The Basics of Keeping Crocodilians

[KrokadilyanGuy3]

Zane Neher



The Basics of Keeping Crocodilians


Before the purchase:
Firstly, before you decide to go off and purchase a crocodilian of any kind, you need to make sure you've thoroughly researched its requirements, and that you have everything you need for it already. Those commonly used rack systems and are a no go for these guys. Sorry. Make sure you are legal not only stately but as well as your zoning. Also make sure that you've built the tank or enclosure in which you plan to keep the animal before you buy the animal. You won't believe how many people buy the animal first and then try and figure out how to house it later down the road. Potential owners must seriously take in mind his or her reasons for bringing a crocodilian into their home. A few limited questions you may want to ask yourself are:

"Am I truly interested in crocodilians or do I just want to impress my friends?"
"Do I have the room to properly house an adult crocodilian?"
"Am I prepared to spend what it takes to properly house and maintain the animal?"
"Am I willing to put the effort needed to keep the animal's environment clean?"
"Am I satisfied with an animal that will basically only be for display and not a pet one would consider a dog or cat to be?"
"How will my neighborly community think about my newly acquired animal?"
"What are my statewide and local jurisdictions on these animals?"

If you basically can't come to terms with at least these questions then it's possible that a crocodilian isn't the animal you need. To save the time, money, and effort just to end in possible disappointment and run in with the law, you may want to be honest with your motives from the start. You will also save to the negative feedback that is an everyday thing to this hobby on any sense as well as saving the animal from the already large number of unwanted reptiles.


Housing:
Keeping crocodilians require amounts of space and a lot of care and maintenance.
Keeping hatchling crocodilians in a small enclosure is generally the best idea. They can do quite well in 30 gallon enclosures that attains half of the enclosure to be land and the other half water. The enclosure should be well vegetated for the simple reason of secureness. A secure animal is a healthy animal and the more secure the animal feels the less stress it is. The main objective for hatchlings is to keep them stress free and feeding. Thus being a healthy start on life.
After the animal reaches about 12"-14" in length the enclosure should be updated to a 100-150g enclosure. The bigger the housing is the less money you will spend in the long run. Again include a 50/50 land/water area and keep the enclosure well vegetated but not cluttered.
The "pond" area of these enclosures may be bare or graveled covered. A graveled enclosure is best because it will provide stones for the young alligators to ingest which will help aide digestion. Keep noted that a filled, large enclosure may cause damage to your floors so take needed precautions if needed to brace floorings.

The depth of these enclosures can vary to your needs, however the water area should at least cover the entire animal. The simplest method for housing young crocodilians is to place the either bare bottomed or graveled housing unit at a slant providing both land and water. This may however be less attractive to observers. Every aquarium should have the apted areas for the animal to be able to haul itself out of the water and have the ability to bask. These areas may be simply solved with using anything from a rock to a piece of driftwood. However, a well designed basking area may include driftwood, rocks and plants; This will present a visually appealing enclosure.
Enclosure designs are only limited by the imagination and funds of the keeper. Once your animal has reached a little over 30" it will be time to place the animal in a more long termed enclosure. Idealistically, the enclosure should be rather large, possibly as large as to house the animal for the rest of it's natural life. Prefabricated ponds or stock tanks may serve as the water unit if the animal is housed indoors. Outdoor enclosures may be solved the same way but to have the ponds or tanks dug into the ground with a fence bordering the preferred housing area.

Fencing may be provided with several items such as chain link, stock panels, welded wire or plastic and corrugated metal. All of which is relatively inexpensive. The fencing may be anywhere from 3' tall to 6' tall. It is always best to have an over hang to prevent escapes. It is also recommended to build the fence as high as possible to deter any would be predators, human and animals alike. Indoor enclosures using these pond/tank options may have a land area built around these water units or many specimens have learned how to use a ramp into or out of the units. This also helps to provide a drain which will come in handy for cleaning.

Remember that all crocodilians will engage in a terrestrial overhaul, and some species such as the Genus Paleosuchus which will spend most of the time out of water so a land area of some gratitude is a must. Adults will require nothing less than the above statements. Although housing an adult indoors is a possibility, it is best to house adult crocodilians in outdoor ponds that are either earthen or cemented bottomed.
The rule of base or, at least my preference is that housing should consist of land being 3 x "Snout to vent length" by 4 x SVL. and water being 4 x SVL by 5 x SVL or as general the animal can turn completely around without touching either sides or water/land in the process and being high enough to prevent escapes.

