Opening mouth constantly

[godzilla123]

My bearded dragon keeps opening his mouth constantly. The hot side of his enclosure is 106.5 degrees Fahrenheit. His cool side is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I don't think it is a respiratory infection because he is breathing normally and doesn't have any goo coming from his nose or eyes. He doesn't seem to be stressed either. What could it be? He likes to hide in his little hut thing. And I don't put more than 2 medium crickets in at a time, so I don't think they are the problem either.

 

[Sadie]

My bearded dragon keeps opening his mouth constantly. The hot side of his enclosure is 106.5 degrees Fahrenheit. His cool side is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I don't think it is a respiratory infection because he is breathing normally and doesn't have any goo coming from his nose or eyes. He doesn't seem to be stressed either. What could it be? He likes to hide in his little hut thing. And I don't put more than 2 medium crickets in at a time, so I don't think they are the problem either.

I would lower the ambient temp to around 100 - does he gape in the cool side as well?

 

[godzilla123]

I would lower the ambient temp to around 100 - does he gape in the cool side as well?

No he doesn't. Do you think he is getting too hot?

 

[Sadie]

No he doesn't. Do you think he is getting too hot?

The gaping means he is adjusting his body temp - I would lower that temp down to 95-100 and see what he does -- if hes getting too hot he will move to a different area of the tank

 

[godzilla123]

The gaping means he is adjusting his body temp - I would lower that temp down to 95-100 and see what he does -- if hes getting too hot he will move to a different area of the tank

How do I lower the temp? Should I go to the lower watt bulb?

 

[Sadie]

How do I lower the temp? Should I go to the lower watt bulb?

What are you using for wattage now? It's trial and error also how close is the decor piece to bulb? You don't want it closer than 6"

 

[godzilla123]

What are you using for wattage now? It's trial and error also how close is the decor piece to bulb? You don't want it closer than 6"

100 watt. I think it's above 6 inches. His decor doesn't get that hot. His rock got as high a 108 degree Fahrenheit.

 

[Sadie]

100 watt. I think it's above 6 inches. His decor doesn't get that hot. His rock got as high a 108 degree Fahrenheit.

Too hot - drop your temps to 95-100 see if he quits gaping- it's fine once in awhile but not continuously -

 

[godzilla123]

Too hot - drop your temps to 95-100 see if he quits gaping- it's fine once in awhile but not continuously -

Okay he hasn't really done it all day. But I will keep monitoring him and turn down the temperature. I'm gonna get a new temperature thing because I don't think it's accurate.

 

[Sadie]

Okay he hasn't really done it all day. But I will keep monitoring him and turn down the temperature. I'm gonna get a new temperature thing because I don't think it's accurate.

Digital probe thermometer- is the most accurate

 

[godzilla123]

Digital probe thermometer- is the most accurate

I have that but I'll try a different brand with the humidity so I don't have so many thermometers.