Mouth opening. What's happening?

[Camille_Leon_jacksonchams]

Hi guys. My female jackson chameleon has been opening her mouth wide recently. Nothing was around her that could be stressing her out. I just looked at her one day and she was opening her mouth. I thought she may be hungry or thirsty, so I fed her and gave her water, but she was doing it 5 minutes after again. I don't have any pictures of her doing it because she immediately closes it when I go close to the cage, but I saw her doing this last night and tonight. I saw her doing this before she had a heat stroke when I took her outside, but this time the cage light was off. She also seems more fat then usual. I think she may be pregnant, but I haven't seen her mating yet. I don't know what to do since I'm still new to this, but hopefully some of you guys do. Please help.

 

[Beman]

Have you mated her? The gaping can mean that she is too hot or that she has a respiratory infection started. I will tag some people that know Jacksons to help you. But you need to fill out the form below by copy pasting it into your response. Please be detailed and provide pics of the entire cage set up from the lights down and of your Jackson. @JacksJill @Mendez Please review their info when they post it.

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
• Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
• Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
• Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
• Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
• Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
• History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
• Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
• Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
• Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
• Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
• Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
• Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

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Please Note:

1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
2. Photos can be very helpful.

 

[JacksJill]

Do keep an eye on her. Another possibility besides those mentioned above could be she is about to shed. They do an exaggerated yawn to loosen the skin prior to shedding. Observe her for any signs of a respiratory infection such as stringy saliva or popping or crackling noises in the meantime.

 

[Camille_Leon_jacksonchams]

Do keep an eye on her. Another possibility besides those mentioned above could be she is about to shed. They do an exaggerated yawn to loosen the skin prior to shedding. Observe her for any signs of a respiratory infection such as stringy saliva or popping or crackling noises in the meantime.

She has been shedding recently. I saw a piece of skin fall off of her when she opened her mouth. I have not seen or heard anything unusual.

 

[Lindasjackson]

My male jacksons did this about a month ago and had me all up in arms! As soon as I’d come near his cage he’d close his mouth just like yours. He was shedding around his jaws and I hadn’t picked up on it. Still keep a close eye on her.