The Jackson’s Chameleon is a colorful blue, green and yellow lizard which is native to mountains of Tanzania in Tanzania and Kenya. In the Hawaiian Islands now houses a massive population of Jackson’s chameleons.
Beginning chameleon owners can easily take care of Jackson’s chameleons. They are gentle and gentle and are a preferred option for pet owners who are new to the hobby.
Jackson’s Chameleon Overview
| Common Name(s): | The chameleon of Jackson, Jackson’s horned Chameleon |
| Scientific Name: | Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholophus |
| Natural Habitat: | The mountain slopes of Tanzania, Kenya, and the Hawaiian Islands |
| Adult Size: | 7-14 inches |
| Average Lifespan: | All the way to 9 years old (males) 5- 6 years (females) |
| Diet: | Insectivorous |
| Housing: | 18 by 18 inches by 36 inches minimum, 60 to 80 degF 50-80 percent of humidity |
| Experience level: | Beginner |
Other Species Profiles: Panther Chameleon, Veiled Chameleon
Origin
The Jackson’s Chameleon (Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholophus) populates the slopes of rocky trees within Tanzania, Kenya, and the Hawaiian Islands. This chameleon is attracted to a natural environment with lots of trees and seldom ventures onto the ground, unless it is to mat or lay eggs.
The Jackson’s Chameleons are considered “threatened” by CITES because of habitat loss and the lizards are seized and illegally sold in the trade in exotic pets.
Being a diurnal, arboreal Lizard, the Jackson’s Chameleon is active throughout the day, and blends into its surroundings, appearing to be tree-like.
Appearance and Behavior
The Jackson’s Chameleons are born with brown-colored lizards. After about five months they start to show their vibrant green coloring. Chameleons from Jackson’s can alter colors based on their mood, temperature or even their intent. However, these lizards do not change their colors to conceal themselves.
Male Jackson’s chameleons weigh more than females. Males are brightly colored and bright blue or yellow markings. Three horns that face forward of the male Jackson’s Chameleon’s skull give it the name “three-horned chameleon.” Females sometimes possess three brown horns however, they are smaller than males’.
Due to their vibrant colours and triceratops-like ears, male Jackson’s Chameleons are more intriguing to watch than females.
Size and Lifespan
The size range of a Jackson’s Chameleon ranges between seven and 14 inches. Male Jackson’s chameleons tend to be smaller than females.
The chameleons of Jackson’s live longer than other species of chameleons. The female Jackson’s chameleons can live for between five and six years, while males are able to live for up to nine years.
Since male Jackson’s chameleons are longer and have an appealing appearance, they’re popular than females.
Temperament
Jackson’s chameleons are laid back and gentle. However, they are also solitary territorial lizards who prefer to be alone. If you purchase multiple Jackson’s Chameleon it is recommended to keep them separated in different tanks. Although the chameleons aren’t battle with one another it is possible that they will get sick or even die due to stress.
It is possible to handle the Jackson’s chameleon, however it’s best not to. The act of touching or holding the Jackson’s chameleon may cause distress to it. Due to this, they are a great option for those who don’t like watching, but don’t want to touch their pets.
Housing Jackson’s Chameleons
The chameleons of Jackson’s live in mountain thickets and forests in the wild, and require a lush cover to sleep in. Your tank for your lizard should replicate this habitat, with plenty of lush greenery and huge branches for your lizards to rest on.
It is recommended to keep the Jackson’s chameleon inside a protected enclosure, or in a terrarium that is well ventilated.
Size of enclosure
The size of the tank that is required that Jackson’s chameleon to be 18x18x36 inches. If you have the ability to provide additional area for your Jackson’s Chameleon, it is recommended to do this. The ideal option for long-term storage is an enclosure that measures 24 36 x 24 inches x 48 inches.
Make sure that your enclosure is high enough to accommodate the trees and branches in a high position for your Jackson’s chameleon climb.
Lighting
The tank of your Jackson’s chameleon should include a full spectrum UVA and UVB illumination source.
Full-spectrum UV lamps are vital to the health of a chameleon. These lights allow the chameleon in your Jackson’s to create vitamin D that helps to prevent metabolic bone diseases. Vitamin D is required to help metabolize calcium to support the bone, the nervous system, and healthy muscle.
If you decide to include live plants in the enclosure, a full spectrum lamp will assist your plants to develop.
Like humans, Jackson’s Chameleons are active during the daytime. It is recommended to place your UV light to a timer that runs between 10 and 12 hours in order to reflect the daylight hours. Check the instructions of the manufacturer to determine how often the bulb has to be changed. The typical rule is to replace the bulb every six months.
If you reside in a climate that is hot, you could take your chameleon outside to enjoy some natural sunshine. However, Jackson’s chameleons aren’t able to take temperatures higher than 90 degrees therefore, it is important to monitor temperatures outside carefully if you are planning to keep your chameleon in an outdoor area.
Temperature and Humidity
Jackson’s chameleons require a variety of temperatures in order to replicate the day and night time within their enclosures.
