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Jackson's Chameleon
(Chamaeleo jacksonii)
Jackson’s
chameleons originate from
Kenya and Tanzania in
Africa. These chameleons
are also found in Hawaii,
but are not indigenous to
that state. In the early
70’s a group of Jackson’s
chameleons were released on
the Oahu and they have
flourished there ever
since. These chameleons are
found at high elevations
with high rainfall and cloud
cover. Males can be
distinguished from females
by the presence of three
horns on the head. These
horns are used for combat
with other males that enter
a Jackson’s chameleons’
territory. Adult males can
range in size from 9-12
inches, while females can
reach 6-9 inches. It’s best
to keep both sexes separate
from each other unless you
are attempting to breed
them. Jackson’s chameleons
have live birth and once a
female is sexually mature
she can produce 10-50
babies. Typically once a
female is pregnant it will
take 6-10 months before the
babies are born. This can
fluctuate slightly depending
on the air temperature while
she is pregnant.
Temperature and UV
Lighting
Jackson’s chameleons are a
mountainous species and
require temperatures under
the heat light to range from
78-85 degrees and night time
temperatures can range from
60-70 degrees. Proper
temperature allows Jackson’s
chameleons to properly
digest food and allows the
immune system to function
normally. However, make
sure that the temperatures
do not get to hot otherwise
you will stress your pet and
possibly kill it. These
chameleons require 12-14
hours a day of UVB light.
This light enables the
chameleon to produce vitamin
D3. The vitamin D produced
by UVB metabolizes the
calcium the lizards’ diet.
In general it’s what makes a
chameleons’ bones hard and
without it they usually
die. This process of
inadequate UVB and calcium
is called Metabolic Bone
Disease. Also it is very
important to change your UVB
light every 6-8 months,
after this time the light
stops producing adequate UVB.
If you’re not sure if your
UV light is still producing
UVB, bring it in and we’ll
be happy to test the light
for you.
Calcium
Jackson’s chameleons also
require a calcium and
vitamin supplement. This
supplement works with the
UVB light allowing the
lizard to receive the proper
amounts of calcium and
vitamins. This should be
used every day as babies and
reduced to 1-2 times a week
as adults. Calcium is sold
in a powder form and is
sprinkled on the insects
that you feed your
chameleon. You should apply
a very light coating to the
food items, being careful
not to waste any excess
powder.
Housing
Jackson’s chameleons require
a cage that has a lot of
climbing room and require
more ventilation than most
reptiles. Baby chameleons
can be housed in a 10 gallon
terrarium or in a screen
cage such as ESUs’ Fresh Air
Habitat. Adult Jackson’s
chameleons should be housed
in a cage with at least two
sides screen and measuring
36” tall and 18” x 18” of
floor space.
Food and Water
Jackson’s chameleons should
be fed appropriate sized
crickets, mealworms,
waxworms, and superworms. A
mixed diet of these food
items, five to seven times
per week, is ideal and will
ensure proper growth and
health. Chameleons do not
usually drink standing water
and prefer to drink droplets
of water off themselves or
vegetation. We recommend
that you mist Jackson’s
chameleons 2-3 times a day.
Humidity should be
maintained between 50-80
percent.
Cleaning and Handling
The terrarium should be
cleaned as necessary. Any
fecal matter or left over
food should be cleaned out
several times a week. The
bedding should be completely
changed once a month. The
inside of the terrarium can
be cleaned out with an
appropriate reptile cage
cleaner, we recommend
Natural Chemistry’s Healthy
Habitat. Jackson’s
chameleons can be handled on
a daily basis and usually
tame down quite well. Babies
should be handled as little
as possible during the first
couple of months to allow
them to completely adjust to
their new surroundings.
Always wash your hands
before and after handling
them.