Curious about Jackson Chameleon?

[djdrum]

OK, so I am seriously considering capturing and caring for a Jackson Chameleon. Howeverrr I don't know a whole lot about them, what kind of care is needed, what kind of tank I need to get, all the kine food i should feed him, what the appropriate humidity and temp the tank should be in the daytime and also nighttime (I have read that they like to keep cold at night), etc. I did do quite a bit of research on them, but I wanted to get some opinions from the real experts ! I live on Maui. (Hawaii) and there are a lot of them here. I have had quite a bit of experience with reptiles, I have owned 6 geckos, ball python, and a corn snake! I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

 

[Devokid]

I would set up a screen cage for him outside. That way you don't have to worry about lighting, humidity, or temps. I would make the screen big enough that bugs can get in as well which will help with feeding. I would still install a watering system so that you make sure he is getting enough water depending on what part of Maui you live on and if you are in the high country or not. As far as bugs, I know they love little roaches, snails, flies, etc. Do some more research on here, but they are super easy to care for in Hawaii. Inside the cage I would put LIVE plants. Hibiscus are OK, but tend to have lots of insect problems without the use of pesticide. My favorite are fruit trees as the flowers will bring in bugs for him to eat. My grandma has them wild all over the fruit trees on her property.

On a side note/ late night rant, I believe that having owned different reptiles causes more problems than it helps. Many people post this as a qualification, however, chameleons are not like any other reptile and if you treat them as such, they will die. You can not just leave them a bowl of water and dump some crickets in every now and then and call it good.

 

[djdrum]

Yes i do live upcountry Maui. Also there ARE indeed lots of bugs outside my house. I don't think I quite understand what you meant by putting the screen cage outside? I have never done anything like that. How would you do it? Like outside my door or something? Lol

 

[Devokid]

Like out in the yard. So that the sun and rain hit the cage. Out in the elements. Essentially you screen in a section of the outdoors with your chameleon inside. Just make sure he has lots of cover to get out of the sun when he wants to. If you are upcountry, then you probably don't even need the water system, but I would put it in anyways.

Many people house their chameleons this way. I cannot most of the year, as I live in Salt Lake City now instead of Kaneohe, but there are plenty of outdoor enclosure pictures on the forum.

Actually, you could just plant a pepper tree or a few lavender bushes and they would probably just come to you.

 

[pigglett79]

Here is a care sheet
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/

Some requirements will change if you house him outdoors though. Outside he won't need UV lights or any vitamin D supplements.

 

[djdrum]

Thanks! SO do you think I should get a Jackson for a first chameleon? Is it like a lot of commitment? I am unable to purchase/find any other chameleon other than the Jackson Chameleon because the only kine chameleon on the Hawaiian islands is the Jackson, and its illegal to ship any reptile But I am up for the commitment, but I have read other forums where other peoples Jackson Chameleons die and they cant figure out why. Do you think Ill be all good? Have you ever owned a Jackson?

 

[pigglett79]

My first chameleon was a jackson. As long as you follow the caresheets you should be fine. If you are willing to put in the necessary efforts you will do great.


Also check out the enclosure threads for cage set up ideas. They need lots of vines and branches along w plants for coverage to make them feel secure.

 

[Devokid]

Most of the problems faced by Jackson owners are solved for you by setting up the cage outdoors. Proper lighting, humidity, etc. Wild caught animals are also harder to take care of in captivity. Just about every wild chameleon has a low level of parasites in their system. When they are shoved into little boxes and flown across the world, their parasites tend to get out of hand. With yours not having to make any journeys, the parasite level should not explode. If you are worried about it, you can take him in to see a vet and they should be able to set you up with whatever you need to get him healthy. That being said, they are not that hard to take care of provided you set up his cage correctly. Also, I know on the islands many people try to keep a bunch together, and that does not work. They will get stressed, get sick, and die. However, if you keep just one, in a cage of sufficient size, they are pretty hardy little guys. You also have the benefit of being able to just let him go if you find that you are unable to take care of him.

Yes, I have kept and bred Jacksons for the past 15 years.