Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'll admit I don't have one yet, but after all my reasearch and observations of other people's caimans, I didn't think you could hold one this loosely at that size (20" I think it is)

Do other caiman owners on this forum handle their dwarf's like this?

Mr. F

Once i take my caiman out, she calms down and I can hold her like that. Well not quite like that as she is 4.5 feet long and weighs 15 pounds probably.

>>I'll admit I don't have one yet, but after all my reasearch and observations of other people's caimans, I didn't think you could hold one this loosely at that size (20" I think it is)
>>
>>Do other caiman owners on this forum handle their dwarf's like this?
>>
>>Mr. F
>>

I have one it's smaller but it's calm like that too. I also have an american alligator about the same size and it's the nastiest thing i have ever owned. I have heard people say time and time again that caimans are crazier than alligators but not in my house. My alligator flips out if you even walk near the tank. The caiman does nothing.

actually, that is similar to how i handle my small dwarf. he seems to prefer me to slowly slide my hand under him, and then slowly lift up supporting his full wieght from below. once he is out of the enclosure i can kinda encircle him a little more with my finger to ensure he doesnt jump out or nip. i dont do a lot of handling, but it works.

One could handle any small crocodilian in the manner depicted in the photo if the animal is cooled (cold) enough. In years past I've seen vendors at reptile shows selling freshly imported caimans as "tame" when in fact the caiman were displayed in unheated tubs with water temps probably in upper 60's°F. Fortunately as people have become more aware this practice of selling chilled "tame" caimans has diminished somewhat.