Latin name: Chameleo jacksonii
Native to: Kenya
(Have been introduced to Hawaii)
Approximate life span: Up to 10 years
Maximum length: 9 – 13 inches

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Jackson’s chameleon is one of the most prehistoric-looking reptiles. This probably accounts for it’s popularity, giving everyone the chance to own a dinosaur. As with all true chameleons, the Jackson’s chameleon has some very interesting characteristics. Most apparent of these is the ability for them to be able to look in two directions at one time. Their brain is able to discern the separate images and keep them straight. Other traits include; catching prey with their long, sticky tongue; the ability to change color depending on mood and temperature; and their unique “fused” fingers that enable them to gain a strong hold on branches (and fingers!). Male Jackson’s chameleons have three horns on the front of their heads (not to be confused with Johnston’s chameleons which are somewhat smaller and lay eggs, rather than give live birth as the Jackson’s chameleons). Female Jackson’s chameleons look just like the males except they have no horns.

ENCLOSURE
It is best to house chameleons alone or in sexed pairs. Use a tall 15 gallon enclosure that is well ventilated for one pair. Increase enclosure size by 15 gallons for each pair added. The larger the enclosure, the better. Decorate with live and/or silk plants and sturdy, secure branches for climbing and basking. Be sure most of the branches are horizontal in the upper half of the enclosure and there is one “basking branch” near the extreme top under a basking bulb.

SUBSTRATE
Since Jackson’s chameleons spend the majority of their time on the branches, the type of substrate is not extremely important. Zoo Med CAGE CARPET or Astroturf may me used, or for a more natural look, use Zoo Med REPTI BARK. Zoo Med REPTI BARK will, when damp, help keep the humidity level high, which is a plus.

TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Jackson’s chameleons come from a high altitude, so the enclosure should be cool and damp, about 70 – 80f. Humidity level 50 – 70%. In dry climates, use an airstone in the water bowl to increase humidity levels. Any temperature over this or humidity level too low will be detrimental to your chameleons.

HEATING
Unless you live in a particularly cold area, no heat source will be needed other than a 50 or 75 watt Zoo Med REPTI BASKING SPOT BULB. If your chameleon shows signs of over heating (gaping mouth or overall light yellow color) move it at once to a cooler area. In an emergency, use a spray bottle with room temperature water to cool down the chameleon. Always use a thermometer and humidity gauge in all reptile & amphibian enclosures.

LIGHTING
Since Jackson’s chameleons enjoy basking in natural sunlight, UVA/UVB lighting should be provided. The best source is the Zoo Med REPTISUN fluorescent bulb. Place the bulb closest to the chameleon’s basking area. These bulbs work most efficiently when unobstructed. UVB light is filtered greatly by glass and somewhat by screen. UVB fluorescent lights should be replaced every 6 months to a year. The UV levels decline over time regardless of whether or not the bulb is still providing light. All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period. A plug in timer (for your lights only, do not use a timer for your heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period (light cycle) of 8 – 10 hours of light, 14 – 16 hours of dark. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see the red light spectrum, so a low wattage red bulb is ideal for nighttime viewing. If weather permits, place your chameleon outside for natural sunlight. Do not use a glass or acrylic aquarium, you will cook your chameleon. Wire cages such as bird cages work best. Be sure you provide a shady area for your chameleon to retreat to as the temperature in direct sunlight may rise to an undesirable level.

FOOD & WATER
Jackson’s chameleons are insectivorous lizards, that is they eat insects. Commercially bred crickets, cockroaches, wax worms, flies and king mealworms are the best choices. Lightly dust the food items with Zoo Med REPTIVITE vitamins with each feeding. Feeding should take place every other day. Vary the diet constantly. Jackson’s chameleons will get tired of eating the same thing day after day. If you use a wire cage to house your chameleons, hang a coffee can from the top so that it hangs just below the basking branches. This will allow you to feed crickets to your chameleons without letting them escape from the enclosure. Water should be provided by means of a drip watering system. The reservoir should be placed above the enclosure with the drip traveling down some plants into a catch basin. Since chameleons live in the trees, they are accustomed to licking moisture from leaves, not from pools.

NOTES
Jackson’s chameleons, as with most chameleons, do not care to be handled excessively. It’s best to enjoy watching them in their environment. They are more stress-prone than most other reptiles. Always wash your hands before and immediately after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support products you may purchase.

For further information on reptiles and amphibians we recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet on Jackson’s Chameleons. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the care or possible purchase of your new pet.

No dogs or cats here, but bunnies, guinea pig, and mice could be found here. As well as a nice selection of Jackson Chameleons, with a variety of lovebirds, cockatiels, parakeets, and finches displayed toward the back. Along the side of the shop were aquariums stocked with Freshwater and Saltwater fish.

