lysinlight87
New Member
Hi guys, I know this has been asked before but can't find the thread. My guy sits with his mouth open a lot. Should I worry? His basking temp is 83 & he's been misted and fed this morn. Thanks
Mouth open
- Thread starter lysinlight87
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AngieL
Avid Member
Does he only do it when basking? The temps don't sound too high, maybe fill out this form please 
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/
Open mouths mean too hot but can also mean respitory infection.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/Open mouths mean too hot but can also mean respitory infection.
carol5208
Chameleon Enthusiast
Well there are usually only a couple of reason why chameleons hold their mouths open. They are too hot, (which if your temps are what you say does not seem likely), have a Respiratory Infection and are having trouble breathing, or they are mad or upset at something. Is your chameleon opening its mouth only when you are coming up to the cage, or is it doing it when you come up to it? If it is just doing it with no one or nothing around to provoke it, then I would rule that out. Are you sure your temp gauge is correct? If your basking temp is 83 he should not be gaping? Does he only do it under the basking light? When his mouth is open do you see alot of stringy saliva (they do have a little) or do you hear him wheezing? If so, then he could have the Respiratory Infection.
lysinlight87
New Member
I just checked his temperature again and it was reading 90, which is my fault cos I turned his thermostat up too much this morning (it was too cool then!). Hopefully that's what the problem is, he does only do it in his basking spot. I've turned it down again & will check the temp in 30 mins.
He might also be a little upset at being introduced to my mum this morning, he was reluctant to show off his sweet nature lol
I will keep an eye on him just in case it is an RI, but he's not wheezing as far as I can tell.
He might also be a little upset at being introduced to my mum this morning, he was reluctant to show off his sweet nature lol
I will keep an eye on him just in case it is an RI, but he's not wheezing as far as I can tell.
Psychobunny
Avid Member
Yeah, that's what is sounds like to me.
It can take some experimenting with different watt bulbs to find their sweet spot and every cham will be a little different (like people).
Mine is happy with 40w.
Also, your thermometer may be off.
If you have one of those digital (or even the analog ones) reptile therometers from the pet store, those are next to worthless and can be way off.
Sometimes you get lucky and snag a good one, but most are garbage.
If you have the $$, I very highly recomend a therometer which has been NIST calibrated (with the certificate) and you can send it back for annual calibration.
Same holds for the hygrometer.
Without being certified, you really dont know!!
lysinlight87
New Member
I think I will have to look into that, because I've been told before on this forum that the petshop ones are pretty useless. i've knocked his thermostat down to 76 & the thermometer is still reading 90.
Drago
New Member
Plain ole' 40watt works here too. I had one of those 50w with the painted on reflector, an "official" basking bulb. That was way too hot. Turns out a plain household 40w is perfect for my cham.
Psychobunny
Avid Member
LOL!! yeah, I have bunch of basking bulbs too.
The only thing they are good for is keeping pizza warm