Housing features:
After the animal has reached 3' you will find that anything that isn't large and heavy will shortly be removed or destroyed by the animal. At 3' the animal should have pretty much a flat run of the land area with maybe a few large logs or a small shrub to provide shelter.
Paleosuchus, have been noted to tunnel into the ground so several inches to several feet of soil may need to be provided for the animal's comfort. The water area should basically be the same as the land area, open with only a few large items to provide shelter.

Heating:
Thermoregulation is a must for all herps. Crocodilians prefer warm temperatures and will often go off feed if water temperatures drop below 65 degrees F.
Crocodilian owners should maintain the water temperatures at around 75-85 degrees F. for the commonly kept species. Water heaters for aquariums may be used to heat tanks. To save a possibility of an electrical outing, fires and electrocution of the animal all heaters should be placed out of reach of the crocodilian, or any other animal in the enclosure. A few options may be to enclosed the heater(s) by wire mesh or bricks with holes drilled into them to allow proper water flow and temperature disposition.

Large enclosures may be warmed by using pond heaters or by having warm water pipes running along the bottom of the ponds. It is practically unreal to heat large outdoor ponds in areas where snow is a common winter encounter. Land area is simply heated by overhead heat lamps and heaters if the room is rather large and air temperatures drop below 70F.
The lamps must be kept out of jumping distance and should be clear of any debris or cage furniture. Wattage will vary from the height that the lamp is placed and the natural existing temperatures. Large enclosures are best apted with 250 infrared spot bulbs kept at the appropriate height for preferred temperatures. It is also best to provide UVation bulbs such as ReptiSun5.0 for all of your crocodilians life if most of it is indoors. You may be able to skip on the UV bulbs for adult males and non breeding females during the winter months I, however, would not advise it.

Behavior:
Crocodilians have been stated and proven that some may come to recognize individual keepers. They know who feeds them, and will swim over to that person. It has also been shown that crocodilians can come to the keeper after being called by name. Crocodilians have also been stated that they will eventually accumulate certain times of the day that is feeding time. If this happens it may prove problematic to do any other task with them at this particular time period.
It is important to realize since anything placed over or in the tank of the associated feeding periods will be considered food, and will be snapped at, including a keeper's hands.
Care must be taken.

Once you know your animals, you will come to realize what the animal likes and dislikes. As stated a lot of handling from an early age would be required, however, since over-handling can cause stress, it's a difficult proposition. Alligators seem more tolerant of handling than caimen or crocodilians.
Crocodilians will often leave the water at night, so provide adequate space and remember some species are more terrestrial than others such as both dwarf caimen species and the Cuban crocodile.
Provided the space, any crocodilian as well as other herps will make use of it.

Regulations on American alligators:
This will only include state permitation. You will want to check your state and city ordinance for further updates. You will also have to report to your state for any special permits your animal includes such as USDI, ESA and/or any other federal regulated permits.

Alabama (All species) Alligator mississippiensis, American Alligators legally obtained outside of Alabama may only be imported by permit. American Alligators may be possessed, raised, and sold by licensed alligator farming operations. Living alligators at least four feet in length, as well as alligator meat, hides, and parts may be sold.
Permits are required to sell, take or possess any crocodilian including nests, parts and eggs. (AL GFR 16 220-2-96) Alabama License and Permit Information - Fees for Alligator Farming licenses are $1000 annually. The complete text of the alligator farming regulation, and information and applications for any required permits or licenses of this section may be obtained from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Alaska (All species) Any non-venomous reptile may be imported, possessed, sold, and/or traded without permit (AS 16.05.930).

Arizona (All species) The State regulates the importation and possession of non native amphibian and reptile species. Crocodilians, all species require permits from the Permits Coordinator of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Currently the only authorized personal to obtain these permits are limited to Wildlife parks, rehabilitator personal and educators. (AZGFC R12-4-406) and (AZ GFC R12-4-401)

Arkansas (All species) American Alligator. It is unlawful to take, attempt to take, or possess alligators or any part thereof (AGFC 18.14). Alligator farmer permit fees are $500.00 annually with additional fees of $4.00 for each alligator tag. Obtained from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The importation, possession, and sale of any non native amphibian and reptile is not restricted.

