Once again I ask....HELP ME EXPERT PEOPLE!!!!

[NickyChameleon]

Ok so I'm definitely getting a chameleon in the next month. The problem is, I don't know what kind. I want a Jackson's, not sure though. Maybe a flapneck or fischer's, again I don't know. I have an 18" x 18" x 2' terrarium, ExoTerra glass. I'm getting my light soon, my old one broke. Oh also, I need to know what plant to get. I'm thinking Ficus or Hibiscus, not sure. Help?!?!

 

[Lathis]

Ok so I'm definitely getting a chameleon in the next month. The problem is, I don't know what kind. I want a Jackson's, not sure though. Maybe a flapneck or fischer's, again I don't know. I have an 18" x 18" x 2' terrarium, ExoTerra glass. I'm getting my light soon, my old one broke. Oh also, I need to know what plant to get. I'm thinking Ficus or Hibiscus, not sure. Help?!?!

That's a pretty small size for a permanently home. It will be fine for a baby, but for a full grown Jacksons, it's about half what you need. Start planning that when your cham turns about 8 months old, he will need a size upgrade. Plus finding a ficus or hibiscus that will fit in that enclosure will be difficult. Consider a pothos - Lowes had some tiny pothos towers near me not too long ago for pretty cheap.

 

[NickyChameleon]

I read something about the Jackson's falling dead at 4-5 months. Any idea what that's about? Also thanks on the hibiscus. Any other small plants I should put in there?

 

[Lathis]

Jacksons can be rather delicate as babies. The "5 month" rule generally means that up until about 5 months, it's very easy to lose them (meaning, they die). That's why it is generally recommended to get sub-adult or older juveniles, especially for new keepers. About 6-7 months is the perfect age anyway, the nubby little horns are growing and they are starting to get their adult colors. Jax are one of the best chams in my humble opinion.

Hibiscus also need a ton of light. I never could keep mine alive inside, even with a grow light. Pothos are very forgiving. If you get the right size pothos (or one that can be trimmed down), you won't need any other plants. They grow very well, are tolerant of low light conditions, and are very hardy. Plus, they grow in long vines, so you can drape them as climbing paths. That's what I would look for first and supplement with fake plants if you need more cover and add lots of bendy vines.

You can also look for smaller umbrella plants. I found them a bit harder to keep , they definitely need a grow light. But they are branchy and fill out nicely.

 

[leedragon]

you should get a jackson or a kinyongia or any other mountain species only if you can have a temperature drop to 16 at night, they need the temperature drop at night
then suddenly dead is often due over supplementing and bad gut loading.
here watch this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKTbUaOQ0aA&list=PL4HFX9PBYVY2eIWT0v3ZgYSk-r76SEujI

 

[brownie64]

First let me say I love Jackson's Chameleons, but in my opinion they are not first time chameleons. Their temp, and humidity requirements are more advanced and more difficult to achieve. The babies are real hard to keep alive. And last but not least they are real finicky eaters. Not trying to put them down by any means I personally feel they are the best, and their disposition is second to none. Just want to make sure you're prepared for the extra care, and attention these guy's need. Might want to consider a Veiled they are a much more forgiving species. Good luck in your endeavors, and don't hesitate to seek advice we are here to help.

 

[NickyChameleon]

Ok so Pothos it is. Probably get one medium or two small. So back to the original topic: should I get Jackson's? If not, what species? Fischer's? Flapneck?

 

[leedragon]

Ok so Pothos it is. Probably get one medium or two small. So back to the original topic: should I get Jackson's? If not, what species? Fischer's? Flapneck?

it depends on what you can provide

 

[Carlton]

Ok so Pothos it is. Probably get one medium or two small. So back to the original topic: should I get Jackson's? If not, what species? Fischer's? Flapneck?

As a newbie I wouldn't suggest a jackson's or a fischer's. Harder to find captive bred and some sellers will tell you what they think you want to hear to make a sale. They are a little harder to acclimate as they are montane species that need higher humidity cooler temps (especially at night, so depending on where you live and what your house "climate" is). They are more sensitive to supplementation and nutritional problems.

The main issue with flapnecks is finding one that isn't a wildcaught import. Imported chams can arrive with high parasite loads, infections, stress-related health issues, which can require vet treatment ($$).

But I also agree that your cage will be too small for any adults of these species. Might work better for a trio of pygmies.

 

[Benjlan]

Your choice of chams is not very good for beginners, you do by the way have great taste. If I were in your shoes I would consider a male veiled to start. Also save money for a bigger enclosure or build one. Your new friend will need a new house at about 6 to 8 months.

Pothos are great plants, and there are tons more great choices. For that size terrarium maybe an umbrella plant. Go to the greenhouse see what you like and cross check on the non toxic plant list.

Ben