Hogarth
New Member
I have recently obtained two male Jackson's Chameleons.. Here's the scoop: They were born August 30th and are still fairly small (about two inches nose to vent).. both changed from black/dark brown to green within a few days of me bringing them home, and are eating very well (fruit flies and small pinhead crickets that are gut loaded with endive and collard greens, and dusted with reptivite once a week) their lights are 12 on 12 off with a 60w heat and a UVB bulb. temp ranges from 77* at the highest perch to about 60-62 at the lowest point, staying around 60 at night.I use two digital thermometers to measure one at the top and one at the bottom. They get misted twice a day and fed mornings, and also have a drip system. Enclosure humidity stays around 70-78% on this schedule. They are still being housed together as I hope to rehome one assuming they make it. Neither has seen a vet as I live in a very rural area and do not have a reptile specialist here.. although I plan to move to Colorado from Northern Nevada in the next few months and will be using CSU VTH. Both are producing healthy looking feces/urates from what I can tell. I have only handled them maybe three times since bringing them home, as they had a very stressful first two months of life in a fully enclosed 5 gallon aquarium that was too hot( 80-90*F) with 24 hour lighting placed directly on a wire top..and not humid enough. (Misted once a day, that's all)One of the two I have become particularly fond of because he was burned by the lighting in his previous situation and lost about 1-2cm of the end of his tail. (I monitored it about a week because it was darkened until it came off, which is why I suspect a burn.. he is now using his remaining tail with no apparent lameness or sensitivity) I am reaching out because I obtained these guys unexpectedly, but after finding out that 8 of 10 babies had passed within a month I couldn't help but take them in. (I have a soft spot for reptiles that have been neglected/abused) I have experience with snakes and bearded dragons, at home and have alot of experience in animal welfare and general animal care in a rescue setting. I can't say I was fully prepared to take these guys on, but I am eager to do right by them! I have read up quite a bit on them but I know sometimes explaining the set up and situation to more experienced owners might enable me to receive pointers and constructive criticism, which is actually why I joined this forum. I've only had them about a month. I really want to add more foliage because what I have now is plastic and aquatic silk, with a layer of sphagnum moss under mesh to hold humidity but prevent possible digestion/impacting. I would prefer live plants but have been struggling on where to find the right ones, and what those are? Please tell me if I am starting off on the right foot, as this is a learning experience for me! what can I do differently? Any advice and input is so greatly appreciated!
