Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just picked up an alligator from an animal control/ animal shelter. Somehow over the years they got my name through someone and every time they confiscate a carnivorous reptile I am called. The city where the shelter is located has an ordinance prohibiting ownership of carnivorous reptiles.

Now that you are up to date the hatchling alligator I picked up is in shabby shape. The last one inch or so of the tail does not have any scales. It also has a few broken toes. Other then that it appears to be in good health. It is about 10" long. It makes no attempts to bite even what so ever. It was kept in an aquarium at the shelter with a basking light and it he/she was plenty warm when I picked it up.

So now to the dumb questions. I have over 30 years experience in keeping large constrictors. However, alligators are not pythons. I provided it one of those large Rubbermaid agriculture tubs with a basking light, a couple of inches of water, a large flat rock for it to bask on, and made a top to help in preventing escapes. I offered it a small rat pup to which it took with gusto. Is there anything else that you could tell me that might help. I really have no intention in keeping it, but you never know. Any help and advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim, Questions are not stupid if you don't know the answer and want to learn. Everyone is ignorant about many things. Please keep learning. Stupid are the ones who "know it all" without asking.For a temporary home The animal should do fine. Keep the cage warm, clean, and offer a varied diet. As juveniles they eat just about anything that moves or smells like food. If it appears nervous, I have found a cave or a hiding spot helps them hunt. At that size everything tries to eat them. Could you post a picture a picture, so the people with more experience could help you with the skin problems? What area do you live? As the temperature drops in the northern areas keeping the little one's cage warm on the floor becomes a problem. Read below on info to help keep the cage clean. Remember, as with your pythons all animals can and will bite. It might be small but as it gets either healthier and stronger or sicker the gator might changes it's personallity. Good Luck, Bob-B

Thanks for the reply Bob. I just noticed that my camera is dead so I placed it on charge. Give me a bit and I will post the pictures tonight. I live in NW Indiana. The tub was placed on a polystyrene insulation board material an it is placed on the basement floor. I did place a heat mat under the tub to help with the heat and the temporary cover/lid I made helps hold in some of the heat given off from the heat lamp. He/she seems to be doing well. When I returned from work I found him/her basking under the lamp. What is suggested on the water temperature?

Oh, one more question. How often are hatchling alligators suppose to be fed? Every couple of days, twice a week, weekly, or less???

Thank you for your advice. Believe me it is appreciated.

Jim

Jim

Well here are the pictures. The tail looks like it is healed and is not causing any problems. I'd like to hear what others think.

Thanks for looking.

Jim

Somebody probably had him in with some sort of little snapping turtle; see those sorts of things associated with that similar pics too often. Shouldn't be a big deal in the long run. Sounds like you're on top of providing the basic essentials; my only suggestion would be to have at least a portion of area with a deeper spot for submerging, if at all possible.

Here are a few sites that could probably be of service to you:
http://crocodilehaven.com/
http://crocodilian.com/

These guys take unwanted crocodilians, so if relocating your little guy is necessary, might want to get in contact with them:
http://www.naturecoastexotics.com/