what does a cayman alligator eat I have and don't know what to feed him?

Question

I bought a baby cayman alligator and the lady I got him from did not know nothing about him can some one help me please I don't know what to feed him and how much and how often. also do they need heat lights or anything.

Answer 1

HABITAT:
Extremely adaptable species found in virtually all lowland wetland and riverine habitat types throughout its range - particularly as a result of the now-diminished ranges of sympatric competitors (e.g. C. acutus, C. intermedius, M. niger) - although it generally prefers areas of still water. The extensive Panatal floodplain provides a perfect habitat for the caiman during the rainy season. Caiman crocodilus has the widest distribution of any species in the Alligatoridae family. Can tolerate a reasonable degree of salinity. If environmental conditions become too harsh, they will burrow into mud and aestivate.

DIET:
Juveniles take a variety of aquatic invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, molluscs). As they grow, various vertebrates take up a greater percentage of the diet. These include fish, amphibians, reptiles and water birds. Older animals are capable of taking larger, mammalian prey (e.g. wild pigs). Observations show that as conditions become drier, caimans stop feeding. Cannibalism has been reported under such conditions. The ecological importance of this species has been demonstrated in terms of nutrient recycling - nitrogenous waste re-enters the ecosystem to the benefit of other plants and animals. In areas where this species has become depleted, fish populations have also shown a decline. They are also reputed to control piranha numbers. While it has been stated that little evidence is available to support this, C. yacare does demonstrate this particular dietary preference. In reality, it is likely that C. crocodilus is very much a generalist and adaptive predator, given its ecological success.

Answer 2

In captivity, variety is the key. Small captives will take crickets, waxworms, mealworms, goldfish, and pinkies. As they become larger, whole mice, chicks, squid, fresh chopped or whole trout, rats, rabbits, and whole plucked chickens are all good, depending on the size of the animal. Whole animals such as mice, rats, and rabbits are nutritionally balanced, and should be the main part of their diet. Live or fresh fish should make up only a small portion of their diet. It is prudent to supplement meals with added calcium to prevent metabolic bone disease, a chronic calcium deficiency which is common among crocodilians. Commercial "Alligator Chow" is also a well balanced food, although whole animals are probably appreciated. Hatchlings should be fed 3 times per week, and as they become larger, once or twice per week is sufficient. Crocodilians that will not feed are likely sick or being maintained at an improper temperature.

For more information regarding your new pet,Please see: http://coloherp.org/careshts/other/crocs.php

Answer 3

Try live "feeder" goldfish... Like all reptiles, they will need a hot rock to keep warm and normally they live in tropical areas of Central America so make sure it is kept in a warm environment with water if possible.

Also, when that caiman gets full size DO NOT release it into the wild if you can't take care of it... Especially if you live in near the Harbor Park area. ;)

Answer 4

First you thermally a great deal shocked it, now you're chilling it? it is a optimistic thanks to furnish it a respiration ailment. i'd go away it on my own in a good habitat. The initial warmth positioned it into wonder and it desires quiet time to recuperate. The smaller it really is, the longer it is going to take- if it is going to recuperate. If the habitat has cooler, shadier hiding places, i'd enable it discover its own position to recuperate. even if it really is thoroughly motionless, i'd position it in a mildly warmth (no longer warm, yet definately no longer cool) component to the cage, a minimum of partly in the water, and go away it on my own for a number of hours. If it does no longer wade through itself after a number of hours, both call a vet or practice for it to no longer live to inform the tale.

Answer 5

They eat fish, frogs, crustaceans, snakes -- pretty darn
near anything they can get ahold of. Baby ones could
eat insects, mealworms and small fish.
You really SHOULD give it to a reptile sanctuary so that
the animal can be sure to live a happy and healthy life.
With wild animals as pets, we mean well - but that's no
excuse. : > )

Answer 6

I never have have a cayman but I know that baby cayman is feed on
small crabs,snails,water insects,shrimp,small fish,and when they
get bigger they feed on frogs,snakes,small mammals,and other
small prey.

Answer 7

Im sorry but i have to agree with many people on here, as much as i wanted one that was for sale i knew nothing about them or how long i would be able to keep it so i passed on it.
please dont make this creature suffer if you cant care for it, give it to a sanctuary.

Answer 8

i had 1 and we feed it chrickets and other bugs and feeder fish.also when the get older feed them mice.just remember that gators kill what they feed on and store it under water under something.so if they have food tucked away its ok.just dont over feed them the food will get wasted.

Answer 9

Here's a start. Don't get animals that you have no idea how to care for.

Answer 10

fingers hands he is not picky LOL anything alive that he can catch