Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Before anyone goes off telling me that crocs are bad pets, I know that and I am not considering a croc of any kind anytime soon. I just MIGHT CONSIDER a dwarf or a spec after college. Im the type of herper who researches their butt of, so dont worry.

Anyway, I was looking throught the croc photo gallery here and their was a series of pictures with an enclosure that caught my eye. You can see it in the links I put below. The enclosure is 10 x 8 and its called a Phoenix Shed. The member who posted it, ghostface, said he insulated it. And the finished pics of it show a lot of basking lamps, so I dont think heat is a problem. If I ever tried this, im in northern Virginia where it can get really cold, so I was looking for an outdoor enclosure that can keep warm during winter. And the large window might come in handy for checking where the croc is before you walk in, for safety. I know 10 x 8 is certainly big enough for a single spec, but do you think its big enough for a pair of dwarfs?

So do any of you experienced croc keepers like it? I asked around on the chat as well and they seemed to approve. Has anyone else tried this either? I'm not a croc keeper (yet ) and Im looking for experienced opinions.

Ghostface, if youre here, please respond! I really want to see how the caimans doing! And great job on the shed!

Ryan

The first link is the Lowes page where it shows the specifications of the shed and all that. The second is ghostface's gallery where you cans see all the pics of the finished shed and the caiman.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=102651-450-18160-3&lpage=none

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/index.php?user=8049&cat=500

ah the shed thing again loco lol sweet idea though

Hi,
Yeah ghostface lives in MD, so your VA winter and his may be close. It is a good idea, the only thing I would add is a chain link fence that would be attached to the shed, so that you can open the shed door and let them outside in the spring/summer. Adult dwarfs need more land then other caiman species. The shed alone with the size of his pond does not give them allot of room. Ghostface does not come on these forums try commenting on one of his pics, that should get his attention.

Charles

For my first croc (trust me, thats gonna be YEARS from now. See, I told ya I do my research ahead ) I will try a spec or a PAIR of dwarfs. I should have said pair the first time. Anyway, I knew about dwarfs needing more land, but I was wondering about the size of the whole thing, pond included. And what did you mean about the chain link fence? Could you elaborate a little on that? I wasnt sure what you meant. And I replied on ghostfaces's pictures, but he didnt reply back. Oh well. Thanks!

I think that the shed would be fine for 1 spec or a pair of dwarfs. As for the chain link, I would fence in the an area that is 16'lx10'w, the front side of the shed(with door) will be the back of the fence.So you would only have 3 sides of fence and one side of enclosure. This way if you open the shed door the caimans will come outside into a fenced in open enclosure, for sun exposure. Add a second outside water source and some plants and you're done. Then when its winter they will go inside and you just close your door.

OH! I thought you meant like a chain link fence around the door incase the caiman ran out or something. I get ya now. So both of them combined would be used during the warmer months, and the shed alone would be used for winter, right? What you suggested is a BIG help and I will try that when I decide on a croc. I wish I could get one now.

Ryan

Yes, both for spring/summer and the shed for fall/winter. But this would be years down the road, unless you plan on getting sub adults vs hatchlings. I hope it works for you.