After losing my last Jackson's about a year ago, I finally decided to get a new little guy. My last boy was one of the most amazing reptiles I have ever owned. I think sometimes Jackson's are perhaps a little underrated because they are so common, but to me they are one of the best species. My last boy was an adult when I got him, and I had him for almost another 6 years. In all that time he was an absolute pleasure to own - a picture of health the whole time and very friendly - ate every single meal from my fingers. My new little boy is turning out just the same as the last guy - very friendly and happy! I've had him about two months now. He will be living in the same enclosure as my last one, which is a custom built terrarium that measures 42" wide by 42" high by 23" deep front to back. This enclosure has a front which is glass and one side which is glass, because it was made to fit on the counter in the corner of my kitchen. It is lit with a basking bulb and three fluorescents including two daylight bulbs and one Reptisun UVB. Please note there is no way possible for him to reach the basking bulb unless he grows gecko toes!!! This bulb is only 50 watts and is furthermore dimmed down to approximately 1/3 that power - just enough to raise his basking spot into the mid 80's. The rest of his cage stays in the low to mid 70's during the day and high 60's to low 70's at night. I have always felt it is by far most ideal if a chameleon can escape it's basking spot and find a cooler area in it's enclosure without being forced to move downward into the lower levels where they are typically not as content - that is one reason why I make my cages wider than most commercially available cages. I have no need for a drainage system because I use a 4" deep layer of fine peat moss as a substrate. This works extremely well to hold the water from misting and then slowly release it back into the enclosure as humidity. I can mist 50 ounces of water into this enclosure every day without the substrate ever becoming soggy or water logged. As far as keeping things clean, I remove any droppings at least every other day, and while doing so remove a bit of surrounding peat moss, which results in a very clean cage. I've never ever had an issue with smell, mold or fungus. The top of this enclosure is 75% screen, and there is a 1/4" gap along the bottom of the front glass door allowing air to enter at the bottom. Also the is a computer fan above the heat light aiding in air exchange.
Here is the new boy "Spike"... you can see him basking in the following two enclosure photos.
And his enclosure...
And here is a picture of my last boy who I miss very much...
Here is the new boy "Spike"... you can see him basking in the following two enclosure photos.
And his enclosure...
And here is a picture of my last boy who I miss very much...
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