Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there. Ive been going on these forums for a while because I'm getting a Chameleon. I already know teh cage/lighting/humidity requirements for the species I'm looking into and I'm building a cage thats octagonal and has about 24.8 cubic feet of space and is about 5 feet high (60 Inches/152 centemeters). I still have some questions about Jackson's Chameleons.

1)I've read on 1 or 2 pages that a Basking lamp is not needed. I was wondering whether it is still a good idea to get one?

2)I know that most Chams don't like to be handled much and I was wondering if Jax are like Panthers and that they are docile (mostly).

3)I live in Toronto (Just north actually, Richmond Hill) and that's why my cage will have at least 1 side made of plywood (Gets really dry Cold here in winter) but sinse Jaxs need slightly cooler how would I keep it cooler when here it gets really hot.

Thanx

Oh and if you know any breeders who sell Jackson's in my general area (Toronto, Missisauga, Richmond Hill) please let me know:

noa_the_player@hotmail.com

Click on the link below. It's probably the best species specific site out there. I'm not sure what sites you read that say a basking spot in not needed but EVERY site I looked at while I was look for this site for you all said the same thing i told you. A BASKING AREA IS NEEDED.
This site will answer all your questions...except for finding one in Canada.

Dennis Scott
JACKSONS JUST FOR YOU

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What you may be reading about basking lights is you dont need a bulb specific to basking. For example reptile shops sell lights named "Basking Bulbs" and are in the 100w range. they are also very expensive and only seem to last a few months. The bulbs alot of people use are the standard clear light bulb you can find at any hardware store or Walmart(whatever you have in Canada). These standard clear bulbs (incandescent bulbs)last longer and they are cheap, somewhere around a dollar or less each.

So no you do not need an expensive "Basking Bulb" but YES you do need a basking area using a standard incandescent bulb(clear bulb).

Dennis Scott
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you'll need a basking spot in the low to mid 80's...a small wattage bulb is fine but he should have a basking spot..

generally speaking they are pretty docile though individual personalities can differ...i let mine climb onto my hand when i'm going to put him outside...he gets nervous but never to the point where i think he's going to bite...

as far as hot summers...you'll have to watch the temp....perhaps a fan will help...we have hot summers too but my basement stays kinda cool and a fan blowing on low is all i need

i don't know any breeders but i'll say this...get a jax that is around 6 months or so..don't go younger...jax give live birth so the defective jax has a higher chance of being born without the side effects showing for some time...the egg laying chams have a more natural selection process...the bad eggs rot so you get a higher chance that the ones that make it are going to be healthy