Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As where I am constantly trying to work out the design of my future adult enclosure for my alligator, I was thinking something along the lines of a 35'x35' enclosure. Then suddenly, it kinda struck me as to exactly how big that is...lol. If it's necessary, I dont mind going to those lengths if I have the space. I was considering a 15'-20' long concrete pool that would be about 10' wide.

These are all things that I dont mind doing if it is worth it for him. I am just rather wondering as to whether this size of an enclosure for an adult male alligator will be completely necessary. I am not trying to keep him cramped by any means, but I am still trying to figure out whether a little less space is possible?

Any ideas or information would be great as well as helpful. Does anyone happen to have any enclosures (outside or inside) of that size that they would be willing to share a pic of?

I was looking at some of the outdoor enclosures in Chris Dieters book and while they look nice, they are for year 'round outdoor housing. In Ohio, we dont have that luxury.

Any help would be awesome!!

That is an impressive size for both the enclosure and the pool. In fact, that's room enough for him and another - a mate, perhaps?

If you give the pool a little depth and the smoothest possible surface, and also make sure he has a combination of sunlight on water/sunlight on land, shade on water/shade on land, it will be exceptional.

You could reduce the size by about 25% if you intend to keep only one alligator. I assume with this kind of investment you're plnning to keep him for the long haul and aren't planning to relocate...

You must post pics of that...
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

A concrete pool that size would easily run over $10000 to have built. Im pretty jealous as concrete pools look teh sweetest!

>>That is an impressive size for both the enclosure and the pool. In fact, that's room enough for him and another - a mate, perhaps?
>>
>>If you give the pool a little depth and the smoothest possible surface, and also make sure he has a combination of sunlight on water/sunlight on land, shade on water/shade on land, it will be exceptional.
>>
>>You could reduce the size by about 25% if you intend to keep only one alligator. I assume with this kind of investment you're plnning to keep him for the long haul and aren't planning to relocate...
>>
>>You must post pics of that...
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>>Israel Dupont
>>Winter Haven, FL

$10,000? Hhhmmm. Time to reconsider the pool options How about a more natural pond? Anyone have any experiences with those?

In dfferent areas of the country the experience will be different but here on the Gulf coast of Texas our gumbo makes natural pond consruction relatively easy.

My costs? $192 to rent a big backhoe for the weekend. I dug a 25 x 20 foot pond with a sloping depth to 9ft. It filled almost immediately and retained water easily. I'll try and post pics tomorrow if I can figure out how.
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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

It sounds like a more natural pond will be the way I will have to go. I want to offer the best to my gator, however, I can't see myself spending even near $10,000 JUST for the pool area. I was only thinking a pool about 3' deep. This place called "Oakland Nursery" which also has kits and such for ponds, sells a thick liner that is pretty versatile for custom shaped ponds and whatnot. It's also pretty tough, so I doubt seriously that the gators claws will be able to puncture. However, I will probably double it up just in case!!! Chris, the pictures if you can post them would be awesome.

I am constantly looking for ways of improving my alligators care, and I appreciate everyones help and input. If anyone else happens to have any enclosure pics (outdoors or indoors) that would be awesome. Every little bit helps and gives me a few more ideas of things that I can do to improve his enclosure to his and my benefit.

http://www.wikd.org/gator

I am updating soon, I added pseudo-tile and glowing stars on the roof.

-Seth

Honestly I applaud your efforts to think ahead but given the size of your animal you have quite abit of time to figure it out.
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CDieter
'Reason, observation, and experience; the holy trinity of science.'

Ditto.
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

but I just like to plan ahead. I have run into road blocks with alot of past projects and didn't get them completed in near the time in which I have preferred and so forth. This project is one that I don't want to get postponed any further than necessary. I am not only planning, but also using it as a learning experience. I figured asking the pros a few questions from time to time in order get some idea of what I am looking at in the future would be beneficial. But like you said, I have quite a bit of time before I really have to worry about it. But with my usual run of luck, time flies MUCH faster than I prefer it to.

Thanks for all of the help guys.