Psychodrake
New Member
I've noticed George gaping under his basking light recently, so I'm really in need of help on what to do next. I know that they do it to regulate and cool down somewhat, but I also know it's the sort of last resort when they're too hot.
On a fairly warm day like today, his basking spot spikes anywhere between 80-85, the cooler side of his cage with no light stays around 75-80 and the lower vines are anywhere around 75 dependent on the day. I'm using a 75 watt exo-terra bulb in a large exo-terra reflector, photos below.
Basically, the situation at hand is that he's getting up in the morning, climbing up to his basking spot as usual and after around 3-4 hours under the light, he starts gaping on and off. I've ruled out respiratory problems as he isn't wheezing at all, his breathing is absolutely normal and silent and his mouth has the "Normal" amount of saliva. I actually noticed him do it a few times in his old vivarium, only on the hottest days.
Now my problem and the reason I'm asking for help is because I'm not sure whether I actually need to do something and if I do, just what. I set up his vivarium in a manner that he can regulate at different heights under the light. I know younger Chameleons aren't brilliant at regulating like full adults, but there is absolutely tons of room for him to move up and down. The main problem is that he moves all the way down when he feels the need to regulate (All the way to the floor, has a wander) and then goes back up after a few minutes and we begin again. Maybe I'm just worrying too much as I do, but I don't want him overheating as I'm not sure what damage it can cause.
Photos of his basking spot.
On a fairly warm day like today, his basking spot spikes anywhere between 80-85, the cooler side of his cage with no light stays around 75-80 and the lower vines are anywhere around 75 dependent on the day. I'm using a 75 watt exo-terra bulb in a large exo-terra reflector, photos below.
Basically, the situation at hand is that he's getting up in the morning, climbing up to his basking spot as usual and after around 3-4 hours under the light, he starts gaping on and off. I've ruled out respiratory problems as he isn't wheezing at all, his breathing is absolutely normal and silent and his mouth has the "Normal" amount of saliva. I actually noticed him do it a few times in his old vivarium, only on the hottest days.
Now my problem and the reason I'm asking for help is because I'm not sure whether I actually need to do something and if I do, just what. I set up his vivarium in a manner that he can regulate at different heights under the light. I know younger Chameleons aren't brilliant at regulating like full adults, but there is absolutely tons of room for him to move up and down. The main problem is that he moves all the way down when he feels the need to regulate (All the way to the floor, has a wander) and then goes back up after a few minutes and we begin again. Maybe I'm just worrying too much as I do, but I don't want him overheating as I'm not sure what damage it can cause.
Photos of his basking spot.
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