How to Care for Alligators

Alligators are becoming a popular choice pet choice for owners that want something more than a dog or cat. However, alligators take a great deal of work and money to care for and there are many things you need to keep in mind if you want to keep an alligator as a pet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Never capture a wild alligator without authorization. Since most species of alligators are endangered, the population needs to be protected. Speak to local authorities to find out the proper way to capture a wild alligator.
2. Find out if your state allows you to keep and care for alligators as a pet. Some states have very strict policies about housing and feeding of alligators (they don't want it to get out). Other states have no such laws, but some cities or counties might. Check with your state representative for more information.
3. Care for alligators with caution. While an alligator is more docile than a crocodile, and does not attack without provocation, a single alligator bite may be life threatening. Consider having a second person present while cleaning and maintaining cages. Use some sort of "reacher" rather than you hand if you have to place something close to the alligator.
4. Feed your alligator small prey such as insects and mice while the alligator is small. As soon as it gets larger, you can feed it rats, rabbits and chicken. Feel free to kill the food before offering it to your alligator; alligators do not refuse freshly killed food.
5. House your pet alligators in an indoor environment (perhaps with a separate outdoor area) so the temperature can be constantly maintained in the eighties. Extremely large glass containers may work well. You have to provide heat lamps and an area for your alligator to bask in. Provide your alligator a heated (75 to 85 degrees) water source, large enough for them to completely submerge themselves in. Make sure the water doesn't stagnate or grow algae since this could cause illness.