yawning

[Christina]

is it normal for them to yawn like once or twice a day? i don't see her do it more than that, but when i hold her she'll yawn, and i know that it can be a sign of an ri. i checked her mouth and there are no bubbles. and her nose seems pretty clear. my temps are about 90 on the warm side and 72 on the cold side. i know that's way too cold for them but i can't get it to warm up- i have a uth on the warm side, but i don't have a thermosat b/c i can't afford it right now, so i can't control the cool side- any tips on warming that up? humidity is usually around 60% or 70% on it's own. i'm just worried and if she's sick i want to get meds fast.

[carmich132]

You could buy an appliance dimmer from Home Depot or Lowes for about $11, and use a heat source to warm up the cool end (that's what I do). It works pretty well and I have not had any problems with it so far. The temps will vary a little more than with a thermostat, but all in all, it's a quick fix.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

i know that it can be a sign of an ri

Yes it can be a sign of RI and with letting your temps fall bellow 75 on the cool side it is a likely possibility.

The only thing that can be done since it is impossible to diagnose online it to encourage you to make an appointment with an herp vet, because if it is a RI it will not clear up on it's own and can be fatal. Here is how to find in your area http://www.arav.org/USMembers.htm

In the mean time raise your temperatures.

any tips on warming that up?

Space heater in the room where your BP is kept to raise the ambient temps.

[Christina]

ok thanks- she is still very active and just ate on friday- it's only like once when she yawns, but it's not everyday. and she rarely leaves the warm side, so i dunno if the coolness got to her. but i will definately go get another uth and get that dimmer.the room she's in is the warmest in the house, but unfortunately also the largest. i just knew that yawning could mean an ri, but i wasn't sure if they just did it to stretch their jaws or something- i appreciate all the help

[Subzero]

can you use a red heat bulb? maybe something low wattage like 50W just to warm that cold side a little.