Hey guys, quick day 5 update: 18 of the babies seem to be eating well and actively exploring throughout the day. There are 3, however, that I'm a little worried about since they seem to just want to sleep. They look like they're well fed, and their eyes aren't sunken in, so I know they're not dehydrated. Should I be worried? Once feeding time is over (they're indoors as to avoid ants) I plan to take them back outside for some sunlight and a healthy misting. My wife isn't worried, stating that human babies sleep during the day, so why not jacksons?? I hope she's right but can't help being worried :-(
Update thread for ChamBust/SpartyTessy's newborn Jacksons!
- Thread starter ChamBust
- Start date
DAY 6 UPDATE: All are still alive and kicking...only saw one w/her eyes closed, but I didn't spend too much time w/them. I'm leaning more towards the idea of them being tired, as opposed to them being sick, since for the most part they look fairly healthy.
So we let 'em soak up the sun for a few hours in the morning, and gave them a couple of heavy mistings. Wife will do another misting while I'm out at work this afternoon. We were down to our last few pinheads, and ended up running out to purchase another 200 at our local Petco. Placed the pinheads cup in the center of their cage, and they immediately started gravitating towards them. Some of them can move pretty quick! Their aim is also getting better. It's entertaining to watch them and observe their personalities and behaviors.
So we let 'em soak up the sun for a few hours in the morning, and gave them a couple of heavy mistings. Wife will do another misting while I'm out at work this afternoon. We were down to our last few pinheads, and ended up running out to purchase another 200 at our local Petco. Placed the pinheads cup in the center of their cage, and they immediately started gravitating towards them. Some of them can move pretty quick! Their aim is also getting better. It's entertaining to watch them and observe their personalities and behaviors.
DAY 10 UPDATE: All 21 babies seem to be doing well, although they do still consistently worry me at times. Earlier today while misting them, I noticed about 4 of them all smashed into a corner. The bottom ones didn't seem to be moving, which worried me so I sprayed them a bit closer and got them to all spread out. Also, some of them seem to enjoy laying down on the ground when the cage is being watered...thinking this may be the way they like to drink the water...or perhaps they just enjoy the bath? Either way, I nudge 'em a little bit to make sure they're still alive and kickin'!
They've also been quite successful at burning a hole in my wallet...doesn't help that tons of pinheads die off due to mold. Been doing what I can to right this issue, but one can only do so much (not to mention I've only had 1 day off since they've been born!) Had about 15-20 pinheads left this morning that I fed off on a first-come first-serve basis...all I had time for today. I will get more pinheads tomorrow.
Also found out the Hawaii law in reference to Jacksons. Basically you have to apply for a one time license to export up to 4 of them by hand...shipping them is illegal! So ridiculous, I mean the state considers them an invasive species, but how do they suggest we deal w/them?? They are only continuing to grow, although supposedly they were an endangered species at one time. Anyone else from Hawaii got any bright ideas? Cuz in a few months, I will have about 20 Jacksons in need of homes!
They've also been quite successful at burning a hole in my wallet...doesn't help that tons of pinheads die off due to mold. Been doing what I can to right this issue, but one can only do so much (not to mention I've only had 1 day off since they've been born!) Had about 15-20 pinheads left this morning that I fed off on a first-come first-serve basis...all I had time for today. I will get more pinheads tomorrow.
Also found out the Hawaii law in reference to Jacksons. Basically you have to apply for a one time license to export up to 4 of them by hand...shipping them is illegal! So ridiculous, I mean the state considers them an invasive species, but how do they suggest we deal w/them?? They are only continuing to grow, although supposedly they were an endangered species at one time. Anyone else from Hawaii got any bright ideas? Cuz in a few months, I will have about 20 Jacksons in need of homes!
SpartyTessy
New Member
Day 10 Update. All the babies seem to be doing very good. I originally miss counted and actually have 10. All are eating and seem very active. I got their cage hooked up to my MistKing system that now goes off every 2 hours for them. I also have three feeder bowls and also let some crickets free range in the cage making sure they all get a chance to eat. I am just so lucky the cricket hatch has been going strong as I have tons more everyday for them. They seem to prefer the tiny newborn crickets over the slightly larger ones(still smaller than the width between the eyes). Of course they dont get as much nutrition from them but they eat tons of them so I am not worried they are not eating enough.
I now finally solved my Distilled water usage problem therefore I no longer have to fill up the MistKing water resivour and can give them mistings for as long as they like. I have just half the cage that gets misted leaving the other half for the feeder cups(keeping the tiny crickets from drowning) and also where the Chams can get away from the Misting if needed. Some prefer the good misting's while some run
They little guys are just so neat I am so excited to be raising baby little Jackson Chameleons. It is a lot of work but it sure is worth it. You can see the different personalities they all have. One guy was sitting on one of the feeder cups completely guarding it from other Chams. He would even open his mouth and swerve back and forth warning others if they came too close. LOL That is why I put more feeder cups in to give all a chance. 
