Just wondering why so many had died? Is this a particularily hard species to keep properly and/or acclimatize?
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
Regarding NG crocs in the US
MikeT
Jan 08, 2007 02:40 PM
Replies (3)
crocodile_king
Jan 08, 2007 04:12 PM
They are a VERY non social species and dont do well being housed with other crocodiles of either sex.
With this species I think its best to house each animal individually or possibly a group of NG housed in either a small enclosure or a huge enclosure.
I have seen a very large group of about 300 adult NG's housed together and this group seems to do well, not exactly sure how or why though.
CDieter
Jan 08, 2007 07:29 PM
Donny,
I'm not sure I understand you here a little clarification please.
>>With this species I think its best to house each animal individually or possibly a group of NG housed in either a small enclosure or a huge enclosure.
What other options are there? You either house them individually or as a group in a small or large enclosure. Whats left as an option here a group in a medium sized enclosure? You got me confused
>>I have seen a very large group of about 300 adult NG's housed together and this group seems to do well, not exactly sure how or why though.
My guess would be the same thing that happens to alot of animals placed in overcrowded enclosures. It's a kind of overload that basically shuts down a part of their behaviour after a few initial scuffles. I suspect it's a survival instinct otherwise it would be a continous battle until the group reduced itself in size.
-----
CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'
crocodile_king
Jan 08, 2007 08:32 PM
Hi Chris
What I ment was that I think the only way to house this species safely would be ....
1. House each animal by it self
2. House a group of NG in a enclosure small enough to offer no chance at them setting up territories
3. House a group in a huge enclosure allowing the animals space to set up there own territories.
When it comes down to it though, for me anyway I would feel more secure either housing each animal by it self or housing a fairly large group of animals together (at least 4) and keeping them in a "crowded" condition.
Housing each animal by it self doesnt help much if breeding is planned, unless of course you try waiting for the male to start bellowing during breeding season and then introduce the male and female at that point .... Allow "supervised breeding" then separate the animals once again.
