Jackson’s chameleon, Chamaeleo jacksonii, was once only found in the 8,000 feet elevatedaareas of East Africa. Like all type of chameleons, they are able to change their color also. Nonetheless, they can’t extend their tongue up to 1 ½ size of their body when catching some prey. They are quite big reptiles with the average size of 9 to 13 inches long and can live for 5 or more years with proper care.
When having your very own Jackson’s chameleon, it is already your responsibility to take good care of your pet and provide its basic needs. First thing you should do will be the housing. Provide an enclosure big enough for your pet to roam around and do its normal activities. If you really don’t have the knowledge about what will be the best housing for your pet, then you may also contact a qualified reptile veterinarian and ask some advise on what to do. It is also necessary for you to put some non-toxic plants and branches inside the enclosure. As for substrate, there is no specific type for you to put since chameleons are tree-dwellers and mostly found on branches. Temperature gradient must be 80F in the warm side while 60F in cool side. Fluorescent light must be tuned on for 10 to 12 hours daily for their basking. As for their food, they love to eat insects preferably gut-loaded crickets, mealworms and wax worms. Multivitamin supplement can be given once or twice a week while the calcium supplementation must be on daily basis. Feed the adults every other day while everyday feeding will be made for the juveniles. Also, they wont directly drink water from a bowl so keep proper moisture to the non-toxic plants.
Jackson’s chameleons have the ability to see two directions at the same time. They have three horns in the head which allows them to look similar with the triceratops. Like many delicate reptiles, Jackson’s chameleons are easy to be stressed specially when handled, so you better just handle them if necessary. With regards to the maintenance of their enclosure, ensure that you clean their tank at least once a week. Also, wash your hands before and after handling your pet to avoid salmonella or other type of infectious disease. When you see your pet to be very active and alert, got clear eyes, healthy skin and eats regularly, then your pet is in good health. However, ensure that you watch properly for any sign of illness like runny stools and loss of appetite. The illness may bring your pet in critical condition so you better contact a reptile veterinarian as soon as possible.
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