Bearded dragon keeps it mouth open all the time

[beardie fan]

I don't know why, but my bearded dragon, while it basks, keeps its mouth wide open like its trying to get a tongue-tan. Does anyone know why it does this?

It doesn't seem to be a bad thing, I just want to make sure. Please let me know if anyone has any insight on this.

Thanks

 

[turtlesdaddy]

To me it does not sound like there is a problem. Do you bath or mist your beardie? If so it may be a hint.

Sorry about the delay

 

[TheVirus]

keeps its mouth wide open like its trying to get a tongue-tan

Thats funny

They open their mouth, while basking, for thermal regulation. They're heating up their core temps. Its similar to a dog panting.

 

[BillyJack]

Let me be the one to add worry to the mix. Could be a URI...or just regulating body temps!

 

[Warro]

From what I know they do this to cool off. Rocky does it all the time when basking!

 

[Jason-Zola]

Zola would keep his mouth open when sitting under his light basking but does not keep this open when sitting away from this.

 

[Blaise2oo6]

From what I know they do this to cool off.

This is what I thought too. Are you controlling the temperatures in your beardies environment? Maybe his basking area is too hot.

 

[HUNTEQ]

It might have a sore or minor infection in his/her mouth, or it needs to get out more such as a bigger cage or on a leash, don't do free.

 

[beardielover17]

they do this to thermoregulate their body temps like mentioned before...the difference between this and the gaping due to a respiratory infection is that when its an RI they will gape even under the cool area of the tank and most likely be very lethargic and not eat as well..i just treated one of my dragons for an RI which thankfully wasnt as bad as most people had to deal with