Crocodilian <3

[InvertFix]

Just wanted to show you guys my new Paleosuchus palpebrosus (Cuvier Dwarf Caiman).
Well I'm kind of just guessing, it wasn't labeled as anything but "Dwarf Caiman". But from all the physical characteristics I believe it to be a palpebrosus.

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

Just curious, what are your plans with it when it gets older and larger?

 

[InvertFix]

Just curious, what are your plans with it when it gets older and larger?

I have a nice outdoor pond for him actually.

I didn't plan on getting him, but the store was going to kill it and said I could take it if I didn't want them to. So I did. I plan on caring for it through it's whole life. I'm not a person that owns something for a short time then drops it off. I'm going to care for it always and make sure it has everything it needs.

---------- Post added 03-27-2012 at 02:48 PM ----------

I've also got a very large 8'x8' tank tank for the bugger when he get's bigger.

I didn't get him without thinking it through if that's what you are implying.

---------- Post added 03-27-2012 at 02:49 PM ----------

We'll see which I prefer to use later on, the tank or the man made pond. Hmm...

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

I have a nice outdoor pond for him actually.

I didn't plan on getting him, but the store was going to kill it and said I could take it if I didn't want them to. So I did. I plan on caring for it through it's whole life. I'm not a person that owns something for a short time then drops it off. I'm going to care for it always and make sure it has everything it needs.

---------- Post added 03-27-2012 at 02:48 PM ----------

I've also got a very large 8'x8' tank tank for the bugger when he get's bigger.

I didn't get him without thinking it through if that's what you are implying.

---------- Post added 03-27-2012 at 02:49 PM ----------

We'll see which I prefer to use later on, the tank or the man made pond. Hmm...

Very cool. Nice to see someone with sense buying and caring for a crocodilian.

 

[Camden]

wouldn't it be kinda cold outside for a kaiman in colorado?

 

[InvertFix]

I actually traded one of my P. metallicas for him. But same thing as buying right?
I've got 8 other P. mets so it's no biggy.

 

[SamuraiSid]

Thats pretty neat. How big will it get?

 

[InvertFix]

Around 5' for the speculated species. If it's a male.

---------- Post added 03-27-2012 at 03:29 PM ----------

4'-4 1/2' for females.

 

[Robotponys]

wow that is SO cool!

 

[stingray]

Congrats very nice! Without checking I thought they only got about 3 feet long though.

 

[Galapoheros]

Cool, at first I thought, "no way" because I was thinking of another dwarf that is rare but that's not it, can't think of the name of it though. Back in the 1970's Caimans were real common in the pet stores before anybody cared about how to take care of them, I had one around 1975 when I was a kid. I kept it in a big tub outside, it got out. I went to the local creek almost every day, I saw it on the creek bank! I spent 30 minutes on my hands and knees sneaking up on it. I finally noticed it was missing part of it's head, it was a toy lol! I did the same with duck decoys once ...duhhhh. Does that species tend to bite a lot? I know the common Caiman is pretty bitey, but some people now and then get a crocodilian that is real mellow, crazy vids on Youtube.

 

[SC Tarantulas]

wouldn't it be kinda cold outside for a kaiman in colorado?

+1
My thoughts exactly. Cool little Caiman though. You can always convert a bathroom in your house into an enclosure..... that would be sweet! lol!

 

[GregorSamsa]

Freaking adorable! Congrats on your new addition. Please post pics as he grows up?

I had a caiman named alice about 10 years ago. Loved her dearly & her little "feed me!" bark when I walked into the room. She was likely WC & never grew, then stopped eating. I force fed her for a few months, she didn't make it. I always wonder what could have been.

 

[InvertFix]

I have a huge "shed" out back. But it's more like a miniature house haha and there's room in there for an indoor "pond". Ive got options.

Cool, at first I thought, "no way" because I was thinking of another dwarf that is rare but that's not it, can't think of the name of it though. Back in the 1970's Caimans were real common in the pet stores before anybody cared about how to take care of them, I had one around 1975 when I was a kid. I kept it in a big tub outside, it got out. I went to the local creek almost every day, I saw it on the creek bank! I spent 30 minutes on my hands and knees sneaking up on it. I finally noticed it was missing part of it's head, it was a toy lol! I did the same with duck decoys once ...duhhhh. Does that species tend to bite a lot? I know the common Caiman is pretty bitey, but some people now and then get a crocodilian that is real mellow, crazy vids on Youtube.

He hasn't snapped at me. But he might. I don't plan to handle him. Just for pictures and maintenance.

 

[stingray]

Here is a couple pics of my diamondback setup that would work good for your caiman for a while. I got the tub at a farm supply store. It is a 150 gallon tub and I think the cost was around a $100. They sell bigger tubs to.

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

He hasn't snapped at me. But he might. I don't plan to handle him. Just for pictures and maintenance.

You might wanna try handling regularly, I've heard caiman can be downright vicious otherwise.

Those sizes you mentioned are on the larger end of the scale. They are often shorter than that. Stingray says 3 feet.....I'd say that's ballpark of what to expect.

 

[InvertFix]

Oh okay. I'm just not sure on species. And you can't really tame a caiman right? So that would just give more chance of me getting but or something.

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

Oh okay. I'm just not sure on species. And you can't really tame a caiman right? So that would just give more chance of me getting but or something.

Crocodilians have the largest brain of any reptile. They're not dumb by any means. I'm sure you can get it used to handling at least without snapping.

 

[Galapoheros]

From what I've read and heard, individuals can have very diff inborn dispositions. This guy claims to be training this one, of course it's got to be very basic stuff. http://www.flickr.com/photos/38240245@N06/5790592009/

 

[Keister]

At my work we have a dwarf caiman that is five feet and he is pretty cool. We scratch the top of his head and get him out and he is all around pretty nice. Working with him like cleaning his enclosure is easy too because he is so calm. Some times I take him around the store with me.