New Jacksons Chameleon

[SnufflesMom]

I am in way over my head. My husband brought home a Jacksons Chameleon this week, and I am absolutely in love with the little Triceratops but intimidated at the same time. I have been misting his enclosure twice a day and haven't handled him because I do not want to stress him out. I put a few crickets in his enclosure, but he hasn't ate. His color is still a beautiful vibrant green, but it looks like he is shedding around one of his horns and under his chin. Is that normal? Also, should I turn his light off at night? Like I said I am probably just over reacting, but I would rather ask other owners than googling answers. I don't want poor "Snuffles" to get sick. He's already been through quite a bit Thank you all!!!

 

[phantomchameleon]

The only thing i'm sure about is that you should turn the light off at night! I personally turn on his light at 6am and turn it off at 6pm so it's a 12/12 cycle. Shedding is indeed normal but i dont know if it's normal in those spots. Hope this helped.

 

[Lathis]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/chameleons/

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/

These two resources will get you going in the right direction! Read them in great detail - they have been compiled by keepers with decades of successful experience and the information can be trusted. There is a lot of bad information about chameleon care the internet, unfortunately.

It's absolutely normal for a new cham not to eat for the first few days - don't panic about that! The new Kelley panic is absolutely normal, too However, Jax need a lot of water and higher humidity, more than veileds and panther chameleons, so twice a day misting likely isn't enough for him. Keeping him hydrated is very, very important.

Read through the resources, and come back with any specific questions. It's a lot of info to process, so don't get overwhelmed - one step at a time.

Welcome to the forum! Jacksons are such great chameleons with really cute personalities. It sounds like you're in love already!

 

[Remkon]

hi,

maybe you can fill in the how to ask for help form.
Even tho your cham isn't sick it can still help getting you valuable tips for giving this guy what he needs.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/

 

[SnufflesMom]

The only thing i'm sure about is that you should turn the light off at night! I personally turn on his light at 6am and turn it off at 6pm so it's a 12/12 cycle. Shedding is indeed normal but i dont know if it's normal in those spots. Hope this helped.

Thank you!!! I appreciate your help! I will start to turn his lamp off in the evening.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/chameleons/

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/

These two resources will get you going in the right direction! Read them in great detail - they have been compiled by keepers with decades of successful experience and the information can be trusted. There is a lot of bad information about chameleon care the internet, unfortunately.

It's absolutely normal for a new cham not to eat for the first few days - don't panic about that! The new Kelley panic is absolutely normal, too However, Jax need a lot of water and higher humidity, more than veileds and panther chameleons, so twice a day misting likely isn't enough for him. Keeping him hydrated is very, very important.

Read through the resources, and come back with any specific questions. It's a lot of info to process, so don't get overwhelmed - one step at a time.

Welcome to the forum! Jacksons are such great chameleons with really cute personalities. It sounds like you're in love already!

Your right about the conflicting information out there on the web about these guys. That's why I figured my best bet would be to get in contact with fellow owners. These links are GREAT!! Thank you! I will start spraying his enclosure more frequently. Is it possible to "over spray"? My luck I would give the poor thing a chameleon cold or something crazy like that by spraying him too much. My husband said he was left behind by his owner and he didn't want to just give him to anyone, so he brought him home to us. I have never had a reptile before so it's all new to me, and I appreciate all the helpful info everyone has already provided!!! I am sure I'll be posting another silly question soon enough. Lol! Thanks again for your patience.

 

[Lathis]

You can overspray if you don't have a drainage system set up - which is hard in those glass vivs, but they are very good at maintaining humidity. House is the bottom of the viv set up? Bare or soil?

I would suggest you set up a dripper and a catch bowl so he has access to running water. My old Jax was such a picky drinker - took him forever to decide if he wanted to drink and he definitely preferred drips over mist. I provided both daily.

Filling out the "How to Ask for Help" form is actually really helpful. It gives you a way to organize your thoughts and we can help troubleshoot specific issues.

 

[Lathis]

I have never had a reptile before so it's all new to me,

That may not actually be too bad of a thing! Chameleons have very specific care needs that is somewhat different from many other reptiles. People describe chameleons as "difficult", but it's really that they are more "detail oriented" and less tolerant of slacking off than other popular reptile species. Since you have not kept other reptiles before, think of it like not having entrenched bad habits - you can start fresh. (Not saying other reptiles are bad, at all - just a metaphor!)

One step at a time, and you'll get there!