🦎 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.

Enclosure

  • Size

    • Juveniles: 16” x 16” x 30”

    • Adults (Male): 24” x 24” x 48”

    • Adults (Female): 18” x 18” x 36”

    • Height and airflow are essential.

  • Material

    • 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

    • Multiple branches and vines

    • Dense foliage for hiding

    • Horizontal walking branches

    • Live plants (highly recommended) such as: Pothos, Schefflera, Ficus, Hibiscus,

    • Jackson’s prefer naturalistic, leafy environments.

  • Substrate

    • Bioactive soil

    • Coconut fiber

    • Leaf litter

    • Bioactive setups help maintain stable humidity.

Temperature & Lighting

  • 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

    • UVB lighting is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption

    • Recommended using a T5 HO 5.0 or Arcadia 6% UVB - replace bulb every 6 to 12 months according to manufacture

    • 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.

Humidity & Hydration

  • Humidity

    • Daytime: 50–70%

    • Nighttime: 80–100% (important)

    • Night humidity spikes mimic mountain cloud forests.

  • Hydration

    • Jackson’s do not drink from bowls so they need misting in the encloser so they can drink drops from the leaevs

    • 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 but you can put a shallow water bowl in the bottom of the encloser to help with humidity

    • Use RO or dechlorinated water ONLY

Diet

  • Type: Insectivores

  • Staple Foods

    • Crickets

    • Dubia roaches

    • Black soldier fly larvae

    • Silkworms

    • Hornworms

    • Grasshoppers

  • Occasional Treats

    • Snails

    • Superworms (sparingly - high in fat)

    • Waxworms (very sparingly - very high in fat)

  • 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.

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Jackson Chameleons are slow moving, usually very calm animals. Often times less defensive that other species but still can be easily stressed out with excessive handling.

  • 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.

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 5–10 years, sometimes a little more with excellent care

  • 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

Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

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.