Just got first chameleon :)

[Tiberius]

I just got my Jackson's Chameleon yesterday and named him Tiberius. The temperature in the enclosure is about 75° 10" away from the heat lamp. The humidity is about 55 but goes up to around 70 when I mist. Are these ranges good for him?

Also, I have a dripper that I want to set up but the water doesn't go through the aluminum screen. I was thinking either poke a hole in the screen or open up the corner of the screen. Any suggestions?

I'll post pictures soon

 

[Solid Snake]

Welcome to Chameleon Forums!

Super glad to have you here.

Your temps/humidity sound about right.

You will need to provide a basking spot of 83-85F though.

To get the drip to fall through the screen, raise it up a few inches.

The momentum of the drip will carry it through the screen.

I recommend having a dripper going, anytime the lights are on.

Here are two links, that I think youll find helpful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKTbUaOQ0aA

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/hoj/634-montane-chameleon-care-info.html

If you have any questions after reviewing them, please ask!

(now I want to see those pictures!)

 

[Tiberius]

Thanks, I'm going to set up the dripper in the morning.
I've also added a golden pothos to his terrarium since the pictures

 

[Tiberius]

Also, I have a 100 watt bulb that is dimmed down to provide a good temperature at the highest branch area but sometimes Tiberius likes to hang out right under it, clinging to the ceiling. He does not usually stay there for much more than 20 minutes and will move on after that but is this okay or should I raise the lamp higher?
And I have read that a 18"x18"x36" screen cage is big enough for his adult size but I just want to make sure.
One last question for now: I have been handling him, letting him roam around my arms and shoulders, about once a day since I got him. I do not want him to be stressed out but I would still like to hold him. Is this too much or too little handling for a Jackson's?

 

[blackened]

Hello nice to meet you. He's a beut'!!

I have very little experience with chameleons (none with Jackson's), so you may want to wait for some more input, but I would try to get those vines closer to the top with plenty of foliage for hides. People usually use some wire to hold things in place. Just a thought.

 

[Solid Snake]

Also, I have a 100 watt bulb that is dimmed down to provide a good temperature at the highest branch area but sometimes Tiberius likes to hang out right under it, clinging to the ceiling. He does not usually stay there for much more than 20 minutes and will move on after that but is this okay or should I raise the lamp higher?
And I have read that a 18"x18"x36" screen cage is big enough for his adult size but I just want to make sure.
One last question for now: I have been handling him, letting him roam around my arms and shoulders, about once a day since I got him. I do not want him to be stressed out but I would still like to hold him. Is this too much or too little handling for a Jackson's?

In my opinion, a chameleon should only be handled when necessary.
Otherwise he should be in some sort of suitable habitat. This will maximize his chances of good health.

That cage size is suitable for an adult jackson.

I dont think you should move the lighting. I think you should fill the cage in with branches/vines/foliage so that he can get to different temp gradients, without having to climb the screen.

Here is an example setup of a jacksons enclosure. It is by no means perfect, and there are infinite ways to set them up, but maybe it will give you some ideas of what you can work towards.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oz0nnvaNmkk

You can use branches from outside. Id recommend cutting them off fresh, and checking them over for any bore holes. You also want to give them a blast with hot water. You can sanatize them with bleach if you like, some people do. Just rinse it well, and let it completely dry afterwards.

 

[Tiberius]

I rather liked that setup; I love the look and feel the enclosure gets from live plants.

Thanks for the advice

 

[Solid Snake]

Just focus on creating a temp gradient, and then placing branches to facilitate the animal being able to get anywhere it likes. You dont want it too packed though, leave some area open.
Then add foliage.
Foliage helps make them feel more hidden and safe.
When they feel safe, they are more active, and will go about there business, hunting, and basking and such, and just working off the environment you provide to regulate their needs.