Also, one of the few shops that had Crown Betta fish available (Yes, I’m still in to that. Even more so as the betta I bought at Pets Plus is content in sticking its head in its marble stones all day like an cartoon ostrich- and no its not dead.). I have to say, even though small, they had the best selection of betta’s I’ve seen thus far. (Although the water they’re contained in could be changed)

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Located on Ward, behind First Hawaiian Bank. Been re-arranged since I used to visit before I made this blog. Its more open now, which gives the shop a bigger feel. Still carries a good assortment of accessories and I have to say, just when I thought I couldn’t find any more exotic pets, I find ducklings! Good price too, don’t think I can have one though.

Shops also carries a nice variety of freshwater fish (some nice discus fish available), a few saltwater fish, a red-ear slider turtle, Jackson Chameleons, and a few birds. Of which they had pure white and pure yellow parakeets, finches, lovebirds, and canaries.

I’m still in my Betta Fish phase for the office, so I ended up picking up a red crown at a very low price.

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Large Shop located just Ewa of McDonalds in the Ewa Beach Shopping Center. Does that saying still work if your in Ewa? or does it become Waianae side of McDonalds? Ok…

Large Shop located across McDonalds in the Ewa Beach Shopping Center. Carries a variety of everything. Only shop I’ve seen that had cats available, not counting the white cat in this picture which worked hard next to the aquariums making sure there were no live fish on the floor. I was told there was another black cat working but never saw the cat when I visited.

Other live stock available here: saltwater fish, freshwater fish, Bunnies, Parakeets, Conures, Lovebirds, a Cockatoo, Jackson Chameleons, and puppies. Today they had AKC Whippet puppies, a Chihuahua Fox Terrier mix, and Australian Cattle puppies. The Whippets and Cattle puppies were a little more than a couple of months old and were already quite large in size, so make sure you have enough space inside and out of your house if your thinking of picking up these breeds.

Back to the Parakeets, its worth mentioning this is the first shop that I’ve seen pure white Parakeets. (Just in case someone was looking for something out of the ordinary)

Beautiful shop, well worth the drive.

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All kidding aside, it looked like they got a shipment of live stock in. The shop was full as ever and the bird displays, absolutely the best of all the shops I’ve visited so far. Canaries, Parakeets, Conures, Parrots, Finches, Lovebirds, Emerald Pidgeons, Cockatiels, and a full line of consumer bird cages to boot. Complete kits if your interested. (Hint)

Today they also had Bunnies, Guinea Pigs, mix Lab/Pitbull puppies, mixed Shih  Tzu/Silky Terrier puppies, and Chihuahua’s. I still haven’t mentioned the leapord frog, turtles, Jackson Chameleons, good selection of freshwater fish, and saltwater fish. Its worth mentioning that the betta fish were on sale for Valentine’s day at the cheapest price I’ve seen.

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Small shop, tightly packed in the corner across Pizza Hut. Sells a decent assortment of accessories. Looks to specialize in freshwater fish stock and supplies. A large variety of fish can be found here from Cichlids, Tetra, Goldfish, Discus, Fighting Fish, among many others, with a good selection of aquariums to display them with if your in the market for that as well. I ended up picking up a Betta Sphere for the office as it was on sale (at the best price I found so far), but then I splurged on the Betta. I bought the full moon tail type…. I like the sound of that for some reason.

The shop also carried a couple of guinea pigs, mice, a couple of cockatiels, canaries, and Jackson chameleons. There was one star that really shined out from the rest, even though there was no lights in the aquarium it swam in. Thats the cichlid in the middle of the banner picture up top. I have never seen a cichlid with such vivid colors, not for sale by the way – this fish would be the pride of any aquarium. I’ll have to do more research on it and add it to my petpedia.

Overall nice shop, tightly cramped though with a great selection of freshwater fish.

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This store had the standard stock of freshwater fishes which also included some silver arowanas and a selection of Clown Knives.

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Nice shop located behind Ala Moana Shopping Center. Carries a decent supply of accessories and some nice live stock. At the time I visited there were a pair of bunnies, Guinea Pigs, Jackson Chameleons, Tortoise, an assortment of freshwater fish, some saltwater fish, and a few puppies. Breeds in stock were a miniature long-haired Dachshund, a couple of Shih Tzu’s, and a Cavalier Spaniel. Also available were a few birds: Parakeets and Lovebirds.

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Nice shop located at the corner of the band stand, has a little of everything. Nice selection of accessories, although more on the small to medium size of things. Good live stock, of which included bunnies, tortoise, Jackson Chameleons, Parrots, Cockatiels, Finches, freshwater fish, and some puppies. Breeds in stock included miniature poodles, mixed chihuahua/fox terriers, and mixed pomeranian/papillons which I would have bought on the spot, had I the resources to take care of them. (Sigh)

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Warehouse of pet accessories located by the old Costco store. Lots of accessories to choose from. Live stock includes a nice selections of freshwater fish, some saltwater fish, bunnies, tortoise, Jackson Chameleons, Parakeets, and Love birds. I particular liked the flame angelfish which I would have had a picture to show, but the clerk advised me I was not allowed to take any pictures of the store (Go figure).


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