New to chameleon world jackson in mind

[Elgato]

Hi guys I want to start off by introducing myself and saying hello to everyone. My name is Jorge and I live in Houston Tx.

I've been doing research this week on jacksons because I'm planning on getting one pretty soon. I've had iguanas before so I have some knowledge on reptiles. I just had a few questions to make sure everything is in order for him.

I will be housing him in an aluminum mesh cage with a clear plastic front (18x18x36). I went for a meduim size cage so it could house him from juvenile to adult. All of the plants are plastic. For humidity I will be spraying the cage down a few times a day. Considering a drip system for extra water.

1. My room ranges from 78-80 degrees all day and night. I will have a repti sun 5.0 light and a basking light as well. Considering that the Jacksons do like a temp drop at night and that the basking light will make things a bit warmer, will it still be ok for him to live in?

2. Will simply spraying him down three to four times a day be enough humidity? For the cage floor I'm using the green carpet for reptiles.

3. This one is directed to Texas/Houston residents. I've been searching for live feeder bug options and wanted to know if there was anything local or relatively close to Houston for suppliers.

4. I would like to buy a Jackson from a breeder instead of a pet store. Any Jackson breeders close by?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[moviemanmania]

Live potted plants will help you maintain the higher humidity levels that a Jackson requires. Additionally, a room humidifier may be needed to bring it up to the 65% mark. Is your room air-conditioned? If you could air condition it at night to drop those temps down it would help for sure. As for feeders flukerfarms.com has the best prices and decent shipping rates. I also have a full grown Jackson for sale if your interested.

 

[hbskeet]

1. All lights should be on a timer. They make surge protectors with timers on them. Therefore, at night none of the lights should be running.

2. never spray down the cham, spray down the actual plants within the cage. Also, invest in a little dripper to help hydrate the cham when your not around. It's a cheap but safe investment.

3. Their main diet should consist of gutloaded crickets. Any other should be a treat.

4. Try searching some of the sponsor sites. It might cost a little more for shipping but if anything goes wrong you will be well taken care of.

-As movieman stated...Use live plants. One nice sized ficus would be all you need, obviously with a bunch of vines too.

-Also if you use a drip system your going to need a drainage system. If you are strapped on cash take a look at this project I did recently.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/cheap-drainage-system-64202/

That's just the basics. There is a lot more you can do...

 

[Elgato]

Awesome, thanks guys I was looking for a Ficus or shefflera today might pick one up before the cham arrives.

"Movie man" Thanks for the offer but I'm looking for a young cham.

"hbskeet" Nice system I'll look into it.

I'll list improvements as well as news as soon as I get a little dude.