Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone happen to have any information/documentation regarding Splayed teeth in crocodilians? I know that it is most common in captive crocodilians, but I am trying to figure out what causes it? It is due to the lack of "excersise" that the teeth of crocodilians get in captivity? Considering, in captivity they dont get an opportunity to pull and rip like they would in the wild. Or, could it be related to a calcium problem? If you have any personal information regarding this, or can point me to some good information I would be very much appreciative.

Thanks,

Chris
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

I have been told by a few people that it is caused from keeping them on concrete or other hard surfaces.
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1.1 Womas, 1.0 Australian Olive Python, 1.0 Centralian Carpet Python, 1.0 Jungle Carpet Python,0.1 Malaysian Blood Python 1.0 Cape York Spotted Pythons, 1.0 Australian Water Python, 1.0 Albino Green Burmese, 1.1 Loxocemus bicolor (New World "Pythons" ), 1.2 Peruvian Red-Tail Boas, 2.1 Hog Island Boas, 0.1 Belem Brazilian Red- Tail Boa, 0.0.1 North American Wood Turtle, 0.0.2 European Pond Turtles, 1.0 Leucistic Alligator Snapper, 0.0.1 FL Red Belly, 0.0.1 Concentric Diamondback Terrapin, 1.3 Crested Geckos, 1.0 Yellow Ackie, 1.0 Yellow Bearded Dragon

Seriously? I would have never thought of that one. I just can't 'seem to see what the connection is between concrete and the animals teeth.

Shocking thought, regardless of whether it is true or not.

Chris
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Chris Law
U.A.P.P.E.A.L. (Uniting a Proactive Primate and Exotic Animal League)
Herpetoculture Element Representative

I remember something about the weight of the animal bearing down on a hard surface deforms the jaws as they grow. I suppose that nutrition also plays a part. Soft, weak bones are probably more susceptible. Again, this is what I have heard from different sources. I don't even remember who. I have always wanted to confirm it though.
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1.1 Womas, 1.0 Australian Olive Python, 1.0 Centralian Carpet Python, 1.0 Jungle Carpet Python,0.1 Malaysian Blood Python 1.0 Cape York Spotted Pythons, 1.0 Australian Water Python, 1.0 Albino Green Burmese, 1.1 Loxocemus bicolor (New World "Pythons" ), 1.2 Peruvian Red-Tail Boas, 2.1 Hog Island Boas, 0.1 Belem Brazilian Red- Tail Boa, 0.0.1 North American Wood Turtle, 0.0.2 European Pond Turtles, 1.0 Leucistic Alligator Snapper, 0.0.1 FL Red Belly, 0.0.1 Concentric Diamondback Terrapin, 1.3 Crested Geckos, 1.0 Yellow Ackie, 1.0 Yellow Bearded Dragon