Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 20 inch, one year old captive bred american alligator. I know you can't make them puppy dog tame. But I've seen some that don't try to bite. Mine thrashes around for a minute when I pick him up. He calms down, but will still bite if given the chance. I handle him about twice a week. Will it take more time for him to calm down? Or should I wear some gloves and let him bite me to show him it doesn't do any good to bite. Thanks for your help.

2 times a week is not enough but also more then that could be too much stress down the line. Im not an expert but from what I read and see gators dont live as long if messed with too much dont get me wrong thay may still live a long time just not as long and a nother prob that I have seen in places around me is alot of them will not grow too ther full size just look at bubba I dont know if you know of him but he did all kineds of shows and was even in a wedding that gator wouldnt bit no one but he also had a short life about 12 years give or take some and he was 8'too me thats a short life and a small size and he lived like a king but stress cought up too him I say if people get any kined of croc even if its for shows thay should get a brake after thay get too an age older then 6years.I say dont try too tame thame just get them too stay awy when its time too clean ther pond and know what is food and what is your hand just that too me is great. JUST MY 2$