Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I used to post a few years back, but have been heavily involved with monitors since then, and it was nice to see there was still a great discussion forum here for croc owners. I have been hearing and getting e-mails from people about these new Diamond Caimen bred (only?) by Diamond Reptiles. In everyones opinion, are they all thats hyped? Are they really bred to be tame? Is any crocodilian tame? If this is only the fourth year they have been bred, how does anyone know they will only get 4-6 feet. The oldest one in exsistence would only be four years old. I am not bashing Diamond or anyone else, I am just expressing my ignorance on these new creatures. I have been away from Crocodilians for a few years, but I am going to be getting another one after the holidays, so I'll be around here more often. If this has already been asked, send me the thread. I just would like to get everyone's opinion, perhaps even receive a reply from somone at Diamond

hey
i have a diamond caiman and i really like mine. i got him at the hamburg show in october 2003. he is about 16" now and growing fast. he is not "tame" but he does have a very good temperment for a caiman. i have noticed a little more aggression as he gets bigger, but he does not lunge or hiss at me when i walk near him. when taken out he is a little squirmy but then calms down within a few minutes. he does have a very good feeding response and is learning when it is time to eat. when i feed him i use long tweezers and tap on the side of his pond first. whenever he sees me with the tweezers he goes crazy because he thinks is feeding time. over all i love my caiman.

The only info you'll find about these animals is what the breeder claims.

Personally, I think it's a pile of dung. Crocodilians are not something to be "tamed", and will never be a "pet".
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Mark
http://www.outbacksnakehouse.net

i have only seen babies of the hybrid. and the first time was this weekend in san antonio at a show. i was able to reach my hand into a tank of about 7 or 8 and was told not to have to worry about biting and it was true none of them hissed chirped or opened their mouths. i found it interesting. i had a very laid back american alligator and i even watched myself around him.

personally i think if the claim is true. thats great. but overall i think they might be more laid back than your average crocodillian. but i think that if they keep being marketed as "pets" people are going to get lazy and careless with them. and possibly wind up getting themselves hurt in the long run.

other than that i personally thought they were beautiful animals.

just my two cents.
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dont get bit.