Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,

I have been reading different responses on wether or not should an owner handle his gator. Many experienced keepers tell me that handling a gator often will make it more tame and easier to handle in the future, however many will say that it puts way too much stress on the reptile and it should be left alone. Well, which way do I swing? I still have a little baby female and so far I handle her once every 2 weeks or so for brief periods of time. She doesn't like being handled much as it is.
I would prefer a human tolerant gator as she grows up. What measures shall I take from here on? Should I handle once every 2 weeks, every month? Whats the key to keeping her within tolerant limits?

Chris Dieter provided an excellent response to this question on a thread below. See thread : http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1005893,1008702

Hope this helps,

Chris
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U.A.P.P.E.A.L.
Uniting A Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League
www.uappeal.org

I personaly dont see a need to handle crocodilians, other than when needed to for reasons such as removing to clean out enclosure, Vet treatments / inspections, etc..

A crocodilian will quickly get to large to handle, so what is the purpose of risking possible stress related death just to make a small one handable for a limited time.

I myself never handle my crocodilians for for the purpose of handling them, only when needed ... changing enclosures, cleaning enclosures, health inspections, vet treatments, etc ..

Crocodilians getting stressed and becoming ill or even causing death is a fact, and it is a serious issue, they dont like to be handled!

Your crocodilian will get used to you and become tolerable of you just by normal needed interaction, feeding, cleaning, etc..

In my oppinion, id handle it as much as you want.To be honest, i handle mine every day, it even sleeps on my stomach sometimes...i know a few more people around me that have gators and also handle theres alot...I have a buddie that has a 9ft gator that is probibly the most tame gator you will ever see, besides around feeding time, hes gentle and calm to the owner...notice how i said to the owner...crocodilians most only recognize the person that feeds him/her and will most of the time be more docile. to a unknown person the gator will not act the same as if it was the owner..in most forums ive been to, and things ive read on captive crocodilians is if you want a more docile crocodilian handle them almost everyday for a number of minutes....they have alot of the questions you might also want to ask at www.crocodilian.com/crocfaq
Like i said above and will say again, this is only my oppinion.
Also keep in mind a crocodilian can turn on you just like any animal and is seriouse to cause a nasty bite, and if big enouph a dissmembered limb.
Good luck

Handling your crocodilian does stress them out. They should only be owned by people who respect and love the animals. They are not dogs! Ronnie