I now finally solved my Distilled water usage problem therefore I no longer have to fill up the MistKing water resivour and can give them mistings for as long as they like. I have just half the cage that gets misted leaving the other half for the feeder cups(keeping the tiny crickets from drowning) and also where the Chams can get away from the Misting if needed. Some prefer the good misting's while some run
They little guys are just so neat I am so excited to be raising baby little Jackson Chameleons. It is a lot of work but it sure is worth it. You can see the different personalities they all have. One guy was sitting on one of the feeder cups completely guarding it from other Chams. He would even open his mouth and swerve back and forth warning others if they came too close. LOL
That is why I put more feeder cups in to give all a chance. 
Montium
New Member
The law is catch 22 as most airlines will NOT let you hand carry them on the plane and that's the only way the license works. So basically you can't export them.
Typical Hawaii law...makes NO sense!! Well, looks like I'll be going to facebook to advertise to local friends first...after which it will be Craigslist. What sucks, is I'll probably be selling/giving the chams to people who don't what they're doing (most people in Hawaii don't, and many Jacksons die because of this). So all my hard work (raising 21 babies is not easy) may end up for nothing...weak!
DAY 11: I'm a bit worried about one of the babies. He just hangs there with his eyes closed...barely moves. I don't think he's sick, more likely he just hasn't eaten. Which, I'm not sure why :-( But yeah, at this point he doesn't care to eat or drink. I'll be surprised if he lasts another day. Fortunately, the rest of them seem healthy and active. (20 out of 21 isn't bad?) They all still run for cover during mistings, but once they find their comfort spot, they seem like they don't mind it much. I will say, they're visibly growing, some moreso than others. For the most part, they're very active, inquisitive, and LOVE to eat! Luckily I've been able to find a less costly alternative to PETCO (who charges $7 for 100 tiny pinheads, which most of them die off due to mold or getting crushed). I've also been breeding beetles (mealworms) for a couple weeks, which means I should have some baby mealworms soon as a treat for my kids.
Swayne8998
Established Member
Typical Hawaii law...makes NO sense!! Well, looks like I'll be going to facebook to advertise to local friends first...after which it will be Craigslist. What sucks, is I'll probably be selling/giving the chams to people who don't what they're doing (most people in Hawaii don't, and many Jacksons die because of this). So all my hard work (raising 21 babies is not easy) may end up for nothing...weak!
That's pretty much how it's around here too, and most likely, all over the U.S.
Probably 80% of chameleon owners don't know what they're doing, and 19% of the people that DO know what they are doing are probably all on this forum.Best of wishes to you and Sparty's babies, they are all very cute
I got very close to getting a Jackson's one time...
Cainschams
New Member
Congrats on the babies both of you. I would house mine outside like Sparty. Ive never really had much problem with ants, fortunately. I see the super small black ones in my cages and have for years now. They just seem to clean up what I miss and have never caused a problem but Im sure they are a different type and there arent a ton of them. I did have army ants attack a bin of crickets though.
As for the food problem, go to a pesticide free area and collect some grass bugs!! Small crickets, small spiders, gnats, aphids etc. They will love them.
Good luck to both of you.
Also sorry to hear about the one but it happens.
As for the food problem, go to a pesticide free area and collect some grass bugs!! Small crickets, small spiders, gnats, aphids etc. They will love them.
Good luck to both of you.
Also sorry to hear about the one but it happens.
DAY 12 - So I was right about the one, woke up today to find her lying on the bottom of the cage. Took her out, gave her a proper burial in the backyard. So 20 of 21 still alive and well, moving around, healthy appetites, etc. Not really worried at any of the others at this point. Figure she may have had trouble getting to the food, I mean I'd put it out twice a day but it's practically impossible to make sure 21 out of 21 get their share on a daily basis! Don't have that kind of time, but the wife and I are trying our best.
On a positive note, the babies are eating the bigger crickets...when they first started eating (on day 3), we gave them pinheads. A couple days later, gave them 'extra small's, and now they're up to 'small's...which are way bigger than pinheads, i.e. they can't sneak out through the cage screen So getting to the point of feeding them via dumping out crickets into the cage, as opposed to cup feeding.
We also finally went out and bout a couple of nice gardenia's to put into the cage...up until today, it was all sticks and vines. Intended on getting some hibiscus, but the selection was a bit lacking. Thinking gardenia's are fairly harmless, and they look favorable for chameleons so yeah.
