Bearded Dragon Question

[GootySapphire]

My bearded dragon, puts himself right underneath his heat light, and sits there with his mouth open wide...does this mean he's too hot?

 

[P. Novak]

ya, but its perfectly natural my bearded dragon does that too. I read somewhere that they stay up there even if its too hot to claim territory and show dominance, so when they get to hot they just open their mouth so they dont have to leave. im 95% positive thats what it is.

 

[GootySapphire]

ya, but its perfectly natural my bearded dragon does that too. I read somewhere that they stay up there even if its too hot to claim territory and show dominance, so when they get to hot they just open their mouth so they dont have to leave. im 95% positive thats what it is.

okay i just didnt want to fry him.

 

[P. Novak]

nah he wont fry, if he was really getting way to hot hed move into the cooler end.

 

[WhyTeDraGon]

Yep...he will move if he gets too hot from a basking light...but to be on the safe side, be sure that it doesnt measure over 120F. He has a "third" eye on the top of his head that he detects temperature changes with. But if the heat is coming from below...he will not be able to detect it, and will literally cook to death. Which is why heat rocks are not recommended, and thermostats on heat pads are a must. If you see him opening his mouth under the basking spot...recheck your temps to be sure they are accurate and that he has a place to cool down.