Gaping Questions

[beardielovers]

Our 4 year old male beardie has been gaping allot, We know that gaping is a sign of high temps but his temps are between 98 and 105(digital with a probe). We also don't think it is just temp related because we had him out for a cuddle and when we put him back in the tank he started gaping immediately. He is just new to us so are there any other reasons for gaping ??? Just want to make the best home for him

 

[Sunfirecat]

My baby beardie does the same thing and it drives me nuts! I have taken the temperatures over and over again and they are perfectly fine, but he just sits on his rock staring at me with his mouth open "hi mom, I'm hot but not gonna move!" I have been told and read contradicting answers to whether or not it is ok for them to gape. I hope someone can give a good answer, and in the mean time he will continue to make me worry by staying on the hot side of his cage.

 

[MagillaGorilla]

as long as there isn't any wheezing or coughing it is probably not anything unhealthy

 

[Lennifer]

They gape to regulate their body temp when they get to hot. As long as your temps are correct & he isn't doing this outside of his enclosure...& he's not wheezing, I beleive u r ok & this is normal. If he gets too hot, he will move to the cooler end of the tank.

~Sandy

 

[Lennifer]

What is your set up like? If you could post a pic that would be great!! You said that he starts gaping as soon as u put him in his cage? Is his basking spot on one side of the tank so that he has a cooler side to go to if he gets too hot? WHat size enclosure do u have him in? Sry to ask so many questions...just trying to help. lol

~Sandy