Hi everyone,
I have an american alligator, and I cannot get him to eat. I have tried a variety of things, including feeder fish, pinkies, and crickets. No matter what I put in with him - he is just not interested.
Does anyone have any suggestions? How can I get him to eat? I am worried because the fish keep ending up dead - but not gone. HELP!!!
I had a thought about hand feeding him - with long tweezers maybe? I just don't know what will work!
Thanks!!!
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Alligator not eating
mlucey03
Feb 26, 2005 09:31 PM
Replies (3)
goini04
Feb 26, 2005 11:40 PM
Hi,
Don't have much experience with owning crocodilians, but I will just troubleshoot based on the knowledge that I have with other herps. Does he have a basking spot? How warm is he? What is the water temp? How long have you had him, he just may need some time to settle in? Is he constantly stressed? How old is it, if it's younger then it may be a little stressed, not being used to things yet. Also, watch for health issues as well. Overall I would not feed him feeder fish. They are really not healthy to feed to anything other than other large fish and possibly turtles (don't quote me on that). If he's too cold he may not eat. If he's too hot he may not either. Other experienced keepers may be able to elaborate a bit more on that. Usually the main cause of lack of diet or health issues is the setup/environment. Always look at those options first. Visit the crocodilian FAQ @ www.crocodilian.com/crocfaq for more information.
Hope this helps,
Stan
Tan_Man
Feb 27, 2005 04:31 PM
Make sure the water temperature is around 75 - 82 degrees. Get a heat lamp in which he can lay on land and sun bathe. If you just got him, he may be a little stressed out so no need to worry. Simply let him settle in and when he gets used to his new environment, he will start to eat like no other. I hope this information is beneficial. Good luck!!!
Robert T. Smith
CROCODILAIN ENTHUSIAST
Johnson City, TN
Matt-D
Feb 27, 2005 10:51 PM
The way I have had shy crocodilians feed in the past (has worked every time so far) is to simply get some raw chicken and a coat hanger.. Bend the coat hanger so it sits about 1" above the water in your gators enclosure, and stick the chicken on the end of it (using the hooked part of the coat hanger of course), but bend the end of the hanger so the chicken will slide off easily.. Works for me, give it a shot and see if it helps..
Matt
