Gaping mouth

[Gbetts1986]

my male veiled has been opening his mouth a fair amount the last few days. The temperature hasn't changed. He only does it in the basking spot, temperature is 88. He's about 4 months old. Just curious if this is normal at all. Thanks

 

[Decadancin]

Normal if the basking spot is too hot. How are you measuring it? Could be hotter than it says. Try moving the light away a little and see if the behavior changes.

 

[Gbetts1986]

I'm measuring it with a digital therm. I just thought it was weird because he just starting doing it and I haven't changed anything.

 

[Julio619]

My veiled does the same thing every few days as he's basking, he only does it for about 15-30 seconds.

 

[Hamelton2.0]

He is probably dehydrated. How often are you misting him?

 

[Crashbandit05]

He's probably trying to thermoregulate. I'll catch my panther doing that usually in the morning. Doesn't appear to be dehydrated IMO

 

[Gbetts1986]

I highly doubt he's dehydrated I see him drink quite often

 

[jajabis]

I've personally found that most people tend to jump the gun on this type of behavior since they tend to not see it. The chameleon has reached "OPTIMAL" temperature to thermoregulate to aid in digestion. There would be an issue if the chameleon was in the bottom of the cage having this behavior. As long as your cage has a point where he can go and cool down "Low 70's". You'll be fine.

About dehydration...
http://chamworld.blogspot.com/2008/01/health-section-dehydration.html

Pretty good article to check.

 

[Veild Cham Owner]

My veild does it when he is over heated. It's kinda like he was painting. I lowered his basking spot and he was all better!!

 

[Kristen Wilkins]

My girl does this to when she's warm . Right around 86 she will start , I keep her around 82 to 84 . If it get higher she does it . Hope that helps .