Defensive Gesture?

[NicG]

Hi guys,

Yesterday, whilst trying to offer my 2.5yo male Diamond a smallish feed, he did something that I've never seen before. He extended his neck upwards and only slightly towards the rat, and then opened his mouth fully, like a sped-up yawn. But he made no attempt to strike at the food. The action was accompanied by brief hissing / popping sound, but listening to him closely afterwards and today, there is no sign of any respiratory infection.

Has anyone seen this behaviour before? Is it just a defensive gesture at a potential threat, possibly because he's still coming out of cooling and isn't ready to eat yet?

I'm probably just over-reacting, but anytime I see something new, I assume the worst until proven otherwise.

Thanks in advance,
Nic

[notechistiger]

Never heard of it before.

[Khagan]

The yawning like action could have been him adjusting his jaws? Not sure about the rest.

[NicG]

No, definitely not yawning - quicker action initially and sustained for longer. More similar to a strike that never happened.

No-one seen it before?

[absinthaddict]

I have a B+G jungle about the same age who does the same thing. I was trying to tempt him into taking fuzzies when the local pet shops were out of stock of anything bigger and he made a similar motion 2 days in a row without ever taking the meal. I have no idea what it is either just thought id let you know you're not the only one lol. I don't think it's anything to worry about. it's been weeks and he's been fine otherwise.

[NicG]

Thanks AA. I wasn't overly concerned, but it's nice to know it's not unique occurrence.

[mungus]

Probably had a gut full............................................lo l