my flap-neck has its mouth open

[elementary pet dream]

how do I know if it is hungry or thirsty?

I am just using my own sense when caring for it. Whenever i'm hungry, I would concern its hunger. Whenever I need a drink, I mist it, too.

 

[carol5208]

Having his mouth open does not mean he is hungry. If he is agitated or scared he may open his mouth as a sign of agression. If there is nothing that could be causing this, then there are two other scenerios. He could be too hot and is trying to cool off. Or lastly, he could have a respiratory infection and is having trouble breathing. What are your cage temps and when is he holding his mouth open? Baskiing, when you are approaching him, etc? Hungry or thirsty? It is quite simple...feed him and if he eats, he is hungry. Give him water and he will drink if he is thirsty.

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. This is a great place to learn about chameleons. Normally they open their mouth if the temps are to hot. They also open it and hold up their head when they have an RI. I'm linking a care sheet below for you.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/senegal/

 

[MelissaB]

Sometimes chameleons have their mouths open if they're too hot. It's how they try to let off excess heat. What are the temps in the cage?

Another reason for an open mouth could be gaping if he's scared.

Or sometimes a respiratory infection will have them do that, too. They'll usually have wheezing, popping/crackling noises, and excess saliva or mucous if it's an RI.

 

[elementary pet dream]

OMG~!! Respirtory Infection~??

what do I do? what do I do? what so I do?

 

[carol5208]

what do I do? what do I do? what so I do?

We do not know this for sure unless he has the symptoms the other member described..If this is the case, he needs to be seen by a vet and get on a medicine to clear it up.

 

[elementary pet dream]

the temperature is 25C

it doesn't eat much (2 meal worms a day) and drinks only when I held it close to the dripping tube.

it doesn't climb around either, it just stays in one spot

 

[carol5208]

the temperature is 25C

it doesn't eat much (2 meal worms a day) and drinks only when I held it close to the dripping tube.

it doesn't climb around either, it just stays in one spot

Well you didn't answer my question...besides the mouth staying open, can you see extra saliva, is he sticking his nose straight up in the air, can you hear and wheezing or a popping noise? If so, then yes, your chameleon most likely has an RI. Please go to the health clinic and fill out the ask for help form. This way we can get a better understanding of your set up and what may be causing the issues you are describing.