My Jacksons opening his mouth

[jarrodmeyer]

Okay, I have read all of the posts from people talking about this, and most replies are respiratory problems, but is this a normal thing that they just do? I have a temp gun and he is 75 degrees, his basking is 85 and there are many places for him to go to regulate temp himself. He is eating a lot, and climbs like a champ. He is lapping and getting as much water as he could possibly want. He doesn't look unhealthy. It started after he ate his first dusted feeders. Is it possible that this is just a normal thing that they do and i'm just freaking out because i'm a new owner? He sleeps at night and is active all day. His color is bright green. I really want someone with experience to tell me to calm down and that its completely normal for them.

 

[SaintJimmy]

Does he make any noise when he breathes?

 

[pssh]

When does he do it? Does he do it when he doesn't know you are in the room? Is there any noise/crackling/bubbles/etc when he does it?

 

[SaintJimmy]

When does he do it? Does he do it when he doesn't know you are in the room? Is there any noise/crackling/bubbles/etc when he does it?

Yeah if he makes noise it is possible that he has URI

 

[jarrodmeyer]

no noise that i can tell so far. he's sleeping now, so if he's still doing it tomorrow i'll try to listen closer. i thought it might be from the dusting, maybe cottonmouth or something. i didn't notice if he was doing it when he didn't know i was around, but i will pay attention to that too. what would it mean if he's only doing it with me around?

 

[pigglett79]

If he is doing it in his basking spot it could be that he is hot. 85 is max for Jacksons. Mine seems most comfortable around 82 and will sit there w his mouth open occasionally even in temps of 84.

 

[jarrodmeyer]

thanks, i'm hoping thats all it is.

 

[pigglett79]

If there are not any signs of an RI, it could just be normal. They do open their mouths sometimes whether they are hot or just being pissy. Keep an eye out for any respiratory symptoms and for when he does it.

 

[tracysimpson]

Ours was doing that as well hes about 2 months old we stopped using the heat light so much havent seen him do it anymore

 

[jarrodmeyer]

i haven't seen him do it when he doesn't notice i'm watching. I had a chance to listen very closely when his mouth was open and i didn't hear any of the sounds ya'll said to listen for. I am thinking that it might have something to do with the umbrella plant i recently added. it seems to be eliminating humidity and not helping it at all. I am going to remove it, add a humidifier, and increase the mister intervals. He could be pissed that his environment keeps changing. As i learn more, and watch all of the videos on youtube, i make changes to give him the best environment i can provide, but he's eating very well and I hope thats at least a good sign.

 

[pssh]

If he is only doing it when he sees you are in the room, it could be that he doesnt like you there and is gaping to show his displeasure. If he is doing it regardless of if you are there or not, it is probably a different issue.

 

[jarrodmeyer]

Update.... Thanks to everyone for there input. He's doing great, haven't noticed his mouth open at all. The temp gun is a lifesaver, I don't know why i didn't whip that thing out earlier. Can anyone tell me what the normal temp of a jackson should be when I zap him with the gun?

 

[deadhd5]

My Reggie Jackson opens his mouth for no apparent reason on occaision. Just monitor the basking temp to rule out overheating and ensure that there are no popping sounds, coughing, wheezing, or excess mouth saliva to rule out RI.

Otherwise, he is not happy with your presence (maybe the color you are wearing) or just trying to show off.

 

[pigglett79]

Update.... Thanks to everyone for there input. He's doing great, haven't noticed his mouth open at all. The temp gun is a lifesaver, I don't know why i didn't whip that thing out earlier. Can anyone tell me what the normal temp of a jackson should be when I zap him with the gun?

I usually jeep the basking area around 82 and ambient in the low 70`s