Gator Talk

[Sunrunner]

I have noticed that my american alligator, Mikey, has been making an odd "gumping" noise lately, he did this quite often when he was small but recently he has been doing quite frequentley especailly when he sees me or I pick him up. I was just wondering what is this noise and why does he do it? He is about two years old now and I thought he would be beyond the age when he would call for other gators. Any info would be appreciated.

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

Chirping/coughing can mean one or both of two things, A threat call or a distress call. Which one is it? I'm not really sure. A threat call may or may not have a body reaction of striking and or huffing up and bloating up. A distress call will most likely be if he took off swimming, running or wiggling when caught. But then again, It may be a little of both. Either way it's stressing him, which isnt a good thing if commonly done.
Sometimes, if he heres another chirping from a youngster either near him or from TV (Like most of mine do anyways) He will most likely react with chirping or nervous pacing, in and or out of the water. Just if that may be of some case for ya' now or in the future..
Xain

[Sunrunner]

OK thanks for the info... I thought that was what it was but just thought I would ask to be sure, Is this common for one of this age?
Kim

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

Yea, it's still fairly common. Heh I have 5'ers who still chirp like a "bebe"