Opinions and suggestions on new setup

[Calegrey]

Howdy,
New here and soon to be caretaker for a Jackson Chameleon.
I wanted to run the setup by all of you first to see if there are any recommendations about the setup before it is brought home.
So far I'm thinking:
24x24x48 ZooMed screen enclosure

ExoTerra monsoon Rainfall system

Ficus tree/bush possibly two
A ton of synthetic vines as well as as many fully dried branches I can get.

I am unsure of brand on the lamps but definitely going with a ceramic heat emitter for night time till the seasons warm up again as my house is about 50* at night.

UVB lamps and basking light on top.

 

[Lazereth]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/
I would take a look at this care-sheet for Jackson's looks like the 50'sF is fine for them...

 

[Calegrey]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/
I would take a look at this care-sheet for Jackson's looks like the 50'sF is fine for them...

I really like to err on the side of caution. Just in case for some reason the Jackson I get doesn't do well in 50's. Plus there are nights where our heater doesn't keep up with the winds.

 

[Lazereth]

Dear Lord, you shouldn't keep chameleons if you live in Siberia!



jk

 

[Calegrey]

Dear Lord, you shouldn't keep chameleons if you live in Siberia!



jk

Ha! lol Siberia... Nah just Virginia, we get some really cold wind going out here.

 

[Calegrey]

I am curious though, I've seen in some videos and photos that you can set a drip to flow through the screen enclosure through the roof of it, how effective and safe is that?

 

[Lazereth]

I put a dixie cup on top of the screen with a tiny pin hole on the bottom and let it drip on the leaves.... easy mode!

 

[Calegrey]

I put a dixie cup on top of the screen with a tiny pin hole on the bottom and let it drip on the leaves.... easy mode!

Nice, I might use that one.

 

[HerbertHancock]

I put a dixie cup on top of the screen with a tiny pin hole on the bottom and let it drip on the leaves.... easy mode!

Similarly, I use a solo cup with a sewing pin hole through the bottom, works wonderfully! Seemed silly to purchase the "lil dripper" for this.

For plants, pothos are working out very well for me. Not so successful with a bromiliad nor with the cool airplants I bought. Many people recommend covering the soil with big enough river rocks that your cham cannot snatch up, so they also don't attempt to eat the soil. Also, you probably already know, make sure to buy organic or wash off all leaves and soil and replace the top half of the soil with organic if not.

I too thought I needed a heater at night so I do have a ceramic heater but I don't use it anymore and he seems better off for it now, although have a Veiled and he is my first cham so I'm not sure about your Jackson. The more vines and hiding places the better...I am still not satisfied with my enclosure so I'll pick up another vine or artificial plant here or there.