brand new jackson chameleon

[jonnytriceros]

i just bout a juvenile jackson chameleon i bought a medium reptbreeze setup with plastic plants and a little dripper i spray 2wice in the morning and night. anything else i need to know? how long do i leave the uvb light on? i have a african fat tail gecko as well im obbsessed with reptiles. anyways hope to hear from you all.

 

[Blink]

Hello, and welcome to the Forums!
Jacksons chameleons have special requirements. I Recommend that you do plenty of research, as they are not really a "beginner" species. Here is a good place to start: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/
Misting only twice day with only fake plants is not going to keep the humidity as high as montane species need, so you will probably need to mist more often than that. I also find that live plants are the best way to go. Lights should be 12 hours on and 12 hours off for sleeping. If you give us some more specific info on your setup, we can give you some pointers. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

 

[leedragon]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKTbUaOQ0aA&list=PL4HFX9PBYVY2eIWT0v3ZgYSk-r76SEujI&index=1

 

[shrum]

I have a new pair of Jackson's as well and here in New Jersey it's pretty humid but was having trouble keeping my humidity up for these guys needs so I wrapped the sides of the cages with a clear shower curtain. I have found that this forum will give you almost everything you need to know with a little searching so good luck to you and your new addition.

 

[jonnytriceros]

pics

i tried to upload some pics of my setup i hope it goes through

 

[leedragon]

i tried to upload some pics of my setup i hope it goes through

you need alot more plants, pun in a ficus it should look crowded inside with plants, chameleons cant not use open spaces, get rid of the moss. what are your temps? and which light are you using? did you watch the video I posted

 

[Blink]

I recommend more foliage as well. More climbing material and branches also. That way he won't need to climb on he screen like he was in that one picture. Climbing on screen can rip out toenails. No substrate... Moss or anything. Not only will it build up bacteria, but also can cause impaction.

 

[johnnyev]

I have always used substrates with chameleons & never had a problem. And it wont build up bacteria if its on a decent depth drainage layer with a way to syphon off excess water (i just use a short length of aquarium silicone under the drainage layer).
If you set it up bio active & add plenty of springtails, woodlice worms etc. You wont ever have to clean the enclosure either.

Johnnytriceros. Consider using live plants, as they make a big difference to humidity & general air quality in the enclosure. Set up as bio active & the plants, enclosure & your chameleon will thrive.

 

[jonnytriceros]

ok i got one live plant in there what plants are safe for the lil jackson ive already maxed out on money lol i just bought a reptifogger and i can already see my humidy going up which is good eventually im gonna have that enclosure jammed pack with all sorts of live plants and branches. oh yea is it safe to get sticks from outside and put them in there?

 

[Blink]

ok i got one live plant in there what plants are safe for the lil jackson ive already maxed out on money lol i just bought a reptifogger and i can already see my humidy going up which is good eventually im gonna have that enclosure jammed pack with all sorts of live plants and branches. oh yea is it safe to get sticks from outside and put them in there?

Yes, you can use outdoor branches as long as they are baked and/or cleaned thoroughly. I bake mine at a low temperature for a couple of hours.

 

[jonnytriceros]

ok will do do i leave the fogger on all the time?

 

[Blink]

ok will do do i leave the fogger on all the time?

I guess it depends on how dry it is where you are, but I only put my fogger on in intervals between mistings, and I don't use it much in the summer since it's more humid. I use it depending on the humidity level.

 

[jonnytriceros]

now can i hold the jackson chameleon or are they more of a watch reptile?

 

[Blink]

now can i hold the jackson chameleon or are they more of a watch reptile?

Unfortunately, chameleons in general are not "handling" sort of animals. I would not recommend frequent handling, as it can stress them out. If he is willing to crawl onto your hand, then short, infrequent handling sessions should be fine. Just let him go at his own pace and gain his trust by giving him time, patience, and hand feeding (always wins their heart! )

 

[leedragon]

a benjamin ficus. the terrarium shoud look like dies, crwoded with platns http://www.repti.net/modules/1/full...net&Picid=47722&CatID=934&PortalsModulerID=41

no dont be touching it, just enjoy the colors, atleast not now give her a couple of weeks too adapte and to see that she eats drinks and sheds normaly before start picking her up.

 

[jonnytriceros]

ok sounds good now what bout mood wise does darker colors mean there stressed out and light green mean there chill?

 

[leedragon]

ok sounds good now what bout mood wise does darker colors mean there stressed out and light green mean there chill?

sometimes, sometime not, it could be that itis coold and with the dark colors is trying to take in heat.

stress can be display by closing their eyes, or stop eating trying to climb up on you really fast ( trying to get to higer ground to get away)

 

[jonnytriceros]

ive noticed he opens his mouth like this sometimes ive heard all sorts of things like thats his way of cooling off or he might have a respitory infecton

 

[Devokid]

It is usually not a good sign. What are the temps? I find that humidifiers lead to respiratory infections, so I never use them. Do you know if it is captive bred or wild caught? Either way you should have him tested for parasites.

 

[jonnytriceros]

ok i have a reptibreeze ill get him checked out on tuesday i bought him at a reptile expo in pleasonton