Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I just purchased a male and female Jackson's 3 days ago. Yesterday afternoon I was shocked to find 7 babies.

I could really use some advice on how to take care of them.

As they were totally unexpected, I ran out and bought a 10 gallon "critter cage" which I have upright with screen in front.
There are a few climbing branches and vines in there and I have been misting them regularly. I also put fruit flies in.

My biggest concern is the tempurature...I have an infrared 75 watt bulb on them now, but don't know what's best, what temp, etc.

I am brand new to Jackson's (Panthers before) so I don't want to mess up.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,
First.... congratulations!!!!!!
What a bonus - albeit a scary surprise.

We have some baby jacksons currently and I keep 2 per 10 gal container (open on top). We place paper towel on the bottom, and 4" plants (ferns, ivy, etc) in and add tiny long sticks (crooked willow works great). We line the enclosures up and direct a small fan across the top of them to keep the air moving in the enclosures.

We feed hydei flies and 1 week crickets for the first few days, and then graduate to larger crickets as needed. If you place a grape or orange section on a wooden skewer (no point exposed) and stick this in a plant - it keeps the bugs close for feeding.

Mist about 3-4 times a day, but a fine mist and don't soak the paper towels. Change out the paper towels as needed.

We use UVB tube lights across the enclosures - but no heat lamps. The jacksons prefer cooler temps. If your house is in the mid to high 70's, no need for heat. We let the ambient room temp drop to 60F at night.

Don't cook the babies...

These jackson babies hunt within hour of birth.. they should keep you entertained. We love watching them - more so than the panthers or veiled. Hope this helps,
-----

Thank you so much!!
Jennifer

It is also best to never let them run out of food, VERY IMPORTANT

>>Hi Jennifer,
>>First.... congratulations!!!!!!
>>What a bonus - albeit a scary surprise.
>>
>>We have some baby jacksons currently and I keep 2 per 10 gal container (open on top). We place paper towel on the bottom, and 4" plants (ferns, ivy, etc) in and add tiny long sticks (crooked willow works great). We line the enclosures up and direct a small fan across the top of them to keep the air moving in the enclosures.
>>
>>We feed hydei flies and 1 week crickets for the first few days, and then graduate to larger crickets as needed. If you place a grape or orange section on a wooden skewer (no point exposed) and stick this in a plant - it keeps the bugs close for feeding.
>>
>>Mist about 3-4 times a day, but a fine mist and don't soak the paper towels. Change out the paper towels as needed.
>>
>>We use UVB tube lights across the enclosures - but no heat lamps. The jacksons prefer cooler temps. If your house is in the mid to high 70's, no need for heat. We let the ambient room temp drop to 60F at night.
>>
>>Don't cook the babies...
>>
>>These jackson babies hunt within hour of birth.. they should keep you entertained. We love watching them - more so than the panthers or veiled. Hope this helps,
>>-----
>>
-----
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/alanvines2002
2.5 Jacksonii Xantholophus (two red phase fem}
35 Jacksonii Xantholophus neonates
0.0.2 Phelsuma M. Grandis
2.3 Anolis C. with 3 neonates
1 neonate texas blue spiny

What a nice bonus (I never seem to get lucky). Reptalys stole the words from my mouth on the care. 75 Watts is way too much heat. Good luck! Don't hesitate to ask us questions babies are alot of work!
-Tyler Stewart