Jackson
Chameleons are wonderful pets. They are not only amazing to look at
but they are truly a delight.
The information here is only a brief description of what is required to care for your new chameleons and I would recommend you learn as much as possible to maintain that your chameleon be as happy as possible. Here are some web sights for further information on the Jackson Chameleon.
Housing Requirements:Babies can be kept in glass aquariums with a screen top. Juveniles, Sub Adults and Adults should be kept in all screen cages. The cage should be kept vertical, not horizontal. Cage size recommendation 18" x 18" x 36" But general rule is bigger is always better. The cages should be kept with foliage and sturdy climbing and perching sights and branches. Ficus and Hibiscus are good plants.We use paper towels on the bottom of the cage, easier for cleaning and no chance of the chameleons eating a substrate during feeding. It also helps me to monitor fecal matter. Chameleons are solitaire animals and should be house individually once they hit about 6 months old. They should only be kept together during a breeding session…and PLEASE do not breed blood related chameleons! |
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Temperature and Humidity:
The ideal
temperature for Jackson should be 77F, with a basking area to reach
85F to 90F. A 10 degree temperature drop at night is recommended.
The ideal
humidity range should be at 50% to 75%. We accomplish this by
frequently misting the leaves of the cage with a spray bottle. We use
very warm water and my chameleons enjoy the shower on themselves as
well.
Lighting:
Jackson
chameleons require UV radiation lighting in order to metabolize
calcium. They also need a heat lamp in on corner where they can bask
for heat. I use ZooMed REPTISUN 5.0 UVB light and a 60 watt heat
bulb. Babies should have lower wattage basking areas, to only use 30
to 40 watt blubs.
Feeding
and Hydration:
Our
chameleons are fed daily. We gut load our insects, waxworms and
mealworms with Nature Zone Cricket Bites and Sticky Tongue Farms
Mineral All. Make sure you are gut loading your insects with a
calcium supply. We put about 5 - 6 crickets in the cage at a time,
babies are fed more frequently, twice a day. They will eat right from
your hand if you hold the insect very still.
Chameleons will NOT drink standing water. They get their source of water from Dew and Rain in their natural environment. We immitate this by using a drip system in one corner of my cage, drip water for them two to three times a day. They get their drink from the leaves, you can use a tupperwear dish underneath the dripping area to catch the waste and dispose the old water daily.
Please
remember, chameleons can become very stressed if handled too much and
if they are left living with other chameleons.