Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been wanting to dive into another species for some time now. And with the unfortunate death of my male veiled I now have an opportunity to do so. I considered panthers....but they are a little more than I can afford at the time, assuming I would bu two or three to breed. Now I am incredibily curious ab out the above two species. I'm looking for adice on keeping the species listed above in the title. Any past experiences, ability to breed well in captivity etc.

Jacksons are easier than they're made out to be. I've done pretty well to date but I've had some great mentors along the way. You need to start w/healthy sub-adults. There are some babies for sale but, in looking at the pics, seem WAY too young to be sold. Nick Mole at First Choice Reptiles has some awsome animals right now. I bought my original pair from him and just received a new female on Friday.

Personally, I don't feel they need as much humidity as alot of literature suggests. I feel they should be misted 1 hr. after lights on and 1 hr. before lights off w/a dripper on for app. 45 minutes/day. If kept on the cooler side (low 70s) they'll need less atmospheric humidity. I also think they need to "dry out" during the day. I don't use any external heat. I do have a UVB bulb on all day w/a perch that allows them to get w/in 4" from the bulb.

Gut loaded crickets make up the bulk of their diet. They are not Veileds, they have a slower metabolism and are more of a "sit and wait" predator. Snails and slugs provoke a strong feeding response but they don't use their tongues when eating them. 6-8 medium crickets/day is the usual intake.

A 3'x2'x2' creen cage is suitable for one adult jacksons. Natural sunlight is great as long as ambient temps are no greater than 82F. Careful observation is important as gaping will be the sign its time to get out of the sun! It needs to be heavily planted.

Gestation is app. 5 mos. and the babies begin to eat fruit flies after day 2 or so. They grow REALLY slow for the first 4-5 mos. At 5 mos. my babies still prefer Hydei over crickets and they will ignore any cricket they deem too large!

Hope this is enough to peak your interest. E-mail me if you need additional details and good luck w/your choice(s)

Bill

I want jacksonii, I'm pretty sure. I was actually going to go thorugh First Choice Reptiles to purchase them. I've just got to wait till it warms up a bit here.