Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a three-foot American Alligator that is outgrowing it's 150 gallon tank. I am planning on building a pool like enclosure for it; however, I have a problem. I live in WV and due to the cold winters will have a problem keeping it outside. I don't have much room in the house for anything large scale, but do have many smaller building outside. My question is how would I warm its enclosure. These buildings are not insulated, so I was thinking of covering it with plastic to form a sort of greenhouse and putting a gas stove inside since I get free gas for warmth and a heater to warm the water. Will this be suffice for keeping the enclosure warm in the winter, or would I need something more insulated? Any help would be appreciated, including any suggestions on books or other sites on the subject. Thanks.

hey

well in response to your question, in my oppinion you could make a greenhouse sort of enclosure with proper underwater heating and such for now, but no matter what anybody says an american alligator will get up to atleast 13 feet long and will need something alot bigger unless you decide to euthanize the animal when it out grows the enclosure.
Ive heard people say alligators and crocodilles will only grow to the size of the enclosure and then stunt out. this is a lie, the crocodillian will keep groing untill it can not move or grow anymore, meaning (tail to wall, along with nose to wall)...doing this to the animal can cause deformed limbs and a very very unhealthy alligator which will soon perish... in my oppinion the alligator should have atleast twice its length and width on land and off to move comfortably and live a healhy life.