Posted by:
tailswithscales
at Sun Aug 13 03:02:38 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by tailswithscales ]
First of allow me to introduce myself so you dont get the impression that I'm a newbie to monitors, reptiles, or this forum. I have over 17 years of reptile experience, 15 of that strictly with medium to large monitors. In the last five years I've owned three Crocs. I've been on this forum since 2000.
Now for the fun stuff.
DarkMousy,
Are you interested in buying a croc? I didnt read where you said that you've owned one or even studied on them a bit. Mistake #1 a potential buy makes.
Thinking this "but I doubt it's anything I can't handle." is mistake #2 and actually is the largest mistake of all. Over the years many ah keeper has come along saying that they can handle a croc a couple of months goes by and guess where the poor croc is???? Adopted out, dumped, sold, or euthanised. This is a cold hard fact. These creatures are NOTHING like a Nile! I have kept some mean Niles before and they were mear kittens compared to a mean Croc. Just because you buy a CBB animal doesnt mean that it's going to be handable, nice, or even somewhat "tame" as these creatures have very individualistic personalities and they can decide whether or not they like you and want you near them.
You mention gloves/gear. FORGET IT! My six foot female's talons (aka claws) go right through welding gloves. Remember these monitors are the world largest tree monitors. They live life in the trees so their talons are extremely stong. My 7' male even bit through the heavy duty kevlar lined gloves. They do not call these animals "Crocodile" monitors for nothing.
They're also very fast, agile, and smart. Very smart! Beware.
Yes this is meant to scare you and yes I'm being a tiny bit rude. But I'd rather you read this post and think twice about buying a croc before you end up having to figure out what your are now going to do with a monitor you "thought" you could handle. These animals are no joke and not for any keeper with less than 6-7 years of straight monitor keeping and 6 months of studying this species.
Best of luck.
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What the................................ - tailswithscales, Sun Aug 13 03:02:38 2006