Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all, first off I will mention I have kept boas, burmese pythons, etc etc for the past 12 years.

I am wanting to get dwarf caimens now, since I have the funds, and space to provide proper husbandry.

The enclosure I am debating is a 20' long 8' deep, by 8' high built into a shed/garage. I want to set up a water area that is 8'x8'x2' deep. I will have the shed fully heated/insulated in winter, and air conditioned during the hot summers (gets to 100* here regularly during the summer)

I plan to use a garden pond filtration system for the lagoon, with an easy drain access for water changes when necessary. I also plan to have atleast 2 underground dens of 4'x2'x1' deep for hiding areas, as I had read they are likely to hide if given the chance.

What I have yet to figure out/decide on is the proper way to provide spot heating, would it be acceptable to provide a sunroof in the enclosure to provide actual sunlight during the summer months? if not what do you suggest.

I am wanting to keep 1.2 dwarfs in this set up.. I have read up on them as much as I can find, but nothing on communal cohabitation. Is there any issues of keeping a 1.2 group in a set up of this size? Other then possible breeding.. Would 2 females grouped with a male cause territorial disputes among the females competing for the males attention/seniority?

Thanks all for any suggestions for the set up.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com
You never experience life until you have kids, then you realize what you should have done rather then what you did do

Sounds like a great enclosure! Make sure to take lots of pics for everyone. =) Sunroof is a great idea. I had large windows built into the last enclosure I built and my specs loved the natural light. The one thing I am not sure about is how tall your building is. If it has a tall roof then will enough heat be able to make it to the crocs through the light. Just a thought. =) Take care and good luck

I will be making a small loft partially above enclosure to allow for storage, and also to insulate the top to prevent heat loss. As far as ambient temperatures go I will have a central heat and air system in the building with one of the ducts feeding into the enclosure so the heater helps keep the temps at an appropriate range. I also think I will add a couple spot lights/red heat bulbs that will be held mid way up the walls of the enclosure (high enough to be out of reach of the caimens, but low enough to be an effective hot spot heat source.)
I will make sure to take many pictures. I want it to be zoo quality or better. (I worked at the Sedgwick County zoo in Wichita KS for a couple years, and would love to out do the crocodilian exhibit they have)

Thanks
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com
You never experience life until you have kids, then you realize what you should have done rather then what you did do

Forgot to mention the buildings approximate dimensions are 20'x15'x16' high

Later
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com
You never experience life until you have kids, then you realize what you should have done rather then what you did do