Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have an Americian Croc (C. Acutus) that has not been a great eater since it came in. It was being housed with a larger male and there were some territorial problems. The smaller male (about 11 feet) has been separated and living alone now. I have only been able to see this animal eat a few times. It hasn’t eaten since October, and has been loosing body mass. It is housed outside so we don’t have complete control over the environment but we did install a heater on the pond which keeps the water temps a few degrees higher. Last week our daytime temps were 80-85F. I was able to keep the water in the low 80s. While he is responsive he doesn’t accept any food items. Our vet wants to deworm (which we haven’t done yet) and force feed some food at the same time. Additionally we want to check for impactions at the same time. Anyone have any experience with force feeding crocs? I have some ideas on how to do it, but have never seen it done.

John Paner

you say hes 11'? was he housed with an owner that always handled him or no? i dont know if there is a way to force feed a bigger crocadilian like that, i mean baby's maybe but not something like that, unless you were the person that had it since day one and he was used to you touching him...have you offerd him live food? im not talkling like mice im thinking more like larger chickens or even a large fish like a larg koi...i wish i could help you more...good luck
Jake

John,

A few thoughts regarding your query:

C. acutus are notorious for stress susceptability, and, if I may put it bluntly, 'moodiness.' Did this specimen come from an extreme region of South Florida, where temps are a bit warmer? Is he showing any obvious signs of stress-born illness (skin impairments, etc.) besides the gradual emaciation you described? Is he thermoregulating normally? Are there audial, visual, or vibrational stressors present external to his enclosure(traffic, machine noise, etc.)?

Also, does he have an area in his enclosure where he is able to COMPLETELY hide, that is, be hidden all around himself?

Considering that it's still a bit relatively cool here in Central Florida, combined with croc's recent stressors, this condition of his doesn't sound surprising.

If this croc were in my care, depending on an in-person examination of his condition, I'd make sure he had a hiding spot, such as thick brush surrounding/shielding a basking area, and I'd consider placing food in that area. This, accompanied with patience in waiting for warmer temps (coming soon), might be enough to do the trick.

Force feeding him is VERY stressful, as it involoves intubation on a large scale -- possibly requiring restraining him in an awkward position with his mouth fixed open with wood or a PVC pipe of appropriate size. In my opinion, this procedure is a LAST resort. If you think this is a must, I'll be happy to write up a suggested procedure for you.

Hope this helps.
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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL