Wanna get a Chameleon
- Thread starter molson101
- Start date
ChameleonNerd
New Member
well, first off, that's good that you want a jackson's because they do not get too large.
ChameleonNerd
New Member
couldn't tell ya that one, i don't have a jacksons. but out of what i know, it's all similar care, just different size enclosures and gizmos. It will be hard for maybe the first month, that's almost definite. Like anything, no matter how much you think you know, it takes a period of trial and error to really get the hang of how to do something. After that period, you will probably fall into a rhythmn and it will become become rather easy. But you will just about definitely mess up with something, and it does get frustrating.
ChameleonNerd
New Member
google is your friend for general info like size. an example for cage size would be... http://diycages.com/15201/index.html << i have not personally used that website, but it is a site sponsor, and i have heard they are reliable. Also, their prices are great for their cages. Mid Sized or Large is what you would want for a jackson. even bigger if you want. The rule of chameleons is UP. Try to get your enclosure to mimic a tree, in how it goes up with layers. Top layer gets the most sun, of course. http://www.flchams.com/safe_plant_list.asp
that is the safe plants list. safe means a plant that can be eaten.
that is the safe plants list. safe means a plant that can be eaten.
Stanly
New Member
do tons of reading befor you buy! if you like jacksons then research them.
I just recently got a jacksons myself, I think they're really cool (who doesn't love a lizard with horns?)
some things about jacksons, they like it a bit cooler and wetter (humid) than say veileds or panthers, they are more sensitive to over supplamentation (make sure you gut load your feeders well then don't over do it on dusting the crickets, particularly D3 and multi vitamins), they are abit smaller (medium size)
what ever chameleon you decide on I'd go with CB (captive bred) from a reputable breeder.
as far as whats right for you, it would be hard for us to say, what amount of space do you have? what temp range is your house (summer, winter)? you already said you like jacksons so I'd lean that way so long as you can provide it's requirements
Ace
Avid Member
screen cage at least 18in x 18in x 36 in cage or BIGGER
jacksons chameleons need temps in the 70's, a basking/heat lamp area in 80-82, and at night can get low into the 60's
they do not need light at night
they need higher humidity and a little more opportunity to drink, by of course having a drip system and mist the cage with a sprayer
you can add humidty with live plants, you ca nmix live and fake plants, but overall do not avoid live plants, its more natural and it helps them settle in better
when you get your supplies first post pics of your set up so we can help you with anything and that way you ca nget your lil guy and put him in his home easily
you need proper lights (regular houshold bulb like a 50 watt for baksing, and reptisun 5.0 linear tube, NOT coil)
supplements : you need them BUT its an issue and jacksons are EASILY OVER SUPPLEMENTED, SO DO NOT SUPPLEMENT ALOT...
need rep-cal without D3 (use sparingly and very lightly on some feedings)
rep-cal with D3 (1-2x a month) lightly
and herptivite ( like 1 a month use)
you also need to feed the bugs healthy fruits and veggies not petco food stuff, "you are what you eat" give good fresh healthy stuffto crickets and other bugs , this is called "gutloading" and then feed the crix to your cham
dont worry at first it sounds complicated but once things are settled and ready, there is a "rhythm"
jacksons chameleons need temps in the 70's, a basking/heat lamp area in 80-82, and at night can get low into the 60's
they do not need light at night
they need higher humidity and a little more opportunity to drink, by of course having a drip system and mist the cage with a sprayer
you can add humidty with live plants, you ca nmix live and fake plants, but overall do not avoid live plants, its more natural and it helps them settle in better
when you get your supplies first post pics of your set up so we can help you with anything and that way you ca nget your lil guy and put him in his home easily
you need proper lights (regular houshold bulb like a 50 watt for baksing, and reptisun 5.0 linear tube, NOT coil)
supplements : you need them BUT its an issue and jacksons are EASILY OVER SUPPLEMENTED, SO DO NOT SUPPLEMENT ALOT...
need rep-cal without D3 (use sparingly and very lightly on some feedings)
rep-cal with D3 (1-2x a month) lightly
and herptivite ( like 1 a month use)
you also need to feed the bugs healthy fruits and veggies not petco food stuff, "you are what you eat" give good fresh healthy stuffto crickets and other bugs , this is called "gutloading" and then feed the crix to your cham
dont worry at first it sounds complicated but once things are settled and ready, there is a "rhythm"
molson101
New Member
Good i am not getting one for like 5 months because i am moving so i am going to do alot of research. And I am getting a huge room so i can fit it in their.I will for sure keep researching jacksons they are my favorite. No what would be awesome if a Jackson Chameleon had the colors of a Panther. Winter my house is a bit colder but it will be okay and in the summer it will probably be like perfect.
allencg101
Member
Jacksons are awesome chameleons and one of the first that i'd offer for a first time cham. they do tend to stay small depending on what type you get the most common ones do get pretty big not panther or veiled but big. Fischers are also a good choice their care is much like the jacksons but i like their coloring a little bit more. either way good choice and good luck!!!
Elizadolots
New Member
molson, if you can find a Jacksons that is captive bred, even though it might cost more, please consider buying it. You are much more likely to get a healthy animal that way. You might want to check both the classifieds and the breeding forums here to see who has or will have babies available.
Leroux2008
Member
Well... I only have veileds... but I love em <3 Mine are darlings but I hear some people end up with some pretty nasty ones. They are farely cheap too since they lay so many eggs and you end up with so many babies. Jacksons look pretty neat! I think if I didnt have Veileds I would get one of thsoe. Especially its a bright side not having to worry about the female laying eggs and possibly taking the risk of egg binding, since they live birth. Personally I would just do as much research as you can before you make your final decision!
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
By saving your money now and getting the right setup your cham will thank you! Also, check ahead of time for an experienced herp vet in your area. Chances are you'll need one at some point so be prepared (and put some money away for vet bills too!). Jax don't tend to bluff or bite, but they do not enjoy being handled much and can be defensive. They show their stress more by hiding, being shy, refusing to eat or drink. Don't expect any cham species to be very social. They are more of a "look and don't touch" type critter. They can also be very individual so some may be more tolerant of handling than others. You just have to take what you get and appreciate them for who they are.
Carlton
Chameleon Enthusiast
Generally, chams don't want to be handled. Occasionally, during cage cleaning, basking outdoors, once in a while around the house OK, depending on how stressy your particular cham happens to be it is OK, but don't count on it. If you end up with a very shy stressy one you need to respect that.
skybird
New Member
My måle panter wassmo bety shy in the first 8 months, and i rally dont Wang to handle them much. But he has buildt such mutch truet to me that he comes running to my hand nearly everk time i open hus chage. Also he stands at the door telling me he wants out to sit in the plant in the window. Maby its because i arrangert it so he got laid 
