Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Trying to decide, I have had 2 burms at one time, but now miss them. A close friend has an alligator, so now tring to to decide which one....any suggestions?

i recommend the burm the aligators can get huge (not that burms cant) but the alligator will need a large cage with a pond but the burms cage is simple plus in some areas like in texas we arent akllowed to have aligators or any crocodilian of some sort but that dosnt mean it dosnt happen but i think you ought to get a burm just me 0.02 cents
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0.1 o2 het albino retic 9ft, 1.0 02 albino retic 9ft, 0.1 tiger 02 10 ft

A burm can be left without any real attention for weeks but a gator is going to be more like a dog, where daily time would have to be invested. If you have the opportunity to get a gator, I would go for that...but then again, I like spending daily time with my critters and would love to house-train a gator.

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What happened to the two burms that you had? If you "got rid of them" at some point because you got tired of them or they got too big, then I would say "neither". Both of these animals come with a very demanding commitment, not only concerning care and cost, but time. Burmese can live 30 years or longer. Alligators can live for over 75, perhaps over 100 on average. The burmese takes up roughly half of our own lifespans and thus must fit into our plans as our lives change course and alter in any way. Alligators will likely live longer than you will (depending on your age and its genetics and care) and must not only fit into your plans the same, but must also be provided for after you are dead and gone. Like a clause in your will. I personally don't feel that one should take on a pet unless one is commited to keeping the animal for its entire lifespan. Or yours, with provisions for the animal/s after your gone.

How old are you, if you don't mind me asking. My thoughts on this highly depend on your age and thus level of responsibility and capacity for dedication and commitment.

>>Trying to decide, I have had 2 burms at one time, but now miss them. A close friend has an alligator, so now tring to to decide which one....any suggestions?
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Believe in yourself and your abilities and you can accomplish anything.

Hi Damon –

You’ve said before that you published a couple of books about keeping crocodilians as pets. They might be useful in helping jadyn994 decide. I know I sure would like to add them to my library. I’ve looked but couldn’t locate either one. Could you let me know the titles or what name(s) you wrote them under? Are they still in print or would I need to get them on the used book market?

Thanks for any help,
Joan

Unless you live in an area where you can build an expansivve outdoor area with a pond and plenty of basking areas, you don't want to get a gator. I have seen some kept successfully in captivity, and our wildlife center currently has several, but you will find that keeping a gator is FAR more challenging than even a large burm. Since I don't know how old you are, what experience you have in working with large herps, or anything of the like, I really can't recommend either one.