Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I recently bought a new enclosure from Reptile Haven (see their ads) its the style wherein the screen cage actually sits on a tub. It measures app. 31"x17"x31" (LxWxH). Its heavily planted w/two big Schlefferas (spelling??) Would this be big enough to house my adult pair of Jacksons together? They've never been together and its been 5 mos. or so since she gave birth (obviously she came to me gravid).

Will this cause the female undue stress? I guess I could put them in and gauge the females reaction but thought I'd mine the experiences and wisdom of the collective group for some input.

As an aside, the baby Jacksons are still cruising along. Those that I sold are well and the hold-backs are doing great!

Bill

I'd say that is much too small for a pair. When I think of housing a pair I would not consider anything smaller than a 6'X6'X6' walk in cage. A big cage like that can be divided for the portions of time the female may be gravid or nonreceptive.

I keep Jacksons pairs in the same cage that you use. Sometimes, I even put 1.2 together. I have been breeding Jacksons for years outdoors with little or no problems. Just make sure you put a lot of branches going in different directions, and a nice ficus or umbrella plant. Those sink cages are by far the best cham cage available. You can line them up, and run a pipe all the way down for drainage. I have also noticed that snails are an important food source for producing good babies(small garden snails). Josh

Is your cage mounted on top of a utility sink? Mine are about a 60 gallon size screen cage mounted on a plastic sink with legs. There is a large hole in the bottom for drainage. I am sorry for any misinformation. Josh

It is on a sink-like tub. I've been feeding snails to my Jacksons as well. Whats funny is they don't use their tongues but eat them like a Bearded Dragon would.

I think I'll put them in and observe their respective reactions. I'm familiar with the female's stress colorations to gauge her response. Also, if she feeds it will be the litmus test! Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Bill

No problem! The tubs are the same as the ones they sell at Lowes for 20 bucks. They have the plastic legs and everything. It's nice because I can use the hose to clean out the cage. It is funny to watch them eat snails. You would think that chams would be attracted to movement, but these guys are locked on to the snails as soon as you put them in. My Uroplatus are the same. The snails barely move, but they seem to find them immediatley. Do you have problems where the snail shell gets stuck in the corner of the mouth? Occasionally, I will get an adult where the shell gets stuck in the back corner, and it causes swelling.I never usually use this forum, but it is great to talk to people about chams. There is just so much info we just don't know. Take care, Josh

I'll have to find those tubs at Lowes!You say they have legs and a drainage hole? I usually make my own screen cages so I'm thinking I could build one to fit inside. Do they have a "lip" or indented sides that would form a "ledge" on which a cage could sit?

Here in Vegas the snails are conical in shape and their shells are really hard. I have to crack them a bit but they crunch them right down after that. I have found the occasional slug as well and the reaction from the Jacksons was amazing!

Bill