Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can crocodilians get constipated? I have a dwarf caiman Paleosuchus Palpebrosus and I have noticed that lately he will defecate every other week or so and I was wondering if this is normal and if not why this maybe happening. Nothing has really changed he is in the same enclosure he has been in for months. He is near a year and is eating chicken, fish, crickets, snails, and pinkie/fuzzies. He is still as active as always. Has been slightly more aggressive when first getting him out but calms down right away. Temperature and water conditions are like usual. Any ideas are appreciated and thanks for any help given.

This is most likely perfectly normal. As with all cold-blooded animals, their digestive system works quite a bit slower than our own. The larger the food given, the slower the digestion. However, it seems you have owned this animal for some time and this is a relatively new development. It may just be that as he/she is growing you are feeding larger food items and therefore increasing digestion time. You stated you are feeding a varied diet. You did not, however say how often you are feeding. As long as his/her bowel movements are coming fairly regularly, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, you may want to take him/her to your vet and just have it checked out. Better safe than sorry. Right?