Gaping - a sign he'll bite?

[lily2521]

We've had our 3 month old male carpet for about 10 days now. We've tried to let him be as much as possible. He's never shown extreme shyness from the day we got him, he has eaten, drank, and even poo'd in front of us, no problem. He doesn't run and hide when we approach the cage, stays out in the open quite a bit actually. I do have a well-filled in viv so I'm not worried that I'm not providing enough hiding places for him.

He'll take a cricket from our hand no problem. We've successfully hand-fed about 5 times now, and noticed that he snatches the crickets up now pretty much the second we offer it to him.

I did have to take him out 2 days ago, and although I know he didn't like it, I had him on my hand for all of 5-10 seconds, he had his mouth wide open the entire time. Is this a sign he'll try to bite me, or is he just trying to look scary? He didn't lunge or strike or anything, just held his mouth open the whole time. The picture is kind of blurry, but you can see his mouth opened.

Since then, he's opened his mouth in the same manner a couple of times when we've approached his cage. We've let him be and haven't handled since.

I'm so freaked out about getting bitten, is the open mouth thing a sign he will try to bite? I know we'll have to take him out at some point, even if it's just for cleanings, etc. and the last thing I want is to be scared he's going to bite me every time.

 

[Carlton]

I did have to take him out 2 days ago, and although I know he didn't like it, I had him on my hand for all of 5-10 seconds, he had his mouth wide open the entire time. Is this a sign he'll try to bite me, or is he just trying to look scary? He didn't lunge or strike or anything, just held his mouth open the whole time. The picture is kind of blurry, but you can see his mouth opened.

Since then, he's opened his mouth in the same manner a couple of times when we've approached his cage. We've let him be and haven't handled since.

Not necessarily GOING to bite, but he is acting territorial. It is a pretty normal response from a young cham who is starting to defend his new turf. Even though you are something he sees daily he's still getting used to your intrusions. Gaping is often a bluff as it makes him look larger, along with inflating with air, flattening his body, or curling his tail. He may always mildly resent you, but continue the hand feedings as it will help him trust you.

Frankly, I'd be surprised if he actually follows through and bites. Even if he does, a carpet cham can hardly hurt you. If it continues to worry you, go ahead and let him bite once so you won't wonder and stress out about what it would be like. Very minimal.