getting a gator?

Question

are they bad pets i dont really want my arm bit off i had pythons iguana almost all reptiles whats the downside of a gator or croc are these you buy from the pet store get real big or what

Answer 1

First look into the legality of owning an alligator in the state you live in. I know here in FL (it's been a while since I filled out the applications but back then...) you have to have 1000 hours experience working with alligators and I'm not sure what the yearly permit fees are. Then you're looking into housing. There are certain requirements on how your alligator is enclosed, etc. Fish and Wildlife can show up at any time to inspect your premesis to assure that the animal is being kept properly.

Down to brass tacks. Alligators are NOT pets, what are your intentions on keeping this animal? Status symbol? Why? I have a permit to own and display alligators for educational purpouses, my little guy works for a living. He's just under two feet long now, but in a few years, I'll have a five or six foot animal that can't be controlled anymore. Finding a zoo to take it nowdays is somewhat out of the question, they have as many alligators as they need. Most gator farms for that matter will take it off your hands, depending on what the market's doing, if they can't sell hides why take another gator that they'll have to feed..... Luckily, we found a zoo/farm with a pond specifically set aside for "pet" gators who the owners couldn't bear the thought of having their "little" gator turned into luggage, so that's where our first gator "Pursey" went to, and that's where Stinky will go, too when it's time.

When your gator makes a mistake.... When it's little, it's not too bad, a hatchling feels like a clothespin with a bunch of needles in it, but we're talking about an animal that at adult size a casual bite is 2000 psi, a four footer wouldn't be able to kill you by any means, or even wring your hand off, but it could strip all the meat off your arm or render your hand useless.

If you don't have a VIABLE reason to own an alligator, you shouldn't have one in my opinion. If you insist on carnivorous reptiles, start out with a monitor lizard or something. If none of this is working for you, think about the poop......crocodilian poop is no fun, and even with a submersible filter in a tank, you're cleaning every few days or so.

Answer 2

a gator gets 8 to 12 feet long

Answer 3

Not sure how it works for you, but in australia you can buy a crocodile as a baby and raise it until it is 3 feet long. After that if you are incapable of looking after it, you have to return it to the Crocodile farm that you got it from.

Owning an alligator will become expensive. First you need somewhere adequate to house it. Water for it to swim in, dry land, and closed off so that there is no way it can escape. When they are young I believe you can keep them in a large fish tank. Don't forget that you will have to regularly feed it, and as it grows it's meals will become bigger too.

As far as I am aware, alligators are generally more docile than crocodiles. Regular handling and proper care for your alligator will make it less snappy, but always be on guard. The person or farm that you buy it from will be able to give you more specific information reguarding feeding, care and housing.

I suggest that you contact your local Parks and Wildlife Association, and ask them what the go is for licencing and keeping an Alligator in your state.

Answer 4

Don't think you can do that anymore - protected species. They are not for sale legally. Why would you want one? As babies, they may be cute, but they grow up and will eat anything and everything. Crocs and gators cannot be domesticated and will eat the owner if given a chance.

Answer 5

Gators are not good pets. Gators can grow to over 10 feet. You can not handle them when they get large and they can be agressive. You have to have a relatively large area to keep them with a pool large enough for them to submerge in and dry land for them to sun themselves. Also no easy task keeping them well fed. Just not a good idea.

Answer 6

the only upside to owning a gator would be that it's "cool"

the down sides would be that it can kill you, eat eats ALOT of food... and it needs a large outdoor enclosure in a semi-tropical climate... generally i wouldn't think that a gator is a good pet for a novice reptile keeper... and yes they get very large

Answer 7

Didn't know ya could buy one of those. Probably not a real great idea though. If he bites your arm off how you gonna call 911.

Answer 8

my brother has a Cayman ... it bites! It wasn't so bad when it was small, but now...YIKES!
If you are looking for something exotic look around, but I would suggest you stay away from things that can take off your body parts!

Answer 9

I think it is illegal to keep one. I have a friend with a Cayman and they require alot of care and $$$. These animals are carnivores and are fully capable of hurting you.

Answer 10

A Crocodile is pretty seminile
But an Alligator can be even greater

(Hope this helps)