🦎 General Info

Jackson’s Chameleons (Trioceros jacksonii) are medium-sized, mild-tempered chameleons native to the mountainous forests of Kenya and Tanzania. They are famous for the three horns seen on males—earning them the nickname “Three-Horned Chameleons.”

There are three main subspecies:

  • T. j. xantholophus – largest and most common in captivity

  • T. j. jacksonii – smaller, more delicate

  • T. j. merumontanus – smallest and coolest-climate subspecies

Adults range 9–13 inches, with males being larger and sporting full tri-horns. Jackson’s are calm, slow-moving, and highly adapted to cooler, humid, high-elevation environments.

With proper care, they typically live 5–10 years, with males often living longer than females.

1. Enclosure

Size

Jackson’s chameleons are arboreal and need tall, well-ventilated enclosures.

  • Adults (Male): 24” x 24” x 48”

  • Adults (Female): 18” x 18” x 36”

  • Juveniles: 16” x 16” x 30”

Height and airflow are essential.

Material

Best options:

  • Full screen enclosures (ideal for ventilation)

  • Hybrid PVC/screen enclosures for cooler climates

  • Custom vertical setups

Avoid fully glass enclosures—they trap humidity and heat.

Décor

Provide:

  • Multiple branches and vines

  • Dense foliage for hiding

  • Horizontal walking branches

  • Live plants (highly recommended)

Best plant choices:

  • Pothos

  • Schefflera

  • Ficus

  • Hibiscus

Jackson’s prefer naturalistic, leafy environments.

Substrate

Not required for arboreal species. However, enclosure floors can have:

  • Paper towels

  • Bioactive soil

  • Coconut fiber

  • Leaf litter

Bioactive setups help maintain stable humidity.

2. Temperature & Lighting

Temperatures

Jackson’s chameleons thrive in cooler conditions:

  • Basking Spot: 82–85°F

  • Ambient: 70–75°F

  • Cool Side: 65–70°F

  • Night Drop: 50–65°F (very beneficial and natural)

They are extremely sensitive to overheating—avoid hot basking areas.

Heating

  • Low-wattage halogen basking bulb

  • Never use heat rocks or mats

  • Monitor with digital thermometers (one high, one low)

Lighting

Strong UVB is essential.

Recommended UVB:

  • T5 HO 5.0 or Arcadia 6% UVB

  • For tall enclosures, 12% may be needed depending on branch height

Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle.

They also benefit from full-spectrum white lighting for plant growth and natural behavior.

3. Humidity & Hydration

Humidity

Jackson’s require higher humidity than many chameleon species:

  • Daytime: 50–70%

  • Nighttime: 80–100% (important)

Night humidity spikes mimic mountain cloud forests.

Hydration

Jackson’s do not drink from bowls.

Provide:

  • Automatic misting system (2–4 times daily)

  • Dripper system for extended drinking sessions

  • Nighttime cool fogging (highly beneficial)

They drink slowly—allow water to drip across leaves for several minutes.

Water Dish

Not needed. They only recognize water droplets on foliage.

Use RO or dechlorinated water.

4. Diet

Jackson’s chameleons are insectivores with moderate appetites.

Staple Foods

  • Crickets

  • Dubia roaches

  • Black soldier fly larvae

  • Silkworms

  • Hornworms

  • Grasshoppers

Occasional Treats

  • Snails

  • Superworms (sparingly)

  • Waxworms (very sparingly)

Feeding Schedule

  • Juveniles: Daily

  • Adults: Every 2–3 days

Avoid overfeeding—Jackson’s can become overweight, especially females.

Supplements

Jackson’s need lighter supplementation than many chameleons.

  • Calcium without D3: 2× weekly

  • Calcium with D3: 1× monthly

  • Multivitamin: 1× monthly

Gut-load insects with leafy greens and vegetables.

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Jackson’s are typically:

  • Calm

  • Slow-moving

  • Less defensive than veiled or panther chameleons

  • Easily stressed by excessive handling

They are best admired, not held.

Handling

  • Minimal handling recommended

  • Let them walk onto your hand instead of grabbing

  • Avoid sudden movements

Male Jackson’s tend to be more confident and tolerate occasional handling better than females.

Enrichment

  • Multiple thick foliage zones

  • Branch clusters at different heights

  • Outdoor sunshine time (supervised)

  • Occasional rearranging of vines

These stimulate natural exploration.

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan

  • 5–10 years
    Males often outlive females due to lower reproductive stress.

Common Health Issues

  • Dehydration: due to improper misting

  • Respiratory infections: from poor ventilation

  • Thermal stress: overheating is common

  • MBD: improper UVB or calcium issues

  • Parasites: common in wild-caught animals

  • Reproductive complications in females

Signs of Illness

  • Closed eyes during daytime

  • Gaping or wheezing

  • Lethargy

  • Refusal to eat

  • Swollen limbs

  • Nose or mouth discharge

  • Sudden color changes

Vet Care

Seek a reptile vet for:

  • Weight loss

  • Reproductive issues

  • Respiratory symptoms

  • Persistent dehydration

Early treatment is crucial for chameleons.

🦎 Final Notes

Jackson’s Chameleons are stunning, horned, mountain-dwelling reptiles that thrive with cool temperatures, high humidity, excellent hydration, strong UVB, and minimal handling. They are more delicate than many species, making them better suited for keepers with intermediate or advanced experience.

With proper husbandry, they are calm, beautiful display animals capable of living long, healthy lives.