He brought it home a month ago. It eats well. 2ft long. It is breathing really fast. We can't take to a vet. We have a water heater in the tank and a light on one end. We feed it fresh meat and crickets. any advice?
2007-04-07 05:29:23 · 5 answers · asked by Kat 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Respitory infections are normally signaled with deep gasping (the chest inflates massive amounts of air into it, then expells--usually with a rasping sound) and mucous which can be present around the mouth or nostrils. Lethargy (lack of energy) is common as well, due to the lack of oxygen.
With most reptiles (including crocodilians, in my personal experience), fast, shallow, breathing is a sign of excitement. All crocodilians--which include alligators--will show signs of excitement during feeding times; since you've mentioned that he eats well, it suggests that you feed him often... and many times the best time to observe the animal is during feeding (not many of us have the time to sit at the side of the cage/tank and stare at our 'gators on a daily basis). Which also suggests that what you're observing is excitement behavior.
Still, to error on the safe side, monitor his temperature. Even though American Alligators are the only crocodilian capable of hybernating, it's always a good idea to keep them warm. I would suggest a water temperature in the mid to low 80s, with a basking temperature that approaches the lower 90s.
Another suggestion is with his diet. Crickets and strips of meat are very low in calcium, and it's a good idea to either add some variety into the diet or supplement with calcium powder. One trick I use with my Caiman, while feeding him scraps of meat, is to make a slice lengthwise into the food, and pour small amounts of calcium powder into it. This minimizes the amount wasted should your crocodilian splash water all over it--which he's likely to do.
It also may surprise you that there's an excellent captive care sheet availible on the internet (what CAN'T you find these days?), and I'll post the link below. It's good reading! And it also may help to clear up any future questions you might have come up with.
http://crocodilian.com/crocfaq/
Good luck!
2007-04-07 06:17:53 · answer #1 · answered by writersblock73 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can't take it to the vet? Why not? You're not keeping it illegally, are you? If so, turn it over to the state. Otherwise, if you're keeping it legally, find a vet who can take a look at it. Alligators are not good pets, if you're having trouble with it now, healthwise or otherwise, what are you going to do when it's 5 feet long? Or 7 feet long? Or 10 feet long?
2007-04-07 07:03:37 · answer #2 · answered by gimmenamenow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An animal that is obviously showing signs that something is wrong needs attention. I'm not sure of any state that allows you to keep alligaters so I'm sure you have it illegally and that's why you can;t take it to a vet. Call your local Zoo or Game Warden and let him have the medical attention he needs. Otherwise, if he dies in your care, you may get some animal cruelty charges....
2007-04-07 08:03:05 · answer #3 · answered by sewingmom 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look up the signs for respitory infection and then look up the treatment. I am so happy for you! They are the pets of the century!
2007-04-07 13:03:26 · answer #4 · answered by Fernada 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't understand why are you messing with some thing which belong to the wild.
2007-04-07 08:58:39 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