And yes, we usually keep them in the backyard. We bring them in about mid day to prevent possible overheating, then back out for the afternoon misting and leave 'em out overnight. I'll probably upload some updated pics tomorrow to track progress on the little guys.
On a positive note, the babies are eating the bigger crickets...when they first started eating (on day 3), we gave them pinheads. A couple days later, gave them 'extra small's, and now they're up to 'small's...which are way bigger than pinheads, i.e. they can't sneak out through the cage screen
So getting to the point of feeding them via dumping out crickets into the cage, as opposed to cup feeding.We also finally went out and bout a couple of nice gardenia's to put into the cage...up until today, it was all sticks and vines. Intended on getting some hibiscus, but the selection was a bit lacking. Thinking gardenia's are fairly harmless, and they look favorable for chameleons so yeah.
And yes, we usually keep them in the backyard. We bring them in about mid day to prevent possible overheating, then back out for the afternoon misting and leave 'em out overnight. I'll probably upload some updated pics tomorrow to track progress on the little guys.
Day 13 - Lost another baby today, with one more that looks like she's not gonna make it...the other 18 are all looking solid though, moving around, running away whenever I mist, actively pursuing crickets. Already made a help post in the general discussion forum, and I will definitely limit the amount of sun they get. As long as they can digest their food and keep growing, I'll be a happy guy.
On a brighter note, managed to score a killer amount of crickets for $24 from Sparty (I was supposed to give him $30 but nobody had change for a $20), but yeah thanks again bro. Looks like my kids should be good for at least the next week or so, long as I keep 'em cool and hydrated they should be fine.
On a brighter note, managed to score a killer amount of crickets for $24 from Sparty (I was supposed to give him $30 but nobody had change for a $20), but yeah thanks again bro. Looks like my kids should be good for at least the next week or so, long as I keep 'em cool and hydrated they should be fine.
SpartyTessy
New Member
No Problem bro glad I could help. And at least the ones you got from me are gutloaded good with great veggies, fruits, and cricket crack. Just let me know when you need more.
Sorry you lost another one
Sometimes there is nothing you can do even when you are doing everything you can and doing it right. Its hard enough with my 10 so I can just imagine how hard it is for you with 19. The one that is strugling make sure and offer that one the tiniest ones as that may spark its appetite. some of mine will not eat from the feeder cups and will only free range and even then will only eat if the bugs are running around on the branches and not the screen. So I am always making sure to put crickets on the branches for the ones that only eat them that way. I caught some Oriental Roaches today and am going to start breeding them to offer as a feeder for my Chams. I am hoping they are as easy as Dubia's but I am not sure because I cannot find any information out there on breeding the Orientals.
Action Jackson
Chameleon Enthusiast
How are they doing?
SpartyTessy
New Member
Mine are doing great. I never knew how much the little guys could eat. They all are very active and growing fast. Its cool to see the different personalities they have. Some are more shy, some are more aggressive. I finally have the system down to where they are all thriving. I have the mister misting half the cage and some love to hang out under the mister and some run. Some will hunt only free ranging crickets running on the sticks while others will eat them from the cups, cage, free ranging, etc. Now I need to figure out how to build a GOC so I can let them all roam even as adults. I do not want to get rid of any of them but know I will have to start separating them in a few months.
DAY 22 UPDATE
Been a while since my last update...haven't had as much time as I'd like with the little guys, but definitely trying our best. Unfortunately, it hasn't been good enough, and 3 more have died, possible one more by today or tomorrow. I've figured out what's going on though...while some of the babies are very active and aggressive, others not as much, which sometimes mean they miss out during feedings. There's no way I could ensure that all 21 always eat. I leave the open container in their cage full of food for a good hour, or until everything's gone. To counteract this, the only solution I could come up with is to isolate the skinnier, less fattened babies (and they do stand out) in a separate container with their own feeders.
Surprisingly, I haven't seen much success to it. They see the feeders but do not make any attempts to eat. I can't force feed them, they're too small. If they choose not to eat, there's really nothing I can do. So it seems like they basically die of exhaustion, cuz they're not sick and they're not dehydrated (we mist them more than regularly).
So it's down to 15 strong and healthy babies, with 1 malnutioned baby that probably won't make it. On a bright note, I finally have mealworm babies! I tried feeding them to a couple of the babies, but no luck...thinking they might be too small for the babies to notice, so after they get a little bigger I'll offer it to them again. This has been the only success I've seen in breeding so far, but perhaps a confidence builder since I have yet to get a cricket/silkworm colony going.
