JACKSON’S CHAMELEON

These arboreal lizards are native to the forests of Kenyan and Tanzania . Jackson ’s Chameleons have been introduced to the United States with large populations being found in the Hawaiian Islands and few small populations found in coastal California . Males are easily distinguished having two horns above the eyes and one horn on the snout. In females, these horns are absent or underdeveloped. Males are not compatible and only one can be kept per enclosure. One male and one or two females, can b kept in an enclosure provided it is large enough with plenty of cover. The chameleon’s unique binocular eyes and method of capturing prey by projecting its long sticky tongue make it a fascinating pet to observe. Chameleons stress easily and not like visual contact with other chameleons or excessive handling by humans.

Maximum size: 15”
Lighting: Specialized reptile lights for viewing nocturnal animals would be a good choice.
Full spectrum fluorescent UVB bulbs and a basking light are required.
Temperature range: Day 60°- 78° F Night 60°- 68° F Basking 86° F

Food: 

Appropriate size crickets, waxworms, moths, and flies coated in calcium and vitamin powder. Youngsters should be fed six to ten 2-week-old crickets once or twice a day as a guideline. These lizards grow rapidly and should be fed as much as they will eat throughout their growth phase. It is equally important that their food is coated with calcium/vitamin D3 supplement or they will quickly develop metabolic bone disease without proper nutrition for their rapidly growing bones. Remove any uneaten crickets after feeding.

Water: 

These lizards will not drink standing water from a bowl. A drip system or a waterfall is needed to supply their water. It is important to mist the plants and walls of the enclosure at least twice a day to supply water and humidity. Watch for sunken eyes, which are a sign of dehydration, indicating a need for more frequent misting.

Housing/Habitat: 

Specialized screened chameleon enclosures are best for these lizards. The substrate should be a dampened layer of peat moss or orchid, repti-bark or cypress bark added to the surface to hold moisture. The pieces of bark in the top layer should be large enough to prevent ingestion when the lizard is feeding. The terrarium must be well planted with plenty of appropriately sized broad leave plants and branches for climbing and cover. Landscape to provide a basking area and the proper temperature gradient.