New member, first chameleon.

[Olgenheimer]

I've wanted a chameleon for a long time, but I figured that I should try my hand with other animals first. After taking care of 2 Bearded Dragons and a pair of Red Eyed Tree Frogs, I finally got a male Jackson's. This is Aldo:

I figured that this was the best place to ask questions. I know that stress is a big concern for these animals. If he's moving around, eating, and drinking, does that mean that he's ok? Or will they still do that under stress? Most of the signs of stress that I've heard of are behaviors that he doesn't seem to be exhibiting, although his color seems a bit dark. Am I just being overly concerned?

Any other advice for a new owner?

 

[maxttu]

good looking guy! how old is he??

 

[sandrachameleon]

Welcome!
Yes, they can still eat, move etc even if stressed

 

[Olgenheimer]

good looking guy! how old is he??

Not entirely sure, the man I bought him from didn't seem to know either, but he definitely isn't fully grown.

 

[Olgenheimer]

Welcome!
Yes, they can still eat, move etc even if stressed

Ok, I just really want to makes sure that I take care of him correctly. He doesn't seem stressed, but then again I've never had a chameleon before. Does he look alright to you?

 

[laurie]

Welcome to the forum. This is an excellent place to learn all the ins & outs of your new cha. He looks full grown to me. Unless you have the smallest hands around, I would say he is full grown.

Could you tell us how you have him set up? Here is a form, I know it is long but it will provide all the information to allow us to offer ideas to you. Just type your responses in after the questions


Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.


Pictures are helpful

 

[Olgenheimer]

Chameleon Info:
Your Chameleon - Male Jackson's Chameleon, unknown age, at least a year(?). I've had him for 3 days.
Handling - So far I've only handled him when I put him into a box to transport him home, and moving him into his enclosure.
Feeding - I'm feeding him crickets daily, still experimenting with the amount, but so far I've done about 4-5 a day. The crickets are fed Fluker's Orange Cubes.
Supplements - I've dusted every cricket he's had so far, with Rep-Cal Calcium and Vitamin D
Watering - Until I get an automatic misting/drip system, I'm misting the enclosure a few times a day. I've seen him drink every time I mist him.
Fecal Description - I've only noticed one poop from him. Rather small, brown, solid. Not sure what to look for here. He hasn't been tested for parasites to my knowledge
History - The man who sold him to me told me that he came from Africa, but this guy also told me that he wasn't fully grown. Honestly he seemed like he was telling me what he thought that I wanted to hear.

Cage Info:
Cage Type - 22 Gallon screen reptarium. 14.5" x 14.5" x 25"
Lighting - As of now he has a Repti-Glow 10 UVB bulb on him. I turn the light on in the morning when I wake up to get ready for class, so around 9:30, and I turn it off around 10:00-10:30 at night.
Temperature - The basking spot reaches mid 70s to low 80s, with the rest of the enclosure remaining around 70. I have a thermometer left over from other pets that I'm using.
Humidity - I have a rudimentary hydrometer that tells me that the humididty is 40-50%, but I need a better way to create and regulate humidity outside of the misting that I do.
Plants - There is a golden pothos in with him, as well as a few fake vines to fill it up a bit more. I'm told hibiscus would be a great choice, but I haven't been able to come by one yet.
Placement - The cage is on a stack of shelves near my desk. The air vent is closer to the ceiling, on another wall. The room is rather small, so I pass by him whenever I enter or leave the room. The shelves are about 3 ft, so the top of his cage is about 5 feet from the ground.
Location - Charlotte, NC

Current Problem - My only real problem at the moment is making sure that I do everything right. I really want to keep Aldo healthy and happy.

 

[DavidBuchan]

Hello, welcome to the forum. I never kept a Jacksons, but from what I've read I think it is easy to over-supplement them (you don't want d3 every day, find a Phosphorous-free Calcium for that). Someone who keeps them will probably tell you the best vitamin schedule. Also, I thought all Jacksons came from Hawaii .....I might be wrong about this, anyway he looks good, and they will eat even with some stresses of course, but eating readily is always a good sign. It sounds to me like he's getting enough crickets (but remember I never kept one, so I'm not sure). Gutloading is very important for a healthy Cham, so have a quick look at this info - https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/ferretinmyshoes/446-basics-gutloading.html

 

[laurie]

Ok I saw only a couple things I would worry about right now. First, he needs a larger cage. My jackson had a 18x18x36 screen cage. You can get a good priced one from LLL, a forum sponsor who has about the best prices around, and they will ship to you.

Next I would give him a dripper. Even a gal milk jug with a pinhole will do fine. Just make sure it has a place to drain into or you will have a mess. Mine drain into a plant so the cham can drink off the leaves. Just a slowwww drip, not a stream.

I would back off on supplements except plain calcium, every other feeding. Dust is just very light, so you almost don't see the powder, not a white cricket.
The info on gutloading your crickets is good. They do need a better gutload than just the cubes, imo.

It is just me, but I try to follow the time of light outside for when my light go on & off. I would put him to bed a little earlier if he were mine.

I sure does sound like you care for your chameleon and will make a good keeper which makes for a happy, healthy chameleon.