Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are the experts opinion on feeding store bought shrimp to a baby alligator? I mean store bought RAW salt water shrimp still frozen. Can I thaw one of these out every now and then for my gator. I have had him/her since Friday and I got him to take 2 whole pinkies so far. I was just curious about shrimp. Thanks alot.

Why would you feed it something that it would not eat in the wild?

Hey Bert,

With all due respect, we ALL provide these animals foods that they would not necessarily eat in the wild. How often do wild alligators get eat chicken or beef in the wild? In captivity, we simply provide them "substitutes" that provide them the necessary nutritional balance that they require to thrive. Technically, you COULD feed them shrimp. However, as I have answered in one of his other posts, they are high in thiaminase and should be avoided. Additionally, even the Mazuri diet is made with pork. They wouldn't normally be eating that in the wild? We simply do the best we can to provide an alternative which is similar to their natural diets .

JMO,

Chris

>>Why would you feed it something that it would not eat in the wild?
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We use chicken and beef b/c its high in protein and is readily available. Ideally we would chop up some nutria, some frogs and turtles or collect some fresh road killed raccoon as it would be an exact substitute.
IMO shrimp should be avoided. Crayfish (fresh water) Yes, Shrimp (salt water) No.
I remember when I was a kid I caught a hatchling gator and fed it chopped up hot dog. Little did I know that the salt and preservatives in hot dogs are lethal to alligators. I'm sure that commercially available shrimp have the same things in them. Maybe they don't. I just think its best to stick to what is known to be good instead of trying off the wall stuff.
I am aware of freshwater shrimp, if thats the animal in question, then disregard my post.