Caiman Lizard - Page 2

morti · #21 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tokaysrnice

They are very expensive and have very specific dietary and habitat needs.

Mmmmmm Snail Meat!

BWSmith · #22 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Future Snake Guy

just a question though, why arnt they good starter lizards?

There is VERY little known about their husbandry. Most is just logical assumptions at best. A good rule is that if the species is not captive bred regularly in the US, then it falls under the heading of ""Moderate" to "Advanced". And of course there is their special dietary requirements and fairly complex habitat to provide swimming, climbing, and hiding. There is also the fact that you have to be equipped to deal with any little nasties that come from imports, even if they are cb. And of course, you may also have to deal with the possibility of parasites from the prey. Off the top of my head, I can't think of a beginner lizard that is not a veggie or cricket eater.

BWSmith · #23 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 02:38 AM

I did get my snail tank all set up and have some algae blooming. I have about 75 snails showing up this week to get me started. I put a grow light on it 24/7, a heater, and a good filtration system. That should get the colony started so i can just bring in maintenance shipments eventually.

morti · #24 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 02:49 AM

We used to grow snails accidentally when we had dart frogs.

amercnwmn · #25 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 04:27 AM

I think everyone has "accidentally" grown snails :P
She's awesome BW. I can't wait till you find her a b/f.

Very exciting stuff.

razeraze · #26 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 12:41 AM

Congratulations BW.

BlackLava · #27 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 12:58 AM

oh hes beautiful!! i love the colors

how is his temperament btw?

BWSmith · #28 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 01:22 AM

She likes to chew on me right now but I a hoping she will grow out of that.

LdyDrgn · #29 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 01:36 AM

aw those are love bites... hehe

james.w · #30 (**permalink**) 11-20-2010, 07:27 AM

I know this is an old thread, but was wondering if the OP could post some updates. New pics and how the caiman is doing.

TyMentrup · #31 (**permalink**) 05-10-2011, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Future Snake Guy

this one probably wasnt a CB, because i know the pet store i was at really "specializes" in the exotics like rare birds and stuff. plus they had to have just gotten it because it wasnt in there last week or atleat out were people could see it. just a question though, why arnt they good starter lizards?

i still highly doubt that it was a CB, these lizards are extremely rare. and very very VERY rare as CB and not WC. i saw 2 at a show in columbus and they were asking 1000 each and they were WC (and even still i was shocked at how low the price was) i would assume your pet store had it imported in.

and caiman lizards are still newer to the reptile trade so their price tag is pretty steep, and its also not that they are brand new to the trade but that they are very hard to breed in captivity so there is a limited supply of them around. i havent looked into caiman lizards for a long time (due to the fact that ive long given up hope of getting one at least any time soon) but last i recall they had only been bred in captivity like 3 or 4 times..last time i checked, this may have changed

also they have a very strict diet, mainly of snails! so unless you have a nice steady supply of snails breeding then you will not be succesful at keeping one.

and they require a huge enclosure to inhabit. they run, swim, dive off limbs into water. and they are a good sized lizard anyway.

all in all these are not lizards for someone who is new to keeping reptiles, or even the moderately experienced keeper. these lizards needs must be met with precision. and you have to have lots of experience, space and time on your hands to really care for this animal succesfully. i am confident in my husbandry skills and would not shy away from many animals (even some that ive been "warned" about lol), but this is one that i myself do not feel ready to keep even

TammyJamaica · #32 (**permalink**) 05-10-2011, 10:49 PM

How is this little beauty now?

james.w · #33 (**permalink**) 05-11-2011, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyMentrup

i still highly doubt that it was a CB, these lizards are extremely rare. and very very VERY rare as CB and not WC. i saw 2 at a show in columbus and they were asking 1000 each and they were WC (and even still i was shocked at how low the price was) i would assume your pet store had it imported in.
and caiman lizards are still newer to the reptile trade so their price tag is pretty steep, and its also not that they are brand new to the trade but that they are very hard to breed in captivity so there is a limited supply of them around. i havent looked into caiman lizards for a long time (due to the fact that ive long given up hope of getting one at least any time soon) but last i recall they had only been bred in captivity like 3 or 4 times..last time i checked, this may have changed

also they have a very strict diet, mainly of snails! so unless you have a nice steady supply of snails breeding then you will not be succesful at keeping one.
and they require a huge enclosure to inhabit. they run, swim, dive off limbs into water. and they are a good sized lizard anyway.
all in all these are not lizards for someone who is new to keeping reptiles, or even the moderately experienced keeper. these lizards needs must be met with precision. and you have to have lots of experience, space and time on your hands to really care for this animal succesfully. i am confident in my husbandry skills and would not shy away from many animals (even some that ive been "warned" about lol), but this is one that i myself do not feel ready to keep even

I agree with most of this... they are not as expensive as you say. I have seen them as low as $500. I also know of people that have been keeping them with a diet comparable to a tegu at least the carnivorous part. Generally if acquired as a hatchling or at least very young you can get them to eat things other than just snails, but snail meat is fairly accessible at asian meat markets.

TyMentrup · #34 (**permalink**) 05-11-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james.w

I agree with most of this... they are not as expensive as you say. I have seen them as low as $500. I also know of people that have been keeping them with a diet comparable to a tegu at least the carnivorous part. Generally if acquired as a hatchling or at least very young you can get them to eat things other than just snails, but snail meat is fairly accessible at asian meat markets.

thats all really good news to hear, i havent looked much into them lately as i moved to a smaller house and my hopes and dreams of getting one of these vanished lol but im thrilled to hear about being able to find one for $500!! and i didnt know people had been able to work with them enough to get them on a tegu like diet. thanks for the updated info

maybe ill have one sooner than i thought

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