Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm moving my 5 ft spec. to a new bigger enclosure at a different location. My plan is to lower his temp to 55-60 for two days before making the move to keep him calmer and slow down his reaction time. I've owned him for 16 years, but haven't handled or moved him for the last 10 years. When making the move I'll tape his month and cover his eyes with a towel. Is there anything else I should do or keep in mind in making the move a successful one for both thr caiman and myself?

Rick

First of all sir, I would like to offer a suggestion: DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF.
Find some one from your area or even rent people that have the experience to do such a thing. When animals such as yours are moved without the proper knowledge; (I’m sorry to say but that only comes with many, many, multiple moves of smaller animals, gradually getting larger and larger.) PEOPLE or the animal will get hurt. Many reptile owners have handled smaller alligator as they are more common. The difference between grabbing a 3-4 foot alligator is nothing compared to the handling it will take a 5 foot caiman. They are much stronger, faster and smarter (people will argue this, but my opinion) when it comes to physical contact. You will not be able to just grip it around the neck like a monitor or gator. How do you propose to hold it down while you tape up its mouth? Depending on the weight or girth of the animal a wooden crate or large plastic drainage tube with doors would be best, providing you could get them inside. (Opinions will vary on that act.) Just review some of the Steve Irwin and other National Geographic episodes as per the strength of larger crocodilians. They usually include many human bodies, but all are at risk. Crocodilians are strong but they tire quickly and recover when you least expect them to. I have moved many of these things over the years and found that each person handling them may have their own opinion as to how to do it. If ¼” rope will work use ½”. If two people can pick it up use four. Double every safety act you do. When it comes to these things you cannot be careful enough. Do not be lulled by it’s complacent manner.
Good Luck! Bob_B
Some of my “critters”:
Link

Sorry folks, I locked a file and it won't send. It's been a long day. When I get it straightened out. I will post the correct pictures. Bob-B

Edited on September 25, 2010 at 22:24:09 by PHFaust.

I agree
I always crate my animals over 3 foot. Safer for them and you. I have a few different types of crates, depending on the size.

I rarely have no one to help me and have to do it alone. Believe me when you try to put a 5 foot caiman in a crate alone it is a task. The lowering of the heat i can't say I would do. These animals will surprise you. You think because of the lower temps it will be easier to handle. Then you let your guard down and smack you get tagged. Plus how will it affect the animal?
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2 A. Miss at 8'
5 A. Miss at 3'-5'
1 C. Nil at 9'
1 C. Croc at 6.5'
6 A. Miss/C. Croc 2'-3'
1 Naja kaouthia
1 A. c. contortrix
1 Ophiophagus hannah (but not much longer - gettin old and that snake is fast)

I'm moving a 5ft nile next week and I will surely have at least 1 person helping me, probably 2. The Nile will be going straight into a crate for transport.

Not cooling the croc down at all, will drain the water the night before though so its not so wet and hard to grip, towl over his head, tape on his jaws and off he goes to the crate.

The 1 or 2 helpers will be mainly for taping jaw, lifting to crate and getting in the crate ... crate lid will be 2 sections to make it a little easier kepping it in until its sealed.
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Great Lakes Zoological

Yeah it is nice to have help, for sure. I generally don't use a lid on top. I use a slide in door at the back of the crate. It is so much easier to slide em in and pull em out than trying to work with a lid.
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2 A. Miss at 8'
5 A. Miss at 3'-5'
1 C. Nil at 9'
1 C. Croc at 6.5'
6 A. Miss/C. Croc 2'-3'
1 Naja kaouthia
1 A. c. contortrix
1 Ophiophagus hannah (but not much longer - gettin old and that snake is fast)