Gaping

[Gunshin]

So my Wife and I just got our first beardie, Mal. We love the little guy, he is about 4 months old. We put him in his enclosure and he seems to like it. Spends a lot of time basking and running around. He ate right away. Chases his food and has eaten everything we put in there without a problem. He has stress marks going down his chin and belly but I am hoping those are just relocation stress marks. The Question I had though was about his gaping. From what I have read they do this to regulate heat but he does it a lot when we come near him or when looking at us. It is kind of cute because it looks like he is smiling but I wanted to make sure we weren't freaking him out. He doesn't have problem with us handling him and doesn't run from us. Just the weird "Open Wide" when we come up to the enclosure or when he even looks at us from across the room. He does it when we are holding him too and he looks at us.

 

[brutusthebearded]

the only thing is that I can think of its from being to hot in his cage. but when he does it when he is out, he might just be trying to test you and his domonance. other than that maybe he's just likes doing it, idk.

 

[Spikey92]

he might just be trying to test you and his domonance. other than that maybe he's just likes doing it, idk.

If its a baby and new people around him its probably more so out of fear.

But u should definitely check the temps with either a digital thermometer with probe or a temp gun.

 

[Gunshin]

The hot side runes between 98-108 and the cold site sits around 85.

 

[pabluewolf]

I am a new dragon owner as well, and my baby does it alot. But only in her cage, she seems to be almost smiling at us! I love it myself I think its adorable. She is healthy and happy and growing very well for me. I think as long as you guys just keep loving on him, all should be well. (I am also a new owner so I don't really know!) Maybe some dragons as like dogs and just pant when excited LoL
Good Luck with your new Dragon!