Reptile & Amphibian Forums

is this normal? I have checked all of my temps in all of my cages time and time again and they are all up to spec, but I have only seen my beardies (2 adults, 1 juvi, 1 baby) open they're mouths to let some heat out very few times.. is this normal or are my temps just not as correct as I think they are? reason I ask is because I see alot of people posting pics of beardies with mouths open and I want to make sure I'm not overlooking something.. Ideas?

>>is this normal? I have checked all of my temps in all of my cages time and time again and they are all up to spec, but I have only seen my beardies (2 adults, 1 juvi, 1 baby) open they're mouths to let some heat out very few times.. is this normal or are my temps just not as correct as I think they are? reason I ask is because I see alot of people posting pics of beardies with mouths open and I want to make sure I'm not overlooking something.. Ideas?

It is actually *bad* if they do mouth gaping to much and is a sign of *overheating*! If they only do it occasionally, then that is actually good! Just to remind you, be sure to measure your temps with either a digital thermometer with a probe, or a temp-gun (*not* a dial or strip), and that the basking spot is between 95*F-105*F.
Hope that helps!
-Drew
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Owned by:
1.2 bearded dragons - Legolas, Rosy, Miss Scarlet
0.1 Indonesian blue tongue skink - Sarah
1.0 reverse oketee corn snake - Bernard
1.0 ball python - Patrick
2.0 guinea pigs (I know, they're not herps!) - Punky, Jeepers

Keep in mind that alot of the pictures of dragons with open mouths may not necessarily mean they are gaping to cool off. They could simply be nervious about the camera and open their mouths in the beginnings of a full bearded threat/bluff display. Mine used to do that almost every time I took pictures of her.
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PHLdyPayne