JACKSON’S CHAMELEON CARE SHEET
Supplies
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screen terrarium with secure top; 100 watt basking light bulb; 75 watt red bulb at night
10 ½” ceramic dome light that is rated for a 250 watt bulb
daytime UVA/UVB bulb and fixture – (desert bulb 7% UVB 18”)
(2) reptile cage thermometers
reptile cage hygrometer - humidity gauge (optional)
drip watering system
climbing branches with hanging vines or leaves
lizard liner for juveniles; aspen mulch or bark for adults
food dish (for mealworms or waxworms); and bowl of water
calcium powder – “dust” crickets in a plastic bag before putting in tank
spray bottle for misting
Tank Set Up
Have a basking area close to the heat sources and plenty of climbing branches with fake plants or vines.
Day temp – maintain a temp between 75°-85º F (place the thermometers at top and bottom of enclosure)
Basking temp – use a basking spot lamp to create a basking area of 90°-100º F.
Night temp – maintain a temp between 65°-70º F.
Keep humidity level at 50% or more. A hygrometer will help you keep track. Keep tank away from drafts –
this is very important.
Use the UVA/UVB daytime lighting for about 12 hours a day to help your pet process calcium and avoid bone
deficiency. Bulbs need replacing after 1 year of use.
General Care
Mist tank twice a day to provide humidity and help with shedding. They eat live insects like crickets. Feed
juveniles crickets only 1-2 times a day; adults daily. Offer amounts that can be eaten by the end of the day.
Older chameleons will also eat mealworms and waxworms. Feed ones that are very young and white – soft
easy for digestion.
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feed 2-3 crickets weekly with calcium powder (sprinkle some powder in cricket bag and gently shake)
clean water as needed ; use water that has set out for at least 72 hours in a liter bottle with cap off
clean out waste weekly (or daily if needed)
bleach tank once a month – rinse thoroughly and let dry
Health
Signs of a healthy pet: clear, alert eyes; shows colors changing from dull to bright; eats and drinks normally;
clear nostrils; breathes easily; well-formed droppings every 2-3 days; full, slightly rounded body and tail.
Things to watch for: runny droppings or red streaks in droppings for more than 2 days; sunken eyes; dull or
brown coloration for more than 2 days; eating or drinking less; weight loss; swollen joints; discharge from the
eyes, nose or mouth. Please consult an experienced Reptile Veterinarian as soon as possible.
General Notes
Never handle by the tail – it could break off. Jackson’s Chameleons are active during the day and sleep at
night. Keep only one per habitat. They can change colors when they are excited, stressed, frightened or trying
to blend into the environment. They do not enjoy much handling. Please remember that all pets may bite or
scratch. You should always wash your hands before and after handling any pet.
Courtesy of EandJReptileShows.com