A daytime temperature of 70-80 degrees F is acceptable and should be accompanied by a separate area for relaxing. The basking area must be set to a temperature of 85 degrees.
It is possible to use ceramic heating elements to achieve your enclosure’s daytime temperature. A heat pad or basking light is a good choice for the place to bask. Put the lamps outside of the enclosure to prevent burning.
The chameleons of Jackson’s love heat however they are accustomed to being in a shaded area. Give plenty of shade as well as an area to cool off within the enclosure.
Set the temperature of your enclosure’s nighttime to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re at 60degF, which is the temperature of your home’s normal it is possible to turn off the heater overnight. In other cases, you can alter your heating element so that it provides less heat at night.
Jackson’s chameleons have high levels of humidity during the daytime, up to 100% , and the nighttime humidity is 30%. Increase the humidity within the enclosure to make sure your pets are healthy and happy.
Make use of two digital hygrometers in order to keep track of the humidity of your enclosure. Set up one hygrometer for each side of your enclosure to obtain the most precise humidity reading.
Do not maintain a constant humidity as it can cause mold and mildew. Instead, you should use automated misting systems set to mist the tank at least six hours each day.
Like all chameleons the chameleon sheds their skin to replenish skin cells and promote growth. It is important to ensure that humidity levels are sufficient during the shedding process, because this will allow your chameleon shed without difficulty and in a controlled manner.
Substrate and Decoration
Jackson’s chameleons do not require substrates because they spend the majority of their time in the air. Paper towels, newspapers or none even if it’s not needed, is sufficient.
It is not recommended to use wood chips or any other materials that a chameleon of Jackson’s might think is food. This can cause blockages if ingested by the chameleon.
The lizard doesn’t require fake rocks or caves within its enclosure. Instead, you can fill the enclosure with plants and sticks (either real or fake). This will provide your chameleon with plenty of room to play and hide. If you decide to use live plants to fill your enclosure, be sure they’re not toxic. Ficus is a great plant to put in the Jackson Chameleon’s enclosure.
Cleaning
Clean tanks will help keep out mildew and mold, and is vital to the health of the Jackson’s chameleon.
Everyday, clean up food waste and other food items (including dead and living insect) off the area. Make use of a chameleon-friendly, antibacterial cleaner to clean the enclosure. Wipe away any water that has accumulated.
Each week, you should remove the bottom portion of the enclosure. Give the tank a thorough clean. To facilitate cleaning you can cover the bottom of the enclosure by lining it with newspapers or towels. Take off the liner and replace it with new lining after you wash the tank.
Don’t take all the plants in the enclosure as it can stress the chameleon in your Jackson’s enclosure. It’s best to remove just one plant every week and then clean the plants every other week on a rotating. Clean the branches and leaves with the help of a moist sponge.
When you’re cleaning, put your chameleon inside a cage to keep it far enough away. The cage does not need to have a UV light. Instead, place the cage outdoors in the sun to make the chameleon of Jackson feel at ease in its temporary home. The addition of a familiar plant in the backup tank can soothe your chameleon.
Jackson’s Chameleon Care
The chameleons of Jackson are tough and easy to take care of. If you have the proper conditions for your tank your chameleon will feel at home. But, chameleons from Jackson can be susceptible to various health issues.
Food and Water
A healthy diet is essential for a healthy Jackson’s Chameleon.
Jackson’s chameleons can be described as insectivores which means their diets include insects like crickets, locusts insects, fruit flies with flightless and locusts. Feed your chameleon several of bugs to ensure an adequate diet. It is also possible to give your Jackson’s chameleon treats meals, such as waxworms, mealworms, and butterworms. Because of their high fat content, these snacks are best limited to one feed each week.
Prey must be smaller than the gap between Jackson’s eye and the chameleon’s. This can prevent chokes.
Make sure you follow a fixed routine for feeding your chameleon, based on the age of your pet:
- Young Jackson’s chameleons from up to three months old should be fed the most food they are able to eat, every day, twice
- Young chameleons aged between three and six months old must eat between 10-12 small bugs each day
- Chameleons between the ages of six and 12 months should eat between 8 to 10 medium bugs per day
- Adult chameleons of one year or more should consume six to 8 large crickets daily.
The individual biorhythm of your Jackson’s chameleon could be different, but this is a great template to follow. Do not overfeed your chameleon since it could cause overweight.
It is not recommended to feed a Jackson’s chameleon with fireflies or other insects that are caught on the open air. They are harmful to chameleons as well as wild insects. More likely to be carriers of the parasites.
The majority of Jackson’s chameleons drink rainwater or pool of standing water that sits on the ground. Water bowls are to chameleon enclosures. But, your Jackson’s chameleon is more likely to use the bowl for toilet purposes instead of a drinking fountain.
It is possible to purchase an water bowl if you are worried about the chameleon’s ability to drink enough water. Tank misters are the best choice since it resembles rain. The chameleon will be taught that it can drink direct from mister’s nozzle when it is misting. The mister’s water should be tap water that is normal that will supply vital minerals to your chameleon.