California (All species) No permits will be issued or renewed for the operation of an alligator or crocodile farm if the animals are kept for the use and sale of their meat and hides. Species considered to be detrimental to the native wildlife, Agricultural interests, or public health and safety may not be imported, transported, or possessed by anyone who is lacking with special permitation. Permits are only issued to recognized zoos, aquariums or any qualified individuals and institutions for legitimate research or propagational purposes (CA FGC I4-671) (CAC FG 5062) - Permits from the Wildlife Protection Division of the California Department of Fish and Game.

Colorado (All species) Colorado does not currently restrict the importation, possession, or sale of any non native reptile or amphibian species. An importation permit may be required. Permits at Colorado Division of Wildlife. (CWR HFR 1-VII-007-II)

Connecticut (All species) Permits are required for all crocodilian species, for any reason including importation, possession and sells.

Delaware (All species) No person shall bring into this State, possess, sell or exhibit any pure or hybrid amphibian or reptile not native to or generally found in Delaware without first securing a permit under this chapter. The Department of Agriculture may adopt regulations to exempt such animals that do not represent a significant threat to community interests from the provisions of this chapter. (3 Del. C. 1953, § 7201; 57 Del. Laws, c. 553; 69 Del. Laws, c. 84, § 1; 72 Del. Laws, c. 285, § 1.)

Florida Alligators: Class III
Caimen: Class II (All Alligatoridae family animals except the listed below and American.)
Gavialidae: Class I
Crocodilidae: Class I
M. niger: Class I
Osteolaemus: Class II
Class I wildlife shall not be possessed for personal use.
Persons possessing Class II wildlife as personal use wildlife shall purchase a permit.
Persons possessing Class III wildlife as personal use wildlife shall obtain a no-cost permit from the Executive Director. American alligators shall not be possessed as personal use wildlife and shall be possessed only in accordance with permits issued under rule 68A-9.002, F.A.C., ss. 372.6673 or372.921, Florida Statutes.
*Persons possessing any captive wildlife for purposes of public display or sale shall obtain a permit.

Georgia (All species) A commercial alligator farming license is required to possess and propagate Alligator mississippiensis. Additional permits are required to import and to sell or transfer live American Alligators (GA AC 27-2-10).
All crocodylia are considered to be inherently dangerous to humans and permits are required for any and all reasons pertaining to a crocodilian species.

Hawaii (All species) Crocodilians may only be imported and possessed by universities, research institutes, zoos, aquariums and so forth. They cannot be commercially traded or be in possession of an individual not belonging to the noted above.

Idaho (All species) The sale of amphibians and reptiles obtained from outside of Idaho is only allowed if such sale is legally permitted in the state or country of origin. Import permits are needed for any non native wildlife (Crocodilians are Legal)

Illinois (All species) Illinois considers all crocodilians over six feet to be dangerous and prohibits their sale and possession.

Indiana (All species) This State has no Restriction on Import, Sales, of non native Reptiles.

Iowa (All species) This State has no Restriction on Import, Sales, of non native Reptiles.

Kansas Reptiles may be imported, possessed, sold, offered for sale, or purchased provided it was legally obtained from outside of the State (KAR 115-20-3).

Kentucky (All species) The possession, propagation, exhibition, sale, or purchase for commercial purposes of any wildlife without a Commercial Pet and Propagation permit is prohibited. Transportation permits are required to import, transport, or receive shipments of live wildlife. All wildlife must be legally obtained from permitted sources only (301 KAR 2:08.4-1). The fee for a Noncommercial Pet and Propagation permit is $75.00 annually. There is a $25.00 fee for a Transportation permit. License and Permit at: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Louisiana (All species) Permits are needed for anything pertaining to American alligators, other crocodilians are legal for possession, importation, and sale.

Maine (All species) Does not allow the importation of any non native species of amphibians and reptiles without a wildlife importation and possession permit.

Maryland (All species) Does not allow the importation of any non native herps. Crocodilians are cannot be imported, sold, traded or bartered.

Massachusetts Crocodilians (all species) need a permit. Permits available at Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Division.

Michigan (All species) The State has no regulations on the importation of Reptiles

Minnesota (All species) This State does not currently restrict the importation, possession, or sales of any nonnative reptile species.

Mississippi (All species) Alligators may only be imported and possessed by universities, research institutes, zoos, aquariums. They cannot be commercially traded or be in possession of an individual not belonging to the noted above. A commercial alligator farming license is required to possess and propagate Alligator mississippiensis for anyone who is not a member of the above stated. All other crocodilians are legal in the state.

