Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,

It's me Danny. I will not be getting a camen (right now), but will instead be getting a savanah moniter. I was wondering for my future knoledge, if you have to be real big and real strong to own and handle crocs? I am about 5'9" and I feel that I could probly handle a camen. But I saw where some of you put that even a small 4-5foot camen is hard to handle. I was just wondering wht you needed to be physically to handle crocodilians.

Danny

I am not a croc. expert. I do keep monitors though. I have two 2.5 ft argus monitors that are a handfull to handle, and they don't have jaws anything like a croc/caiman. I am glad to hear that you are getting a savana monitor (personally I think an akcie would be best in your situation.) You will learn much about handling in the next few years. I handle crocodilians somewhat differently than monitors, but some of it is similer. The question about if you have to be big, I do not think it is about how strong you are. I think it is more about knowlege of how to do it.

Keep in mind that most Savana Monitors are wild caught or hatched from wild eggs. It may be full of parasites, dehidrated, and in bad health. I only buy/keep captive bred animals.
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Ed

There are chameleons, pythons, and monitors in my jungle room.

It's more about knowing how to handle them, where exactly to grab them and proper restraint techniques. This applies to crocs (caimans, gators, whatever) up to maybe 4' in length.

Beyond that size, you need to realize than many of these animals are only safely restrained, captured, transported safely with more than one person. This is especially the case with animals from 4-6 feet where not only are they capable of nasty lacerating wounds, but are still small enough to be extremely agile and fast! Beyond that size, they get bigger, and a little slower, but now you're looking at at 3-4 person job to safely maneuver and handle a large crocodilian.

I am a 5'9" female with a great deal of crocodilian handling experience. A 4' American Alligator is going to be much easier for me to handle than say a 4' Dwarf Caiman. This is not because I am female, nor because I am not a big person. It is about understanding these animals and how the different species vary. Caiman are heavily osteofied (armored)and typically have a more wiley disposition leading to a lot of bruising and scraping for the handler, even at 3'. Handling of one crocodilian versus another varies greatly depending on species, individual temperment, the animal's sex, and time of year. Crocs above 4' should definitely be captured and handling by more than one person, especially when one has limited experience.

danny as enthusiastic as you are i am sure you will some day be a great croc man ARCHIE

Hi Danny,

I really don't think size and strength are that big of matter when handling crocodilians. They will be of a benefit I am sure. Like others have said, I think knowledge and experience will be your best tools. Taping their mouths when moving and whatnot will definitely help in making sure that you keep your limbs. I am not a big guy myself Danny. I am about 5'7" and about 140lbs. I have delt with some rather decent size crocodilians. Building up a little will definitely help some. If you have alittle more mass it will help you from getting thrown around quite as easy. If you are stronger it will help you to restrain a little better. If you have good grips it will help you to be able to hold on a little bit more securely. Overall, it will only be a benefit but not a requirement. Knowledge and experience are definitely a requirement. You are being smart and mature in your choices here Danny. Good Job and Good Luck. Like Archie said, I believe that you will thrive as a croc owner once you get one.

Chris

Hi Everyone,

thank you for all of your help. I will definitely get some experience before getting one. Chris, I think i will take your advic etoo and possibly work out some too. it will just be a benefit like you said. Archie, thanks for hte encouragement. I appreciate it. I hope I will be.

Danny