

Many thanks!

Dragons do that for a lot of reasons, including stress, over heating, to thermoregulate, or if they are sick. If it only happens when someone approaches the cage it is probably just a stress reaction, and she will get over it. If she is eating and behaving fine otherwise she is probably fine.
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A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04

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sig file edited 1/29/05 [phw]

Inadequate humidity levels will also cause mouth gaping. If the humidity isn't in the 60-80% range at least part of the time, you might suggest more frequent misting or the addition of an additional humidity source, such as a fogger or an airstone in the water bowl.
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dianedfisher@yahoo.com

My 3 CWD-Avanyu, Tripod and Drago

Also after eating certain food items, some have this reaction to zoophobas.

My Dragon Pooka did this when she was very very small. It seemed to coincide with her getting her conical jaw scales. Because of this I and rumors that many young dragons go through a 'phase' like that at the hatchling stage I have chalked it up to 'dragon teething'. Keep in mind this is just what I thought, I personally would spent the $35 to take it to a vet and be 100% sure.