What do they eat? Is it really true that depending on the tank thats how big they grow?
2007-09-11 11:11:54 · 6 answers · asked by M 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
The growth based on enclosure size theory is complete nonsense. Feed it alot, it will grow alot. Feed it a little, it will grow a little. I don't care if you keep it in a 10 gallon aquarium or in a large pen outside, growth will be the same. I used to own one, as well as caimans. I agree that they are not good pets for most people. And if you're coming here to look for help, you definitely don't need one.
They eat meat. Any kind of meat. I fed mine chicken and beef, as well as baby chicks and rodents. Hatchlings can be fed crickets and pinky mice.
http://www.crocodilian.com/crocfaq/
2007-09-11 11:59:51 · answer #1 · answered by madsnakeman 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
To answer your questions in the order asked....
You leave it in the wild and let it take care of itself.
Whatever they want.
No.
If you're really interested, contact your state's wildlife commission or whatever they call it and ask to speak with someone about requirements for owning dangerous/exotic animals. Just remember, if you DO happen to meet your state's requirements, that alligators are wild animals, I don't care how cute they are when they're little, and it's not a matter of -if- you get bitten, it's WHEN. And then, when it's six feet long, or eight feet long, or ten feet long or however long it will be when you realize that you've gotten yourself into a big mess buying an animal that will live as long as you if not longer, what will you do with it? Let it go so it can kill someone? Well, that's not a good idea... how about call a zoo and ask if they want it? well... most zoos have all the alligators they need or want, so that's most likely out of the question... a gator farm would be more than willing to take it, but would you like the thought of your gator turning into a wallet/handbag/briefcase/whatever? because that's what happens to alligators at farms... hmm... this is a predicament worth ACTUALLY THINKING ABOUT, so THINK ABOUT IT.
2007-09-13 21:02:33 · answer #2 · answered by gimmenamenow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most cities there are City Ordinances against owning a wild animal. You have to have a special permit that is issued by whoever takes care of that wherever it is that you live. Alligators are not a domestic animal. They do not make good pets.
2007-09-11 20:40:22 · answer #3 · answered by Terry R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to have American alligators in captivity. While their babies may be "cute", they do not make good pets. They get large, aggressive, and are potentially very dangerous animals. I work with them at an institution in TX, and they are not to be kept as a domestic pet.
If you actually have a permit for this animal, I hope you know what you are getting into.
For the other part of the question, they eat mice.
The enclosure regulates size idea is somewhat true: if fed a small amount in a smaller enclosure, growth rate will be very slow. If in a large enclosure with lots of food, they will grow rapidly.
2007-09-11 18:30:08 · answer #4 · answered by hippiewhomper57 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I SERIOUSLY ADVISE YOU NOT TO BUY AN ALLIGATOR.
They are not domesticated or even trainable. They can grow to over 12 feet long and will attack anything that moves: You dog, hamster, little sister. They will attack it.
But on a lighter note they do grow bigger than their tank
2007-09-11 20:41:57 · answer #5 · answered by Keegzz 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's not true. Alligators are NOT domestic pets, and once they become sexually mature, they're usually too aggressive to be around, and tend to be released, causing complications.
Stick to domesticated animals.
2007-09-11 18:18:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