return to: crocodilian.com | species list | biology database | communication | croc links

This is a detailed care guide for serious keepers of caimans, alligators and crocodiles. If you're looking for a friendly, loving and easy to care for pet, this guide is definitely not for you!

FAQ CONTENTS 0. CREDITS 1. CONTENTS 2. INTRODUCTION 3. SPECIES 4. PURCHASING 5. HOUSING 6. FEEDING 7. HANDLING 8. HEALTH CARE 9. MISCELLANEOUS 10. APPENDICES

0. TITLE & CREDITS 1. CONTENTS 2. INTRODUCTION   2.0 What is the aim of this FAQ?   2.1.0 What is a crocodilian?   2.1.2 How many species of crocodilians are there?   2.1.3 Where do crocodilians live in the wild?   2.2.1 How large do crocodilians get?   2.2.2 How fast do crocodilians grow?   2.2.3 How long do crocodilians live? 3. CROCS AS PETS   3.1 Do caimans, alligators and crocodiles make good pets?   3.2 Which crocodilian species make the best captives?   3.3 Are there laws against keeping crocodilians?   3.4 Is it possible to tame a crocodilian?   3.5 Are crocodilians capable of learning? 4. PURCHASING   4.1 Where can I buy a crocodilian?   4.2 What do I need to consider when buying a crocodilian?   4.3 How much can I expect to pay?   4.4 Is there anything else I need to buy?   4.5 How do I transport crocodilians? 5. HOUSING   5.1.1 What important points must be considered when housing crocodilians?   5.1.2 How large does the enclosure need to be?   5.1.3 What type of enclosure can I use for small crocodilians?   5.1.4 What type of enclosure can I use for large crocodilians?   5.1.5 How much water and land area do crocodilians need?   5.1.6 Do crocodilians only grow to the size of their enclosures?   5.1.7 Can crocodilians escape from enclosures easily?   5.1.8 What furnishings need to go into an enclosure?   5.2.1 What temperature should the environment be?   5.2.2 How do I regulate water temperature?   5.2.3 How do I regulate air temperature?   5.3.1 What lighting does a crocodilian need?   5.3.2 What about UV light?   5.4.1 What's the best way to keep the enclosure clean?   5.4.2 How often should I clean the enclosure?   5.4.3 Can I clean the enclosure without handling the crocodilian?   5.5 Are there any tips to keep the enclosure safe? 6. FEEDING   6.1.1 What does a crocodilian eat in the wild?   6.1.2 What can I feed crocodilians in captivity?   6.2 How often does a crocodilian need to eat?   6.3.1 How do I give food to a crocodilian safely?   6.3.2 Should the food be whole, or in smaller pieces?   6.3.3 Should I feed live or pre-killed food?   6.4 What's the earliest age that crocodilians can eat?   6.5 What about vitamin supplements?   6.6 Is there any danger of parasites from wild-caught foods?   6.7 Why do crocodilians sometimes ingest small stones? 7. HANDLING   7.1 Should I handle my crocodilian?   7.2 When should I start handling a crocodilian?   7.3 How often should I handle a crocodilian?   7.4 What's the safest way to pick up a crocodilian?   7.5 Should I use gloves?   7.6 How do I release a crocodilian safely?   7.7 What about handling a larger crocodilian?   7.8 What should I do if I get bitten? 8. HEALTH CARE   8.1 What regular checks should I make on a crocodilian?   8.2.1 What kind of physical injuries can crocodilians suffer from?   8.2.2 What kind of diseases can crocodilians suffer from?   8.2.3 What kind of parasites can attack crocodilians?   8.2.4 What are the most common problems and their causes?   8.3 Can I treat common problems at home?   8.4.1 How often should I take a crocodilian to the vet?   8.4.2 What information or samples will the vet require?   8.4.3 What if my animal is too large and aggressive to take to the vet?   8.5 Are there any zoonoses (diseases) I can catch from crocodilians?   8.6 Should I trim a crocodilian's claws?   8.7 Where can I find a list of vets capable of treating crocodilians? 9. MISCELLANEOUS   9.1 How do you sex a crocodilian?   9.2 Can I keep a crocodilian with other animals?   9.3 Should I monitor the crocodilian's progress?   9.4 Where can I find a good home for a crocodilian?   9.5 Where can I find more information on the Internet and in books? 10. APPENDICES   App I List of veterinary surgeons capable of treating crocodilians   App II List of US wildlife departments to contact about permits   App III Dealers, breeders and other advertisers   App IV Dimensions and capacity of aquarium tanks   App V Dimensions of Rubbermaid stock tanks FUTURE PLANS   * Illustrations on habitat design   * Breeding adults, incubating eggs, raising young   * More on behaviour (e.g. aggression)   * Natural history   * List of references

return to: crocodilian.com | species list | biology database | communication | croc links


Design & content by Adam Britton © 1995-2011 [email]

CROCODILIAN VISITORS
SINCE 5TH MARCH 1996