Why is my chameleon doing this?

[Myklynn]

I got her about 2 weeks ago t on petco, She keeps opening her mouth like this what does it mean? The temperature is set at 78. she’s mad in this picture cause I just cleaned her house that’s why she’s dark like that. But she’s recently started opening her mouth like that a couple times a day ?

 

[bloftis1]

78 is her basking temp? Or ambient? Sometimes they may gape their mouth if their basking area is too hot...

 

[bloftis1]

Also I wanted to touch on URI. Any noises coming from her when she does open her mouth? Extra saliva or anything, bubbles?

 

[Myklynn]

Also I wanted to touch on URI. Any noises coming from her when she does open her mouth? Extra saliva or anything, bubbles?

No noises from what I can hear she’s new to me so I’m still letting her adjust not handling her a whole lot to let her get acclimated, and I would say the ambient temp is 78 how can you tell the difference between room temp and what the-basking lamp is putting off? She’s in my walk in closet, because it keeps the heat the best.

 

[bloftis1]

No noises from what I can hear she’s new to me so I’m still letting her adjust not handling her a whole lot to let her get acclimated, and I would say the ambient temp is 78 how can you tell the difference between room temp and what the-basking lamp is putting off? She’s in my walk in closet, because it keeps the heat the best.

You can get a temperature gauge or probe to put in her cage. I use both just to be sure. The basking temp, is kind of based on the wattage of your basking light. I would keep her basking temps 80-85ish, for my male 6 month old panther he's at 86-87 for 12 hours. I would definitely check the temps at her basking spot though.
Edit: Her ambient temps should be towards the bottom of the cage, and basking is under/near the basking bulb.

 

[jamest0o0]

Asked you to fill out the help form and linked it to you in your other post. Petco sucks and are known to sell animals with RI's, parasites, etc. Also being a new keeper with no experience I guarantee there are husbandry adjustments to be made. No offense intended, but if you want success with this animal, that is the best place to start.

 

[bloftis1]

Asked you to fill out the help form and linked it to you in your other post. Petco sucks and are known to sell animals with RI's, parasites, etc. Also being a new keeper with no experience I guarantee there are husbandry adjustments to be made. No offense intended, but if you want success with this animal, that is the best place to start.

I can indefinitely agree with the petco statement, with parasites etc. Agreed.

 

[jamest0o0]

And I really don't mean to come off rude. I was in your situation once, and so many others. We have nothing to gain here, just trying to help out new cham keepers. Some people get a little defensive when we try to give advice, but we're all only trying to help.

 

[Myklynn]

And I really don't mean to come off rude. I was in your situation once, and so many others. We have nothing to gain here, just trying to help out new cham keepers. Some people get a little defensive when we try to give advice, but we're all only trying to help.

I completely understand I posted a forum with the sheet filled out to the best of my abilities with a picture of her enclosure! I totally understand and want to obsorb every bit of advice I can! Thank you!

 

[Tucklander]

Listen to the experts on here: @Myklynn my PetSmart guy died in three weeks...MBD due to no calcium supplementation and wrong lighting at the pet store prior to me acquiring him... this from a reptile vet here in Charlotte... The members with “chameleon enthusiast” like @jamest0o0 under their avatar...earned that from being very knowledgeable, smart and long dedicated keepers...TAKE THEIR ADVICE ... just b/c mine passed away , with the right advice HERE...you May get your chameleon to live a great life . Good luck