he/she refuses to eat anything live..i bought her from some guy in a parking lot!....im proud of that anyway it is 3 feet long and will only eat ham sausage and hotdogs....ive thrown in 2 mice and it ignored the first one and just killed and tossed aside the other...is this Boars Head diet going to be healthy for it?
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Is my Caiman spoiled?
nothingr
Jun 14, 2004 04:46 PM
Replies (5)
LdyPayne
Jun 15, 2004 11:56 AM
Though I am no expert on caimans I would say this diet is NOT healthy for it. Heck, it won't even be healthy for a dog, way to much fat in hotdogs and sausages.
To find out a better diet for this crocodilian and how to wean it off hotdogs and sausages, I would ask on the crocodilian forums. More experienced caimen keepers there.
hurricane34
Jun 15, 2004 12:52 PM
That diet has no vitamins or minerals, especially calcium. Without the proper amount of calcium your caiman will begin to leech calcium out of its own bones (metabolic bone disease). He may not be eating for a variety of reasons (stress, parasites, improper husbandry, poor water quality, too small a cage etc...). I hope you are providing a sufficient amount of UV light. You should have researched what a caimen needs BEFORE acquiring one. Search the internet on caresheets for caimens, hit the forums and read books on the proper nutrition and captive care (husbandry) of the species of caimen you have. Good luck!
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Miami Hurricanes #1
nothingr
Jun 15, 2004 03:39 PM
haha....thanks but this is my third caiman had them for many years now..just never had one that wouldnt eat live animals..plenty of light and space....maybe hes just a wuss
hurricane34
Jun 16, 2004 07:13 AM
Maybe he's a wuss? Do you really think that is an appropriate response? I don't mean to sound rude, but there is a reason he's not eating and its your responsibility to find out why. Perhaps you should take him to a vet. I know this may be your 3rd caiman but I've been keeping reptiles for 12 years now and everyday I learn something new.
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Miami Hurricanes #1
jasonmc
Jun 16, 2004 11:32 PM
This might be a strange idea but it works for kings and hogs. Have you tryed rubbing hotdog or ham on your feeder rodents? I have had to change snake diets from lizard to mouse using this method.
I have to agree with the other two posts, the diet is bad. You are looking at a lack of calcium, and even if you were to dust the meats with a calcium suppliment, you would have to much fat intake.
Try the scenting thing and let us know if it works.
P.S> nice looking caimen.
Jason Mc
