Trioceros jacksonii (Jackson’s Chameleon)

How to Care for the Jackson's Chameleon

The Jackson’s Chameleon is an iconic chameleon. Its three horns have enthralled dinosaur enthusiasts. Originally from Kenyan and Tanzania, feral populations have sprung up in Hawaii and the US mainland. It is well represented in the pet trade and thus demands attention for proper care. It is a live bearer and it is common for keepers to be surprised by new born babies. While exciting, it is also a stressful time for new keepers. This profile starts with a basic care summary and follows with a full chameleon profile course which gives details for those who desire to know the Jackson’s Chameleon more deeply.

I have multi-media resources available for Jackson’s Chameleon research. Included here are Care Guides. The advantage of a care guide is that all the information is presented at once in a simple manner. The disadvantage is that there is no way to simplify the husbandry of a chameleon without losing valuable information! So the companions to this care guide are both a web page, videos, and podcast episodes. Scan the care guide and then either read or listen to the detailed description. Then the care guide will serve as a reminder. But you will always know where to reference the details!

To download the Yellow-crested Jackson’s Chameleon Care Summary .pdf click on the above image.

Multi-media Jackson's Chameleon Care Summary

Machakos Hills Jackson's Chameleon Caresheet

To download the Machakos Hills Jackson’s Chameleon Care Summary .pdf click on the above image.

Multi-media Jackson's Chameleon Care Summary

Click the above audio player to listen to a short audio summary of Jackson’s Chameleon Care. (You can also find it on the Chameleon Academy Podcast through your podcast app).

Full Detail Course Modules

Module 1

Jackson's Chameleon Care Summary

Here are the basics for how to care for a Jackson’s Chameleon. This is a detailed description of the items in the Jackson’s Chameleon Care Summary. If you want to know the “why” behind it all, please reference the detailed modules that follow.

Module 2

Jackson's Chameleons as Pets

This module is a high level summary of what you need to know about keeping Jackson’s Chameleons as pets. If you are curious and just want the basics, this is the place for you. I’ll let you know what to expect if you bring a Jackson’s Chameleon into your home.

Module 3

Purchasing a Jackson's Chameleon

To truly know this chameleon we need to know where it came from and what conditions it evolved to thrive in. We will explore their populations from Kenya and Tanzania to Hawaii and the US mainland. We will explore their natural conditions to try and understand their needs.

Module 4

Natural History

Module 5

Keeping Jackson's Chameleons Together

Because of their mild disposition, Jackson’s Chameleons are often forced to live together with the well-meaning keeper not realizing the stress they are introducing. This page explains why chameleons are one chameleon to a cage.

Module 6

Breeding Jackson's Chameleons & Baby Care

Jackson’s Chameleons are an enriching experience to breed – if you are prepared. Otherwise it is a nightmare. A healthy baby starts with a healthy mother so our breeding plan starts 12 months before babies are born. In this module we go over the nutrition of the mother, breeding, and then, finally, care of the babies until they are ready to go to their new home.

Module 7

Surprise Jackson's Chameleon Babies!

Jackson’s Chameleons give live birth and it is common for me to be contacted in a panic. If you want to get straight directions as to what you should do if you are surprised by Jackson’s Chameleon babies, click here.