bubbathechameleon
New Member
I was wondering what it means if my veiled chameleon sits there with his mouth?
Mouth stays open.
- Thread starter bubbathechameleon
- Start date
MsCham
New Member
Just posting a few guesses here because of the lack of info... but mine will have his mouth open for
A) defensive purposes (warning me that I'm getting too close and he doesn't want to deal with handling that day - this will precursor a hiss)
or B) I've been an idiot and forgot to fill the dripper that day, so he needs water asap. (In the wild the water from rain/humidity will collect on their cask and fall into their open mouth) If he's not getting enough water, this could be a signal of something to change.
If you've ruled these out, please fill out this for more help.
A) defensive purposes (warning me that I'm getting too close and he doesn't want to deal with handling that day - this will precursor a hiss)
or B) I've been an idiot and forgot to fill the dripper that day, so he needs water asap. (In the wild the water from rain/humidity will collect on their cask and fall into their open mouth) If he's not getting enough water, this could be a signal of something to change.
If you've ruled these out, please fill out this for more help.
ChameleonUES
Member
There could be many reasons for this behavior. But if he staying a while with his moth open, it could be a sign of 'to much heat'. As in the the ambient temps are too warm and your animal has no place to escape the heat.
When I had this problem, I thought he needed more water. but when I increased the space from the basking bulb and the top screen he stopped the open mouth thing going on.
When I had this problem, I thought he needed more water. but when I increased the space from the basking bulb and the top screen he stopped the open mouth thing going on.
JlaPinska
Member
my cham is doing this too but i'm pretty sure it's because i switched to a smaller ceramic fixture so the heat is more direct than before.. his bulbs kept blowing in the other one. i'm just going to install the clamp that came with and move it an inch or two away. Mine doesn't just sit there though he goes down to the mid level when he's too hot
bubbathechameleon
New Member
Thank you! but it hasn't stopped
I have the light on one side of the cage so he can escape but he still continues to have his mouth open and I'm nervous. His tank is 15 in. high and is 24 & 1/2 by 12 & 1/2. He also has plenty of water, I am always constantly spraying water so he can drink the drips and he even uses his water bowl sometimes.
I have the light on one side of the cage so he can escape but he still continues to have his mouth open and I'm nervous. His tank is 15 in. high and is 24 & 1/2 by 12 & 1/2. He also has plenty of water, I am always constantly spraying water so he can drink the drips and he even uses his water bowl sometimes.
He shouldn't have a water bowl it just fosters bacteria, especially because chams like to poop in water.
15" high isn't high enough.
Please take some time and look over this: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/enclosures/ as there are a few things in your setup that can be cause for concern.
More than likely he's too hot. 15" isn't even enough room to escape the heat of a small 60w light bulb. I personally have 2 thermometers, one at top and one about 3/4 of the way down so I can quickly see the ambient temp. If you have too hot of a cage you will notice only a few degree change from the top to the bottom. They really should have at least 8 or 10 degrees difference to allow them to cool off.
You can probably do this with one therm. but it can be annoying to have to wait 20+ mins to make sure you're getting an accurate reading sometimes.
