Just Starting Out

[GetFunky5]

I just got this little guy about a week ago, and already have been learning a lot. I learned more about what size cage he needs (This one is just temporary until the new one arrives in the mail. I also zoomed in, so it is bigger then it looks in the photo.) I ordered him a 24x24x48 inch, screened cage, and I've been reading on how to set him up. I was given superworms when I bought him, and I was told that they are his favorite food. I may raise some silk worms just to feed him, as I have a friend who can teach me how. Does anyone know how old he is? Does he look ok? I am upgrading his whole setup, and reading the posts about chameleon enclosures as much as I can. I want him to be happy & healthy, and I am trying to learn how to help with that as fast as I can. Any suggestions? I am all ears.

 

[rminnis]

Hard to tell much from the picture just look and read on here as much as you can about their water needs food and supplement needs. To me he easily looks like hes at least 5-6 months old but im just guessing Ive never had a Jackson. Get him some live plants to help keep his humidity up and help facilitate drinking also they need a variety for his diet not just superworms. get som dubai roaches or banded crickets (silkworms are good but require more work)

 

[rminnis]

Oh most importantly they have paticular lighting needs a rule of thumb is 12 hrs of light on and 12 hrs of complete darkness. Their cage needs to have a UVB light source and a heat light source at around 85 can be achieved with just a normal housebulb. A special uvb bulb is extremely important to help them grow and absorb calcium they must have natural sunlight or a UVB in order to be healthy without this there is a good chance they will develop muscle bone disease. You need to create a cage that has hot and cooler spots so the chameleon can regulate its heat whenever it wants meaning dont just cover the entire cage in 85 degree heat he should have a basking spot and a shady place where he can cool down they will spend most of there time during the day in the upper 25 percent of the cage basking if your setup is right they will rarely be on the ground. Gluck!

 

[Remkon]

He looks bit older than 5-6 months to me.
I'm guessing more like 8+ months but then again they all grow at their own pace and their horns will also develop quicker on some than others so that's no real indication either.

Here's a caresheet for it's general care: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/

 

[MatthewGregory]

First suggestion is take him to a vet asap. Its always good to have your cham checked sooner than later, especially with cham that may have been wild caught.

 

[GetFunky5]

I plan on getting a UVB in the next few days, and started misting his cage more. I have been looking into how to set his cage up, and when his new one arrives soon, I will definitely be putting live plants in it. I am thinking of some vines in the branches, possibly philodendron, and an orchid or two. We have a bunch of orchids in our back yard, and I was told by a friend to soak dunk it in a 5 gallon bucket of water for 10-15 min, just in case there are any ants/etc, in it. He said anything it it would float to the surface.

I have kept fancy goldfish years ago, and did well with them. I've had a few of them live for about 10 years each, once I got going & learned more about them. This is new to me, but I have been reading a bunch on it, and am already learning a lot. I love this little guy, and am trying to learn the best way to keep him as fast as I can.

 

[medgecko]

If weather permits, you could take him outside for some supervised sun time to keep up w/the vit D need. That's what I'm doing w/Chamille since she's come in for the winter, when I can coax her onto my hand (even though I have a UVB 4' tube).

 

[Daniel Martin]

As comments say above don't just feed worms. They are usually a great treat however crickets and dubia roaches are more of the main food.

 

[GetFunky5]

Oh most importantly they have paticular lighting needs a rule of thumb is 12 hrs of light on and 12 hrs of complete darkness. Their cage needs to have a UVB light source and a heat light source at around 85 can be achieved with just a normal housebulb. A special uvb bulb is extremely important to help them grow and absorb calcium they must have natural sunlight or a UVB in order to be healthy without this there is a good chance they will develop muscle bone disease. You need to create a cage that has hot and cooler spots so the chameleon can regulate its heat whenever it wants meaning dont just cover the entire cage in 85 degree heat he should have a basking spot and a shady place where he can cool down they will spend most of there time during the day in the upper 25 percent of the cage basking if your setup is right they will rarely be on the ground. Gluck!

As far as complete darkness goes, should I cover his enclosure the other 12 hours? There is light from my room that may keep him up.

 

[rminnis]

yes if your light stays on all night they need to be covered they need complete darkness to sleep.

 

[rminnis]

He looks bit older than 5-6 months to me.
I'm guessing more like 8+ months but then again they all grow at their own pace and their horns will also develop quicker on some than others so that's no real indication either.

Here's a caresheet for it's general care: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/

I would definitely go with his guess on age rather than mine. I am not real experienced!

 

[rminnis]

I plan on getting a UVB in the next few days, and started misting his cage more. I have been looking into how to set his cage up, and when his new one arrives soon, I will definitely be putting live plants in it. I am thinking of some vines in the branches, possibly philodendron, and an orchid or two. We have a bunch of orchids in our back yard, and I was told by a friend to soak dunk it in a 5 gallon bucket of water for 10-15 min, just in case there are any ants/etc, in it. He said anything it it would float to the surface.

I have kept fancy goldfish years ago, and did well with them. I've had a few of them live for about 10 years each, once I got going & learned more about them. This is new to me, but I have been reading a bunch on it, and am already learning a lot. I love this little guy, and am trying to learn the best way to keep him as fast as I can.

Philodendron is great so is pothos shefflera ficus palm plants and some others just make sure they are safe if you notice him munchin on em.

 

[GetFunky5]

I have him set up in a much larger, screened cage, now. I just added some orchids to it today, and he seems pretty happy about them. He is sleeping in them right now. The cage is 48' tall, by 24' long & 24' wide. He started shedding right before I moved him, and seemed pretty upset about the move. When I added the orchids, he perked up, though. I am learning as I go, and trying to read about them as much as I can. I wish I had this as his first setup, he would have liked it much better. He seems to be adjusting, now, though. I will need to take a new photo when I get the chance. His enclosure looks totally different. I am learning.