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Jackson chameleons are a popular reptile for many herpetologists, and you’ll need to find a good breeder if you are interested in owning one of these colorful reptiles. If you are planning on ordering a Jackson chameleon from a breeder online, make sure that the breeder has overnight shipping and a live arrival guarantee. Some breeders may also have a policy of offering a health certificate per their own breeding policy, or because the state they are shipping to requires one. Finding a reputable breeder can be difficult, so here is a list of breeders, as well as some things to consider when purchasing a Jackson chameleon.
Jackson Chameleons Breeders Near Me in USA
When choosing a reputable Jackson chameleon breeder, choose one that breeds this chameleon in captivity and does not ship wild caught chameleons. Wild chameleons are not used to living in captivity and will likely become stressed, ill, and may even carry parasites. Remember to always check for a live arrival guarantee from an online retailer before ordering your Jackson chameleon to ensure that it arrives healthy.
Here are a few breeders that provide captive-bred Jackson chameleons:
1. BackwaterReptiles.com
Backwater Reptiles offers a wide variety of captive-bred reptiles, including the Jackson chameleon, at reasonable prices for the discerning herpetologist. They offer a live arrival guarantee with an additional 7-day extended guarantee on your new chameleon.
2. BigAppleHerp.com
Big Apple Herp sells captive bred Jackson chameleons, as well as other reptiles and amphibians. For a fee, they provide a health certificate if your state requires one. They have a live animal policy for shipping and a 3-day health guarantee upon arrival of your purchase.
3. CB Reptile
CB Reptile has a large selection of captive-bred reptiles, such as the Jackson chameleon, and amphibians. They provide a 7-day health guarantee for all purchases and ship overnight to ensure you receive a healthy, live animal.
4. FL Chams
FL Chams offers a variety of captive-bred and wild-caught chameleons. They have live shipping and a 7-day health guarantee on captive-bred animals. FL Chams offers a 30-day guarantee if you purchase their Kit Setup package.
Jackson Chameleons Rescue
Recusing a Jackson Chameleon is also an option if there is a reptile rescue in your state. CharityPaws.com has a list of rescues by state if you are interested in rescuing a Jackson Chameleon or other reptile.
How Much Does a Jackson Chameleons Cost?
The cost of a Jackson chameleon can vary by the breeder, but they usually cost between $90 to $240 per chameleon. Some breeders have robust captive breeding operations and will offer a health guarantee for your purchase, so the price of a captive-bred Jackson chameleon is usually higher than a wild-caught chameleon. You may have to wait a bit for a captive-bred chameleon to become available, but this is a good option for a healthy, tame chameleon. Other breeders offer a mix of captive-bred and wild-caught Jackson chameleons. Wild-caught chameleons may have health issues or parasites and could have problems adjusting to captivity. Wild-caught chameleons usually cost less due to these factors.
Things to Ask a Jackson Chameleons Breeder
There are a few things to look for on a breeder’s website to help you determine if this might be a reputable breeder before placing an order. It’s important to check to see if they have a health guarantee upon arrival, as well as a live animal shipping policy or guarantee for their purchases. You should also check to see what kind of animals they are offering in terms of breeding: captive-bred, wild-caught, or a combination of the two. Some breeders will even have a write-up on their page about their breeding practices so you can gain a better idea of where your new pet may have been born. Always check the reviews on their social media profiles or perform an internet search about the company to ensure they have positive reviews.
Once you have delved a little deeper into their website and have an idea of their breeding policies, here are a few questions to ask them before making a purchase.
The 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Jackson Chameleon
1. Habitat
Jackson chameleons need a tall cage with branches and plants to provide foliage in which to hide. The cage should be elevated, and it will need a thermometer, humidity gauges, and a UVA/UVB light source to create the perfect habitat for your chameleon. Chameleons usually drink water that collects on leaves in their habitats so you will need a misting system to keep it hydrated.
2. Food
Jackson chameleons need live food to eat. Mealworms, crickets, or wax worms will need to be provided and may need to be gut loaded (adding nutritional supplements to the bugs for the health of your Jackson chameleon).
3. Cleanliness
Cages need to be cleaned on a regular schedule to keep your chameleon healthy. A daily spot clean of problem areas is recommended. The cage will need to be wiped out thoroughly every week, which includes wiping down branches and plants in the cage. At least once a year, remove your chameleon and thoroughly clean all parts of the cage.
4. Stress
Jackson chameleons, like all chameleons, can become stressed easily. When they are stressed, they are more likely to become ill, so you should not handle them more than necessary. Wild-caught chameleons are more likely to develop health issues because of the stress of suddenly being in a new and captive environment.
5. Life Expectancy
Male Jackson chameleons tend to live about 8 to 10 years in captivity. Females usually only live 4 or 5 years due to the stress of breeding.
Conclusion
Jackson chameleons can be found at a variety of breeders online. Before you make a purchase, determine if you want a captive-bred or wild-caught chameleon, so you can purchase the type of reptile that works best for your lifestyle. Reputable breeders have overnight shipping and live animal guarantees to ensure you receive a healthy animal. When you chose the right Jackson chameleon from a breeder, it can be a wonderful addition to your home.
Featured Image Credit: ChristianWicki, Pixabay
