Gaping...should I intervene?

[beardiemama08]

Charlie has never gaped before and had been a part of our family since Nov.30. Last measured at around 9.5 inches. Temps are 80/95. I have a Repti (zoomed) basking lamp 100w. There are a couple different levels on his basking area, but insists on sitting in one spot. He last ate a few hours ago, sooo should I maybe turn the basker off for a little bit to help Charlie coold down? Should I maybe put him?her? in a bath? I dunno. I feel like I should be doing something. Normally Charlie is very active. Charlie has had a salad with romain and carrots with 2 waxworms in the salad. Also throughout the day has had about 4 crickets. No heavy breathing is observed and color still seems good.

Just wondering.

 

[beardiemama08]

hmmm. I went ahead and turned off the basking lamp and almost Charlie's mouth closed. Maybe getting too HOT. Maybe I should get a lower wattage?

 

[ilovepeanut]

How are you measuring the temps? Are you using a digital with a probe or a temp gun?

The basking spot should be at least over 100*F if measured properly.
I'm watching my male do the same gaping you're talking about and it's a normal behavior to cool themselves since they cannot sweat. It sounds to me like there is nothing to be concerned about.

 

[jscott]

if he recently ate, you should leave the basking light on so he can properly digest the meal.

i agree with the previous poster; if you get a proper thermometer you will know for sure whether your in the safe or not.

100-110 is a safe and productive basking temp, any thing lower is less than optimal, anything higher is borderline dangerous.

just remember he has to have a cool side too. the cool side should be whatever your room temp is(about 80 is best).

i use a digital probe thermometer; its abit slow but it does the job. id get a temperature gun if i were you(heres a site: http://www.tempgun.com/main.html ).

 

[Judah'sHuman]

I believe that sometimes they also gape in order to distribute the heat through out the body. Judah often "yawn gaps" in the morning when his light first comes on, so the temps are still low so I know he could not be getting hot yet. He has also done this when I have taken him out to hang out for a bit.

As suggested your basking spot temps should be 105-110 so he maybe tring to distribute the heat through out his body so that he can digest his food better.

 

[Judah'sHuman]

I am also wondering about what type of UV lighting you have? You say you have a zoo med basking lamp, is this all you have? If so, you will need to also purchase sometype of uvb, a ReptaSun 10. floresent strip is a cost effective light. Mercury Vapor buls are the best, but also costly. Also, Romain is not a very good lettuce to feed it is very low in nutrence and carrots shoudl only be fed in moderation. Check out Beautifuldragons.com for a compleat list of fruite and veggies to feed