Odd behavior from Beardie

[SunkistRaisin]

I have a beardie that is about 11 months old. He is usually really friendly and lovable, but lately everytime i pet him he flinches and moves away from my hand. He also will sit with his mouth gaping open, and his back is a lighter color, like he's ready to shed, but it's been like that for a week or so now... Also, when he pooped today it was quite a lot bigger than normal and it smelled terrible, a lot worse than normal. I've been reading up on different things and I can't figure out what it is that's going on with him.. Please help!!

 

[Gail]

At his age, shedding can take longer then a week and thats also a possible reason for his flinching. My little girl hates to be touched when she is shedding.
The gapping is generally to thermo regulate, that is, to let off extra heat. This will be done while basking. If he is gapping while on the cool side of the tank, then listen for any popping or gurgling sounds from his face/throat area as this can be a sign of a respiratory infection.

They get bigger poos as they grow, a adult can go a week or more between using the bathroom so thats not something to worry about. The bad smell could be cause for concern, it often is a symptom of parasites and from the sounds of things, a vet visit might be a good idea.