Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey gang,

Could use a hand here.

I work rescue in WI and we are starting to slowly increase the crocodilians into shelters. Several shelters have requested me setting up a gator 101 like I have for the iguanas and some snakes. The only problem is I really dont have an extensive knowledge. I have the bare basics.

The good news in most coming in are either Gators or Caimens that are all under 2 feet. The last one I took in was I think a total 10 inchs. The bad part is I have a REAL hard time for some reason telling the difference between a baby gator and caimen. I really dont know why. I am fine once they hit 2 foot or so, but the small ones stump me.

SO What I am looking at trying to put together is the basics feeding and a photo ID Page. I know babies are VERY needy feeding wise and shelters are somewhat squeamish as to what to feed. What is a good feeding schedule to get them on until they either come to me or get released to another rescue. Many times these animals are on police/raid holds for minimal 7 days in a small shelter that is terrified of the thing in the room.

Water. For the more squeamish of shelters I currently have suggested a tank large enough to have a kitty litter pan in that is removable. To keep it clean and filled daily. This way they can seperate the gator from water if it is on land. Some shelters have issues with the. (please remember that these are people who usually have never had to deal with this at all in their lives) Can that water size be reduced to something smaller? Do they need full submersible water for say 1 week?

I think those are my two major questions. This is just something to help them until help can arrive. Thanks in advance.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

Hello Cindy,

The good news is you will most likely see crocodilians in the 1-3ft range. This is the size when most crocodilian 'pets' get moved on.

I will gladly send you a copy of my book 'The Ultimate Guide to Crocodilians in Captivity' to use in your work. Just email me your address.

As to your specific questions:

American alligators have a dark(black) color with yellow/gold bands. The caiman will be much more olive in coloration. If you go to the classified section of kingsnake you will see the animals in the pet trade in photos.

Young animals are really not much more needy feeding wise than adults. They are simply smaller versions that are growing more rapidly. You can keep fish with them, but really you can't go wrong with a whole animal diet. Especially rodents.

As to the water issue. Yes as a bare minimum for a week or so they can use a litter pan. Crocodilians are survivors. I might suggest a small cattle trough with a hose attached as a simple holding area and one that is easy to clean. It will eliminate the need to have daily contact and keep the animal less stressed.

In any event email me and I'll send you a book to get you started.
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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

>>Hello Cindy,
>>
>>The good news is you will most likely see crocodilians in the 1-3ft range. This is the size when most crocodilian 'pets' get moved on.
>>
>>I will gladly send you a copy of my book 'The Ultimate Guide to Crocodilians in Captivity' to use in your work. Just email me your address.
>>

That is true. I tend to refer to those babies as accident size. I am getting myself a bit familiar with their body builds on the smaller ones.

I do get flack because I do NOT adopt these animals back into the pet zones. A lot of people want to adopt alligators from me, but I simply refuse. It makes more sense to transfer an animal that is potentially EXTREMELY Dangerous to an educational and zoological arena while it is still managable. Just a warning boys, the more I get in the more I come around to harrass you all...
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

Hi Cindy,

Once you get setup, let me know and I'll start sending all our extras your way

But seriously, take Chris up on his offer of the book. Also, as you know, I am only an hour and a half away and I would be willing to make the drive to help you get started. If it's during football season, be prepared to see a lot of purple!

Bill

>>Hi Cindy,
>>
>>Once you get setup, let me know and I'll start sending all our extras your way
>>
>>But seriously, take Chris up on his offer of the book. Also, as you know, I am only an hour and a half away and I would be willing to make the drive to help you get started. If it's during football season, be prepared to see a lot of purple!
>>
>>Bill

Darling as long as it isnt green and gold I dont mind. I am a bears fan and hubby is a raiders fan. I have a current request to take in a 6 foot 300 lber. Ummm that is BEYOND My handling range. Im sure this one doesnt have the personality of my dear bubba. Id rather have 20 iguanas in breeding season come in i think. BTW Saw your friend monty this summer. Introduced myself and told him you said hi.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

Living in Wisconsin and not a fan of the green and gold... that's blasphemous!

As for your six-foot 300lb gator. I'd be surprized if it was much over 100 lbs in actuality. To be 300 lbs, it would have to be as round as it is long. Monties gator (did you see Albert?) doesn't weigh a whole lot over 200 lbs and he's 8 -1/2 feet long.

Bill

>>Living in Wisconsin and not a fan of the green and gold... that's blasphemous!
>>
>>As for your six-foot 300lb gator. I'd be surprized if it was much over 100 lbs in actuality. To be 300 lbs, it would have to be as round as it is long. Monties gator (did you see Albert?) doesn't weigh a whole lot over 200 lbs and he's 8 -1/2 feet long.
>>
>>Bill

Ill let you know the weight once we get it in. I do know the gator is a tad obese.

I truely adore monty. Every year my family rolls its eyes as I ante up my $2 to visit his babies. His lewisii hybrid is a true STUD. It is SOOOO Nice to see such healthy animals. I usually spend a great deal of time talking to folks inside the tent.

And I grew up during the days of Ditka. Thats why I am not a cheese head.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!