Basic care of Jackson's Chameleons

Description: The Jackson’s Chameleon is a smaller to medium sized (around 12 inches in length from nose to tip of tail at adulthood), three horned chameleon that is native to the humid, cooler, high altitude regions of Kenya and Tanzania. Since this species has been introduced into the pet trade, wild populations have developed and flourished on the Hawaiian Islands. Males of this species have three horns, two above the eyes, and one on the nose. Females may have little to no horns.

Caging: like any other chameleon, the Jackson’s prefers a nice sized, well ventilated enclosure, whether it is a glass terrarium or screened. 18x18x36 is the minimal size requirement for a juvenile, younger chameleons will need a smaller enclosure to minimize the places for their prey to hide. They prefer live plants, specifically the hibiscus which is their favorite and native to the Hawaiian Islands. Many times you will see them snacking on the luscious flowers of the hibiscus plant. Other nontoxic plants can be used as well. Please make sure any plants used are free of any chemicals. They like high levels of humidity and some sort of drainage will be needed in their enclosure to reduce the chances of mold growth. Hand misting with warm water or automatic misting is required to keep these levels of humidity.

Humidity: 50 to 80%

Lighting: again, like the basic needs of other chameleons, the Jackson’s is no different. They need a UVB light if not exposed to natural sunlight and a basking spot to raise their temperature when needed for proper digestion. The most recommended UVB lights are the repti-sun or repti-glo 5.0 tube lights, but other brands and types have been used successfully as well. A basking light can consist of a dome lamp and a common household bulb. Most would recommend between 40 and 75 watts, but higher or lower may be required based on specific situations.

Temperature: a gradient between 70 and 80 Degrees, with a basking spot of around 85. Temps vary with the age and gender of the animal.

Food: Jackson’s are insectivores and therefore eat insects. The main staple feeders consist of crickets, roaches, and other easily gutloadable, lowfat insects. The Jackson’s diet should not consist of just one type of insect, other insects like superworms, phoenix worms, mealworms, butterworms, hornworms, and others should be used in moderation.

Supplementation: unlike other common chameleons, the Jackson’s does not need as much supplementation. Depending on the amount of natural sunlight the chameleon is exposed to, they will need a regimen to help balance their calcium/phosphorus ratio, vitamin D3 in proper moderation, and also a multi vitamin as well. Talk to someone with experience keeping Jackson’s about a proper regimen if you are unsure of the supplementation your chameleon will need. Be warned, chameleons show similar signs of over supplementation as they do under supplementation. If any signs of either occur, please talk to an experienced keeper about your regimen and how to adjust it according to your chameleon’s needs. In an area with a changing climate, their supplementation may need adjusted according to the weather.

References: Members on here, http://exoticpets.about.com/od/chameleons/p/jacksoncham.htm , http://www.jacksonschameleoncaresheet.com/


(c) Amanda Hoke