Caimans and MBD>>>

[reptilesalonica]

This is my caiman crocodilus and it's 8 months old. My question is what is the minimum of food that i can offer to keep him in a relatively short size without hurting the animal's growth? Thanks~Greg~ http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/503/1646caiman_crocodilus_c_-med.jpg

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

...What I do is feed several items on each feedings and feed until they stop eating on one session a day every 3rd-4th day.
It keeps the animal in steady growth of several inches a yr. (pending on maturity)

...Now the minimum I would say is do the suggested above but do it on say 1.5 week intervals..

Also always have free roaming minnows or perch is a plus.
Xain

[Piers]

I think that if you want a small caiman you should get a dwarf caiman. Stunting an animal to fit your life is not the right thing to do.
I feel that when getting an animal you should think of its adult size and the housing to keep it, and if you can keep it as an adult.
There are many animals that I want but space is in short supply.
I don't want to come off as a hard case, but you must think of the animal first
Piers

[reptilesalonica]

That's why i explain that i want to feed the animal so, that it does not affect it's growth rate. I made my self clear.

[sparkon16]

UH OH heard this conversation way too many times between ppl. lol

Deuce

[BurmBaroness]

To keep any animal from reaching their normal size, you would have to deprive it of food. A relatively short size? I agree with Piers, I would not buy an animal, and then try to control it's size with feeding. It's normal size is it's normal size, and that is the way it's supposed to be.

[reptilesalonica]

This is not happening with reptiles. In reptiles there is not normal size. Size is depending from various conditions. You have 2 female burmese. The one is 4 meters and the other 6 meters. Both can be healthy the same.

[ReptiZone]

Size is not with the conditions it is in there genetics there not like fish thy dont grow to the size of there aquariums. I know what you are asking what is the minimum of food that you can offer to keep him in a relatively short size. The answer is there is no such thing if you have a animal you feed it and watch it grow other wis you leave it there fore some one else.

[reptilesalonica]

Then you do not agree that if you take 2 neonates, same gender from the same mother and power feed the one while you give less food to the other, they will grow to the same size? And then why many Breeders Power feed their reptiles to rich a big size sooner so they could breed them? If food doesn't have to do with size in reptiles then what?
~Greg~

[ReptiZone]

IT is genetics and dont get me on the power feeding fore breeding subject that is just a money making raket if you cant wait fore the snake to grow at it's own rate ther is a problem not YOU just you in a general sence refering to lots of ppl

[reptilesalonica]

I'm afraid i didn't understood correctly the last thing you've said. I don't stay to what some breeders do with power feeding. I am only saying that food and it's quantity affects groth. That is my point.

[ReptiZone]

food afects it to a serten extent but it dos dot hold the main factor if a snake is not ment to be a gient it wount be one even if you power feed it take to babys aand power feed one if it is made to be a big snake it will grow like crazy but is it is not destin to grow big it wont that is why we have shourt ppl and tall ppl in the world it is only in the genetics eventhow a balance diet helps out a lot

[ReptiZone]

any ways this is not about a burm it is about a caimen that will get any where from 8-10 feet long maby biger if you are one of the lucky ones and be prepared the have a temperment like a indian python (and if you never handeld a indian python) that is a bad thing get ready for a good ride he is cute by the way

[reptilesalonica]

Well, take a look at the photo. It's my friends biggest giant. I know about Indians that are very fast...
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/507/1646python_sebae_c_-med.jpg
A...cute giant?! :)

[ReptiZone]

that is great have you ever cheked my galary there is a few giants there also at http://groups.msn.com/reptizone
most of all the big giants belong to the zoo I worked at

[reptilesalonica]

He is working in a Zoo too but, this giant is in his house. Hey, this adult retic at your gallery is masterpiece! I saw that our Boas are alike (whittish phases) yours is it a crossbred? Check my Gallery on ssnakess

[jason h]

well to interject and return to the main subject,
1. yes lessoning the feeding will result in a smaller or slower growth rate .
BUT!!!! it also results in more health problems,and a shortened life span.
if you truly want a healthy caiman you feed it to the very best of your ability.
if you wish to have a smaller caiman and still have it healthy you should look into finding a good home for it and look for a smaller breed of caiman like one of the two dwarf species.
Your pets health should be your main concern no matter what.
believe me you can gain alot of pride in yourself when you know your caiman is happy,healthy,strong and active, And you know its that way because youve made the effort to be the best keeper you can be for your pet,(and if looked after properly) your life time companion.:D

[reptilesalonica]

:thumbsup: Thanks Jason. I made you a buddy because of what you've said. I love my reptiles and whatever i have, i try to give to it all of my knowledge and care. That's why we have forums to chat and not to condemn each other. If someone thinks knows everything then he/she can advise people.
Take care you all~you and your Herps
~Greg~