3 guys and a gal

[LADYliberity]

I just bought 4 Jackson's; 3 males (2-7mos & 1-10mos) and a female (also 10mos) It was my understanding that everything needed was included with the purchase. I did some research online through out the week before I picked them up today and asked the previous owner as many questions as I could. He contacted me Wed & informed me that the female is thought to be gravid (pregnant?) Sry, trying to work on my lingo! lol. Anywho: he gave me the option to back out of the deal. I decided to go ahead and take on the 4 chams. HONESTLY, I am new to the chameleon world but IT WAS A GREAT DEAL!!! Now looking at it, I think it was in their best interest!!

SO, after transporting their "diy" enclosure (made out of a sml entertainment center), I got the chams home and immediately noticed the female was NOT RESPONSIVE AT ALL!! The males were walking & climbing out of the box as soon as I opened it. She was dark and cold and just laying still. I thought she was dead! I put her on a towel to warm her up which worked. Her color has improved and she occasionally opens an eye although she is not eating or drinking. I sprayed the cage real good a few times and each time the males seemed to corral towards the water but she hasn't moved.
I've hand fed all of the males each at least one cricket (crx?) but can't get the female to even acknowledge food or water..... (Guy at the petshop suggested force feeding her MWs dusted in a special "medicine" type powder)

As I got to looking through everything "included" (makeshift cage, spray bottle, med ficus, some bedding, med piece of wood, and indoor house light) IDK how these chams are alive! NO Basking lamp, NO UVB light, NO gauges... Of course, I made a mad dash to the local pet shop and bought 2 lamps & 2 bulbs (heat bulb & UVB) and some meal worms (I already had crx, which they seemed to take from me well and was totally awesome to see!)

If ANYONE HAS ANY ADVICE OR SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I am really worried about the female (although her color is now better) and hope they are all well in the morning!! I am compiling a list of items and plan to return to the shop asap!

 

[LADYliberity]

I have posted a thread under the "health clinic" forum regarding my female titled "Lil lady, not doing so well". I fear she is quite bad off and only hope that she stays strong! ANY ADVICE or SUGGESTIONS are greatly appreciated!!

My situation is quite complicated, how I acquired my chams and their set up before verses what I've got going now... I only wish I knew how to upload pictures that way it is easier to see & understand. Again, thank you for all your help!!

 

[Lathelia]

Are you keeping them all together?

 

[Mmcbain1]

House them seperatly, use lights to warm them not a wet towel, offer them more food (1 cricket is not enough) read around the forum and you will learn probably everything you need to know. Lights, misting system,food, supplements, etc. but first thing is seperarte them all that is way too stressful.

 

[carol5208]

It sounds like you took on alot here, especially if your chameleon is gravid. they cannot all be housed together so plan on making an individual set up for each one. That means, each one needs their own cage, basking light, uvb light, vines brances, plants etc. The female is probably completely stressed out from being in with the 2 males of mating of age. Jackson's give live birth, and do not lay eggs like most of the chameleons. you will need a seperate enclosure for them also. The adults will eat the babies. Babies can be kept together until about 2-3 months, but not after that. I know you were trying to help these chams out and that is great but I think you are going to find yourself a little overwhelmed here when you find our what is needed. your 2 month old should be eating alteast 15-20 plus feeders a day. Your 7 month old about 10-12 feeders a day and the 10 month old about 7-8 feeders a day. Good luck to you! you will have to search the threads here for info on Jackson's. There is a good care sheet on here and a video on how to properly care for them.

 

[LADYliberity]

Today starts day 2 and I am finding myself pretty overwhelmed! I've been scrambling to gather everything necessary (which I tried to prepare for) and starving for information on how to save my poor female! I have separated the female from the males and am hoping that she comes around. Thank you everyone for your help!