Does anyone know why a dragon would keep their mouth open most of the time? I took her to the vet for this before and he said she was perfectly fine, a survivor.

Cage temp 88 basking, 82 lower level.
other half of cage 78-82
humidity 66

It could be a respiratory infection.

Firstly... Your temperatures are too low. Aim for ambient temperatures of...
Basking Spot: 95-100°F
Warm Side: 85-88°F
Cool Side: 75-80°F

Be sure to monitor ambient temperatures with a digital thermometer; analog (dial) versions can be inaccurate. You can use one like this: Acu-Rite 00891 Wired Digital Thermometer with Hygrometer and Clock from a hardware store, etc.; you do not need to use a "reptile" thermometer/hygrometer.

Does she gape in cooler, non-basking spot areas? Do you hear popping, wheezing, or clicking noises while her mouth is open? If so, she may have a respiratory infection. Low temperatures can cause a respiratory infection. Boost your temperatures as soon as possible aiming for those listed above and keep an eye on her. If she does not improve with higher temperatures, a trip to a reptile veterinarian would be in order for antibiotics - this is if she indeed has a respiratory infection.

The gaping is only normal is when it is done while basking and without any of the noises listed above. The fact that you say she keeps her mouth open "most of the time" would worry me... You need to raise your temperatures ASAP.

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0.2.0 Physignathus cocincinus (Chinese water dragon)
1.0.0 Elaphe guttata guttata (corn snake)

0.1.0 Felis catus (domestic cat)

1.0.0 Poicephalus meyeri saturatus (Meyer's parrot)

0.0.3 Chromobotia macracanthus (clown loach)
0.0.3 Balantiocheilos melanopterus (bala shark)
0.0.1 Hypostomus plecostomus (suckermouth catfish)

Thanks,

I do not hear any raspy noise. I just got her into a 125 gallon tank, so still trying to get temps regulated. I've only had the tank for two days. Her other tank temps where perfect and she started to do this before that. I had her seen by a reptile vet before, for this same problem and he says she is fine.

And there are not very many reptile vets around my area.

But I will keep an eye on her. Her appetite is still good and I give her vitamin supplements everyday.

Anyone have problems with eco-earth covering for cage? I have noticed when a cricket gets on that stuff she gets a little in her mouth every so often. I was wondering if that could cause a problem.

Danni

Best thing to do Danni is to feed her outside the cage. The eco covering could start to cause impaction after awhile.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

She could be feeling threatened, as well, especially if her tank reflects her image. How long have you had her?

I've seen water dragons keep their mouths opened in defense when they feel you or another dragon is threatening them.

Does she display any other skittish behavior? Is she hiding a lot?

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"Let's eat, Grandpa!"
"Let's eat Grandpa!"

Punctuation. It saves lives.

I thought about it and she only opens her mouth when she sees me. I noticed if I look at her from a distance she has her mouth closed. I have had her since August. She has been really tame and has a great personality. Don't know what it is this month.

It's her saying "Look at me, I'm a big mean dragon. You don't want to mess with me." She has just gotten more comfortable with her surroundings.

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Does she bob her head or wave her arm at all? Like Shell was saying, that's another thing they do to say "I'm a big bad dragon, don't mess with me." Mine would open his mouth alot too and I bumped up the temps and he doesn't do it at all really anymore.

No she never bobs her head.

That's one think I liked about having a dragon they are not as aggressive as iguana's.