Missouri (All species) Legally obtained nonnative reptiles species may be bought, sold, possessed, transported, and exhibited without permit (WCMO 3CSR10-9.110).

Montana (All Species) Currently does not have any regulations on Crocodilians.

Nebraska (All species) As currently interpreted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, do not prohibit the importation, possession and/or sale of any legally obtained amphibian or reptile for exhibition, for exhibition, pet, or captive propagation purposes.

Nevada (All species) All Crocodylia are 'Prohibited Wildlife' and can only be imported under permitation. Crocodilians may be dealt in any commercial trade unless it's to outside the state

New Hampshire (All species) Crocodilians legal.

New Jersey (All species) Permit is Required for possession, transportation, exportation and sale of non native herps.. Contact New Jersey Wild Life Department. (NJAC 7:25-4.8)

New Mexico (All species) Does not prohibit the importation of sale of any nonnative species of amphibians and reptiles. However, Import permits are needed.

New York (All species) A person may obtain a permit to possess wildlife, for propagation, scientific or exhibition purposes; a person may be required to submit written testimonials from two well-known persons and file a bond of $200.00 prior to license approval.

North Carolina (All species) The possession of Non native Amphibians and reptiles is not restricted.

North Dakota (All species) State does not regulate any propaganda with non native herps.

Ohio (All species) Does not prohibit the importation of reptiles and amphibian species.

Oklahoma (All species)
Alligators: Status is threatened. Oklahoma no longer gives out state permits for keeping American alligators to new keepers, so for they are no longer legal to keep.
As for the other crocodilian species, assuming your county/city/residential area/ect. doesn't have a ban on them then you may keep them. If your animal needs Cites/ESA/USFWS import-export/USDI/APHIS or any other federal paperwork, Oklahoma requires that you show the proper documentation's to them. Also, if you buying from out of state you may need to have an import permit, especially if the animal is capable of surviving Oklahoma seasons if it were to escape.

Oregon (All species) Importation permits and Health certificates are required for any non native herp. Legal.

Pennsylvania (All species) Does not prohibit the importation of sale of any nonnative species of amphibians and reptiles.

Rhode Island (All species) Does not prohibit the importation of crocodilians however, regulates the importation, possession, and commercial sales of all herps. Legal.

South Carolina (All species) Live crocodilians are not legal. American alligators may be taken for harvest by private land owners of more than 100 acres. All crocodilian products must be labeled of the species it was.

South Dakota (All species) Does not prohibit the importation of sale of any nonnative species of amphibians and reptiles.

Tennessee (All species) Crocodilians may not be possessed except by licensed commercial propagators, zoos, or other legitimate research or educational facilities (TCA 70-4-403.)

Texas (All Species) No person may take, attempt to take, or possess an alligator in this state unless the person has acquired and possesses an alligator hunter's license. The department may issue permits for the taking, possession, propagation, transportation, sale, importation, or exportation of
American alligators if necessary to properly manage the species. All other crocodilians are legal within the state.

Utah (All species) Reptiles may not be imported into Utah without a Certificate of Registration. Will be issued to qualified individuals or institutions for legitimate scientific, educational, or public exhibition purposes. (AARU R657-3-31 and 36)

Vermont (All species) Non native reptile species need import permits. Importation/possession permits and veterinary certificates of health are also required.

Virginia (All species) Permits are currently required to import or possess non native amphibian and reptile species and subspecies. (VAC 15-30-40) - Contact: Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Washington Washington (All species) Unclear. I believe them to be illegal, I cannot find anything on it though.

West Virginia (All species) The State does not currently restrict the importation, possession, and/or sale of any non native amphibian or reptile.

Wisconsin (All species) The State does not currently restrict the importation, possession, and/or sale of any non native amphibian or reptile.

Wyoming (All species) Non native reptile species may be imported without restriction. Importation/possession permits and veterinary certificates of health are not required (WY GFCR X.5b-E)

Cleaning:
Simply the most fun part of keeping crocodilians is cleaning. It is always best to have a good filter for your animal so it is less effort to clean the enclosure when it comes time. It's a good idea to have several filters working the "pond" area.

