Open mouth?

[flaminglazer72]

My cham has been opening his mouth recently. I've noticed over the past two or three days hes been doing it when hes basking. I heard it means its some sort of respiratory infection. The temps are around 80-85 basking, and low high 60s low 70s for humidity.

 

[Lazereth]

Could be two things. it could be a respiratory infection or his basking temp could be to warm and is opening his mouth to cool down, try to adjust his basking lamp.
If you can please fill this out and post it, it will help.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/

 

[flaminglazer72]

Could be two things. it could be a respiratory infection or his basking temp could be to warm and is opening his mouth to cool down, try to adjust his basking lamp.
If you can please fill this out and post it, it will help.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/

He hasn't had any problems with his basking before. And he knows that the bottom is cooler so he can cool down if he needs. He only opens his mouth when he's in hs basking spot No where else. I'll keep an eye out for his urates. Mabe hes dehydrated.

 

[flaminglazer72]

Could be two things. it could be a respiratory infection or his basking temp could be to warm and is opening his mouth to cool down, try to adjust his basking lamp.
If you can please fill this out and post it, it will help.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/

What would I have to do if it is a respiratory infection? Obviously take him to the vet, but what would they do?

 

[Lazereth]

He hasn't had any problems with his basking before. And he knows that the bottom is cooler so he can cool down if he needs. He only opens his mouth when he's in hs basking spot No where else. I'll keep an eye out for his urates. Mabe hes dehydrated.

Chameleons sometimes aren't the brightest, I've have a cham that got severely burned because the temp was to high and he didn't move. So if this is only happening in his basking area check the temps accurately and adjust accordingly. If it is an LRI a vet may prescribe an antibiotic and also mist him a little more often. But please fill out the form and post it with a few pics of his setup and of the chameleon.

 

[flaminglazer72]

Chameleons sometimes aren't the brightest, I've have a cham that got severely burned because the temp was to high and he didn't move. So if this is only happening in his basking area check the temps accurately and adjust accordingly. If it is an LRI a vet may prescribe an antibiotic and also mist him a little more often. But please fill out the form and post it with a few pics of his setup and of the chameleon.

Chameleon Info:

• Your Chameleon - Male Veiled Chameleon. Approx 4 months old, Obtained November 6th, 2015
• Handling - Once -twice a week. Usually whenever he climbs out on the cage door.
• Feeding - Crickets, Lettuce, Strawberries. Dust with Flukers calcium and Calcium with D3 twice a month. Vitamin once a week.
• Supplements -Answered above
• Watering - Mist with spray bottle. I Sometimes set up a dripper with ice and a cup. I mist In the morning and sometimes throughout the day if it seems dry. And aat night.
• Fecal Description - Urates are white, feces is brown. Never been tested for parasites
• History- N/A

Cage Info:

• Cage Type - Screen cage 4x2x2 (feet) I leave the door open when I'm in my room. So he can get used to it.
• Lighting - Don't know the brand of lighting, but I have his uvb on for 8 hours a day and basking for 12 hours.
• Temperature - *0 basking, 65-70 humidity. I mist and usually use a space heater or humidifier to help keep temps stable.
• Humidity - Above
• Plants - Yes, one Majestic palm, and one pothos plant.
• Placement - In my room. Its the warmest room in my house. Not near any vents. I have a fan in my room, but I haven't used it because it's winter.
• Location - Michigan

Current Problem - If he has a respiratory Infection or not. He opens his mouth occasionally when basking. He never does it when he's any where else in the cage.

 

[Lazereth]

How long are your misting sessions?
I would try to get an automatic mister if possible to keep the regiment in order. I know they can be expensive but it's worth it.
Anyways, I would adjust the lamp maybe move it up a couple inches to see if that helps, if not maybe a vet visit is in order.

 

[flaminglazer72]

How long are your misting sessions?
I would try to get an automatic mister if possible to keep the regiment in order. I know they can be expensive but it's worth it.
Anyways, I would adjust the lamp maybe move it up a couple inches to see if that helps, if not maybe a vet visit is in order.

I usually mist for a good minute. The lamp is sitting on the enclosure so maybe I can move the basking spot a bit lower.

 

[Lazereth]

Try it and give it a day and follow up with us.

 

[Orcawhale]

I had the same problem when I first got my cham, His basking area was about 90 degrees, he would not stop gaping his mouth open. I later installed a much more moderate bulb that brought the temps down to about 80-85. He still does it occasionally, but way less often. When I see him do it I usually spray him a bit and he drinks right up! I've gotten the impression that he does it when he's thirsty.