Okay, well I'll see if I can post more pics this week. For the most part, they are healthy and striving, and hopefully the number stays at 15.
Been a while since my last update...haven't had as much time as I'd like with the little guys, but definitely trying our best. Unfortunately, it hasn't been good enough, and 3 more have died, possible one more by today or tomorrow. I've figured out what's going on though...while some of the babies are very active and aggressive, others not as much, which sometimes mean they miss out during feedings. There's no way I could ensure that all 21 always eat. I leave the open container in their cage full of food for a good hour, or until everything's gone. To counteract this, the only solution I could come up with is to isolate the skinnier, less fattened babies (and they do stand out) in a separate container with their own feeders.
Surprisingly, I haven't seen much success to it. They see the feeders but do not make any attempts to eat. I can't force feed them, they're too small. If they choose not to eat, there's really nothing I can do. So it seems like they basically die of exhaustion, cuz they're not sick and they're not dehydrated (we mist them more than regularly).
So it's down to 15 strong and healthy babies, with 1 malnutioned baby that probably won't make it. On a bright note, I finally have mealworm babies! I tried feeding them to a couple of the babies, but no luck...thinking they might be too small for the babies to notice, so after they get a little bigger I'll offer it to them again. This has been the only success I've seen in breeding so far, but perhaps a confidence builder since I have yet to get a cricket/silkworm colony going.
Okay, well I'll see if I can post more pics this week. For the most part, they are healthy and striving, and hopefully the number stays at 15.
SpartyTessy
New Member
Are you free ranging any of the feeders? Some of mine will only eat the pinheads free ranging on the branches. You should leave them the opportunity to eat all day making sure they never run out of pinheads. Here is what I have noticed about free ranging the crickets.
many of the pinheads will work there way up to the corners and edges of the cages laying motionless. The Chams will usually not feed on these. Its hard but good to get those guys out of the cage and gutloaded again. Also after about an hour or so the ones in the feeder cups will lay motionless and again the chams will not feed on these. The trick is to change out the crickets 2-3 times a day so you have new fresh ones that are active and this usually sparks a feeding frenzy. I put new fresh ones in the three feeder cups that have sticks leading out allowing the crickets to roam around the sticks and plant in the cage. many of the Chams will start hunting at this point. Some picking the ones off at the first stick leading directly out the feeder cup and others feeding on the ones as they get further in the cage on the many branches and plant. It is a lot of work but I am having the best results this way. This is the only way a few of the guys will end up feeding and it works great.
Hey, I just started free ranging the feeders yesterday...fortunately, the babies now have no problems eating "size small" crickets, which are just big enough to not be able to escape through the cracks. But yeah, I totally agree with you in regards to the matter, and am pretty sure that's how I lost my first few...they weren't eating cuz at the most I'd have two feeder cups in at once, and they'd get snatched up quick! My hope, was that the ones that ate earlier would be full, so when I put in new crickets, the ones that hadn't eaten earlier will notice and get their turn. As it turns out, some of these babies are greedy little pigs!! Survival of the fittest, as it turns out...thinking these last 15 are in it for the long haul though.
So you still got small/pinheads? If I'm off on Friday I might be hitting you up for more.
SpartyTessy
New Member
Yes I have plenty so just let me know and I can hook you up with tons. The crickets grow so fast its hard work just trying to separate out the small ones from the large ones. Many are turning to adults within about 40 days. I now also have tons of adults so if you want I can give your Adults a full buffet also of the healthiest of crickets
I am so glad to see this website. I just purchased a female jackson chameleon. I was told after I signed that she is pregnant. I have no idea how to house these babies when they come. My first jackson was very friendly, loved attention, didn't like to be misted so she would come up to the spray bottle open her mouth for me to spray it in her mouth, she would walk right into your hand if u were just arranging things in her cage. This jackson seems to not care much for handling. I have only had her a week (I don't believe she had been hand held). She has become some what better with touch. Could this be because she is pregnant? Also my other chame was always so lime green this one is never lime. She is a darker bland green is this because she is pregnant?
My question is how do I set up a cage for babies and do I get them out of cage as soon as they are born? I have researched some about feeding them flightless fruit flies and then when they are bigger move up to small crickets. I am worried about how to take care of them and how am I going to get rid of however many babies I have.
I will keep one so I can raise it from birth but the rest I will have to give away or sell.
My question is how do I set up a cage for babies and do I get them out of cage as soon as they are born? I have researched some about feeding them flightless fruit flies and then when they are bigger move up to small crickets. I am worried about how to take care of them and how am I going to get rid of however many babies I have.
I will keep one so I can raise it from birth but the rest I will have to give away or sell.