Partial water changes should be done about once a week to ensure a healthy balance of water quality another time saver is to remove large food items and fecal matter once it is noted. Full out water breakdown should be done every 2-4 months depending on your filtration systems.
I personally use pond pumps that filter 500g an HR in my 300g tanks. Anything that is needed to be housed in a larger enclosure is housed in natural earthed ponds which naturally filters the water for me. However the ponds are drained every spring and the beginning of winter. Filters such as Fluvals, wet/dry filters and regular fish pumps (hatchlings-small juveniles) are good to use. If you lack any filtration abilities or simply have a horrid filter, complete water changes are a must every 7-10 days. This is especially necessary if the water area has a gravel bottom being that food, fecal waste and a lot of other debris likes to be wedged in-between the gravel which will often promote the growth of harmful bacteria.

The land area may be cleaned once you have noticed any debris that should be removed. It is a good idea to loosen up the ground material if possible to allow airflow through the ground, especially if you are using some sort dirt like material, such as bed-a-beast.
Another good idea would be to use a probiotic waste degrader to help with the waste and nitrogen cycle in the enclosure. The probiotic works both on land and in water to help with clean up of small waste items, you will still however, have to remove large waste matter.

Feeding:
The general rule for feeding crocodilians is to feed everything. Mice, rats, rabbits, freshly killed chickens, amphibians, reptiles, fish crayfish, crabs, deer, wild pig ect.
Some species are more apt to eating more aquatic prey species, such as Paleosuchus. Younger crocodilians also feed largely on aquatic and invertebrate animals. It is also best to use whole prey items instead of bits and pieces, this will help provide all the nutrients the animal is capable of giving. Wide variety of prey the best key.

Young crocodilians do best on small fish, rodents, snakes, insects and amphibians. Feed adults anything that will fit into their mouths. I prefer not to feed portions of animals, but if it is a must, feed several portions from several parts of the animals body or feed one separate portion at every feeding interval. I also like to feed the animals as much as they will eat in one setting every 3-4 days. Its proved successful for me with well chubbed animals, however still being healthy with steady growth. It is also recommended by several keepers that plant material is a good food item, however, I think they get plenty of vegetable matter into their systems from the gut of the food items they themselves eat. However, like I said, variety is the key.

Remember, hatchling's digestive systems are more fragile and cannot handle everything you feed them. Overfeeding insects with hard, chitinous exoskeletons, crickets, can block the gut as the chitin isn't easily broken down. Fish are another item to watch out for because of the fact many species contain large amounts of thiaminase in their bodies and should be fed with vitamin B1 supplements. Another problem with feeding fish, such as carp family fish, is the possibility of vitamin E deficiency. So take care when feeding fish as a large part of the diet.

You may either place the food items on the land, near the water of in the water near the animals head. Placing food items on small 'rafts' is another good way to get a crocodilian to eat. If the animal seems wary at first, feed him during the night while everything is quite and secluded.
If none of these methods work, live animals will usually trigger the animal to eat. If none of the above suggestions work with a prekilled/F-T animal use then with one that is alive. You may later down the road be able to feed dead food items.

Once your animal has become accustomed to your intervention during feeding, you may be able to use tongs or snake hooks to feed the animal. One should NEVER use their hands to feed one's animals because strike responses are remarkably fast and often undetected. Crocodilians may also jump for their foods which could cause misdirection so it's always safer to have a good several feet from you and your animal.

Handling:
If you are someone who thinks handling helps calm out a crocodilian than it is important to start handling your caiman when it's still very young If you do not you may come to find out it is difficult to make any impression as the animal grows larger.

A young crocodilian will consider you a threat. A would be predator about to make a meal of it. The more you pick the animal up and handle it, the more it will begin to settle to your presence. Over time, if you spend enough time with the animal, it will start to become calmer around you, and be less inclined to bite. It may even be possible to end up with a relatively docile caiman after several years. However, individual temperaments vary, and one specimen will not be the same as another.
Remember also that, while a specimen may get used to you and be less inclined to bite, it might still be capable of confusing your hand for a piece of food. Be careful.

Another advantage of handling your caiman regularly is that you'll find tasks such as cleaning the enclosure far easier if the caiman isn't as wild all the time. It will also mean that the caiman is under less stress whenever you go near it or interact with it in some way. However, do not be fooled into a false sense of security with your animal and remember what it is capable of, especially when the grows to a larger size.

The reptilian hobby as a whole has so many people against it, even having each other arguing over methods, morals and rights, that it is a definite must that not only crocodilian keepers but all keepers act in a responsible fashion, if at all possible; To help each other when in need and to use his or her knowledge as a tool to help support our hobby; Not to place blame or slander on a person with methods one does not agree with. We must also fight for the survival of our animals and hobby from the public and media; We must save our rights and will for the animals we love to keep.