Handling
The chameleons of Jackson are solitary animals who prefer to remain within their home environment. If you’re seeking an animal that is comfortable being petted and held The chameleon of Jackson isn’t for you.
Taming your chameleon is essential and it requires some care. A chameleon that is tame is easy to handle when cleaning the enclosure and visits to the veterinarian.
Here’s how you can control the Jackson’s chameleon
- Let your chameleon be alone for a few weeks following the return of your chameleon. This will allow the chameleon time to adjust to its surroundings. In the meantime you can feed your chameleon at an extended distance.
- Feed your chameleon straight by holding insects in your hands. Keep within six inches of your pet. It is possible that your chameleon will not accept the food initially. Repeat this procedure for several days until it is successful.
- If your chameleon is known to eat from your hands, place your hand to perch on, and invite your chameleon visit you. It can take anywhere from a few days or weeks to earn your chameleon’s trust.
Do not take your chameleon’s hand or take it from its cage. The act of grabbing is considered to be predatory and could harm your chameleon’s confidence. It can also hurt the pet chameleon.
If you decide to handle your Jackson’s chameleonin a manner, consider handling it as positive events such as snack time, or bright windows. The handling process can be stressful for Jackson’s chameleons. However it’s not difficult to get them to cooperate with reptiles. Make sure you’re moving slowly and keep your hand-holding time to about 10 minutes every two weeks.
Common Health Issues
Jackson’s chameleons are susceptible to various health problems, which are that are described below.
Dehydration
Dehydration may cause grave illness and even death. A chameleon that is dehydrated may be prone to sunken eyes, yellow/orange urate, fatigue and loss of appetite. To prevent dehydrationfrom occurring, make sure your tank isn’t overheated and that your humidity is high enough. If your Chameleon drinks from a mister to prevent dehydration, you should extend the misting time within the tank.
Eye issues
If your chameleon’s eyes are eyes that are weeping or swollen or has a habit of rubbing its eyes often make appointments with your veterinarian. Eye problems could be an indication to dehydration or vitamin A deficiencies or a an infection caused by bacteria. Poor ventilation may be the reason so make sure your room is properly ventilated.
Intestinal parasites
Parasites like pinworms and roundworms may suppress the immune system of a Jackson’s chameleon and lead to illnesses. Unhygienic tank conditions and wild insects could increase the likelihood of parasites. If your chameleon doesn’t seem to be eating or toileting normally make an appointment with your vet.
A metabolic bone disorder
Metabolic bone disorder, or MBD in short may result from a lack of nutrition and a lack of calcium, or a lack of ultraviolet light. Apathy, swelling or curving muscles, limbs that are stiff, and a decrease in coordination are all indicators that metabolic bone diseases are a cause. This condition demands urgent vet treatment.
A respiratory infection
The cause of respiratory infections is due to low and unsuitable humidity as well as low temperature in captivity. Poor ventilation can also lead to respiratory illnesses. If your chameleon is snoring or wheezing, and is displaying foamy mucus or saliva around its nostrils, see an accredited reptile veterinarian who can recommend antibiotics for the issue.
Supplement Requirements
Supplements can be a great method to supply your Jackson’s chameleon nutritional support. But, chameleons of Jackson can make the most of what they discover out in nature, which is why they try to keep supplements to an absolute low level.
Calcium powder will prevent your chameleon from suffering from an excessive ratio of calcium and potassium. Sprinkle calcium powder on the food of your chameleon to avoid illness.
The chameleon also requires vitamin D3 supplementation, regardless in the presence of an ultraviolet light. Calcium supplements that have some vitamin D3 can be purchased to help.
Breeding
It’s simple to breed Jackson’s Chameleons however these animals are slow to breed. You shouldn’t attempt to breed two chameleons if you’re ready to raise more than 30 babies.
Jackson’s chameleons are able to breed at around the age of nine months. To create a breeding pair of Jackson’s chameleons adhere to these guidelines:
- Select an adult male and female who are healthy. The female should be placed inside the enclosure of male. You can leave the pair at least three days.
- If there is no evidence of breeding and the male is not present, show him his mirror image. He’ll think he’s in an opponent and may be enticed to mate together with female.
- Once breeding has taken place The female will then incubate her newborns in the form of a soft, squishy shell inside her body. The first brood’s gestation can last between nine and ten months.
- Female Jackson’s chameleons are able to store sperm. Therefore, the mother of the chameleon could have multiple broods in the course of three months.
Choosing and Buying a Jackson’s Chameleon
The chameleons of Jackson cost between $50 and $150 in the average. Males are more energetic and live longer than females, which means you could be paying more for the male Jackson’s chameleon.
Jackson’s chameleons may be sold and bred, however it’s not legal to capture or sell Jackson’s chameleons that are wild.
For you: 15+ Best Pet Chameleons: Different Species of Chameleons
If you want to ensure that your chameleon been well-cared for You should purchase from a trusted breeder. Your chameleon must have alert, bright eyes and vibrant green skin. If you buy a Jackson’s Chameleon and bringing it straight to the vet to test for parasites.
