Care and handling of pet alligator?

Question

I agreed to pet sit my neice's pet alligator and I have to admit I am a bit nervous. Anyone got any information for me on a safe way to pick the little thing up? Any information anyone can get me would be appreciated.

Answer 1

if you hold it's mouth closed it can't bite, or if you manage even to get a large rubberband around it, alligator's jaws are very weak when it comes to opening, they are only made to snap shut so unless its mout opens it cant bit you right? and hold it just like you would hold a small dog, supporting it's pinal column by holding your arm underneath it's whole body, and make sure you start by holding its mout shut. it may be sort of fisty. but they're not as violent as they seem.

Answer 2

Yes take care when handling a pet alligator. I would wear gloves when attempting to pick it up. And approach your hand from the back of its head. then over the mouth. But I am not an expert. Also I really its not a good idea to even have a pet alligator, whats going to happen when it gets big?

Answer 3

Your niece made a big mistake. Little alligators will eventually turn into big alligators. Big alligators have big teeth and they don't listen very well. I have a deep respect for all of Ma Nature's creatures, including alligators. But they should never be kept as pets. What the hell was she thinking?

Oh yeah, you had a question. Sorry. Go out and rent some Steve Erwin flicks. They should show you everything you need to know.

Answer 4

bad idea to have one.......they do not make good pets, cannot be tamed, are unchanged for millions of years, and whatever you do, when it gets too big for you to keep, dont turn it loose in any area lakes or streams, there is a big problem here in texas with alligators popping up in area ponds, lakes and other places where they have never been seen before,,,,,just last week i found an alligator crossing our street after dark....i dont live near any lake, river or wetland area, he was about 2 1/2 foot long.....he came from a stock pond more than likely...i like 35 miles west of houston texas,

Answer 5

first of how little is little? Then if I was you, I'd be trying to find a good alligator farm. Cause it ain't gonna stay little forever! But as for picking it up, make sure you keep that mouth closed and watch out for the tail.

Answer 6

First , if you hav`nt had tetnus shots in the last 10 years run out and get, a s a p, Why didn`t your cuz leave handling instructions to handle the little whipper snapper ?

Answer 7

Alligators have weak jaw muscles to open up, so if you firmly grab the jaw and the hind quarters of the gator you should be fine. However, I recommend not even touching it.

Answer 8

I would have to say... WATCH THE MOUTH. Whenever I see someone handling them, they always grab the mouth first & clamp it shut. Also, watch that tail, it's their second weapon.

Answer 9

make sure he is dry and not wet i had one and when it was wet it was very mean. but when it was dry it would just lay there and you could pick them up and handle them

Answer 10

Very carefully.