Gators

[Scott&Nikki]

Ok guys, all this recent gator talk has got me extremely curious. Do you need a license for these? I would love information about them. I couldn't find anything online other than "do not keep them as pets". How big do they get? What do they eat? How big of an enclosure do they need? Any other important info would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks!

 

[GeckoStud]

I can tell you they max out at 14 feet though that length is not common. They eat... meat and fish, anything they can munch on I imagine . Just make sure you know what your doing, these animals get big and can be very dangerous. Not saying they're impossible to keep, but they need alot of care.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Oh alright... I thought these were like smaller animals. Nevermind then. I was thinking like... 2 feet.

 

[RaiQuee]

Do some research on Caimans, I know they stay much smaller. However all the research you've done and have come up with "don't keep them as pets" is a very good tid bit of research. Take it from someone who has worked with a caiman. They are boring, messy and dangerous. Besides the first "Oh, I got a Caiman" ride, it very quickly becomes something you don't want to get messed up in. Luckily I've never -owned- one, and altho most that know me know I have a soft spot for BIG lizards, I would -never- own one.

 

[ReptileMan27]

Crocodilians are illegal to keep in many places and for good reason, their NOT PETS. Caimans dont get as big but have an attidude and are dangerous, plus they do require alot of room.

 

[Reptile_le00man7mm]

Gators in general are fairly easy to keep, if you have the space as i do. You have to think what will you do when they get over 1ft, or bigger. They do eat allot, daily,lots! And they do require alot of room. I guess i diddnt go into detail in the PM with you. Ive had caimans as well. They are more aggressive but dont get as big. Crocodilians are illegal in most states, you need a permit to aquire one. I know all states that are native to gators such as me, NC.. have to have a permit. Obtaining one isnt easy. You have to have so many hours experience with them, usually by a breeder. I did my time several years ago in Vero beach FLA.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Ok thanks everyone. As much as I would love to have one, I now realize that isn't going to happen. If anyone has pics of theirs I would love to see, though. Thanks again!

 

[NicoleO]

A friend of mine has a dwarf caiman. He said that they get to be about 4 feet and he's had it for 2 years now, scary enough the caiman's pretty nice when handled. I'll see if I can get some pics of the caiman so you can see what it looks like.