I used to be an experienced herper when I lived on the mainland USA. I bred morph ball pythons, bearded dragons, and had just about every other type of reptile. When I got transferred to Hawaii, I had to sell everything and get rid of all my supplies. Now, after two years of not having a single reptile, I decided I would love to let my daughters (ages 4 and 6) experience the joys of having a good pet reptile.
I have never owned a chameleon but have done my research on them. I am pretty handy and looking at getting an adult male Jackson. I am building a 24 x 24 x 48 inch cage made out of vinyl coated 1/2" mesh. I live in Mililani Mauka and the weather is absolutely perfect for a Jackson. It rains almost every day and many times 2-3 times a day, usually for 30 minutes or so. I was advised by friends they see many Jacksons just a couple miles from my home too. The local pet store owners advise most people they know keep their Jackson outside too. The temps are perfect along with the humidity. I plan on putting the cage in my yard where it should get plenty of sun, rain, and air. I have never lived in a climate where I could actually put the enclosure outside and take advantage of almost natural environment for an animal.
I plan on getting a plant/tree native to Hawaii for the Jackson to utilize. Of course I would like something sturdy for him to climb on and something with nice leaves he can drink from. I have read the Hibiscus, Ficus, and Schefflera are great. Are these great for Hawaii (high humidity) too? I was also looking at a few palm trees (Fan and Bottle Palm).
I am hoping to finish the enclosure soon. I would like to hike thru Tantalus or Pali to find a big male. I may look in Waimanalo since I know there are breeders/collectors there too. Who knows, if we really enjoy them, I may have to build a very large enclosure (dog run size) to house multiple Jackons. I have a house with a yard and an entire side not being used.
Any advice on keeping Jacksons in Hawaii, plants/trees, foods, where to obtain a nice adult, etc. is much appreciated!
I have never owned a chameleon but have done my research on them. I am pretty handy and looking at getting an adult male Jackson. I am building a 24 x 24 x 48 inch cage made out of vinyl coated 1/2" mesh. I live in Mililani Mauka and the weather is absolutely perfect for a Jackson. It rains almost every day and many times 2-3 times a day, usually for 30 minutes or so. I was advised by friends they see many Jacksons just a couple miles from my home too. The local pet store owners advise most people they know keep their Jackson outside too. The temps are perfect along with the humidity. I plan on putting the cage in my yard where it should get plenty of sun, rain, and air. I have never lived in a climate where I could actually put the enclosure outside and take advantage of almost natural environment for an animal.
I plan on getting a plant/tree native to Hawaii for the Jackson to utilize. Of course I would like something sturdy for him to climb on and something with nice leaves he can drink from. I have read the Hibiscus, Ficus, and Schefflera are great. Are these great for Hawaii (high humidity) too? I was also looking at a few palm trees (Fan and Bottle Palm).
I am hoping to finish the enclosure soon. I would like to hike thru Tantalus or Pali to find a big male. I may look in Waimanalo since I know there are breeders/collectors there too. Who knows, if we really enjoy them, I may have to build a very large enclosure (dog run size) to house multiple Jackons. I have a house with a yard and an entire side not being used.
Any advice on keeping Jacksons in Hawaii, plants/trees, foods, where to obtain a nice adult, etc. is much appreciated!
