#62909

 Taming Spectacled Caiman

Hi, I have a 2 foot spectacled caiman that I just got last september. The person I bought it from only handled it about 4 times during the entire year that they owned it so it is fairly nasty. I have been trying to tame it but haven’t had very much luck. I know that they are supposed to be more aggressive than alligators but I live in Canada and alligators are really hard to get around here. I was just wondering whether anyone could give me some advice on how to go about trying to tame this caiman. Also I am looking to buy an american alligator, so if anyone can help me out it would be much apprechiated. Thanks

 #63020

 Taming Spectacled Caiman

Hey manfred. I’ve managed to "tame" my caiman, however he’s alot smaller then yours (17" now). Basically all it took was alot of handling, alot of getting bit, and a gain of trust. I’m not sure how hard yours bites but initially my little bugger would bite like crazy, because he was small it didn’t hurt much so i’d put my hand in his mouth (to show it didn’t hurt), repeatedly every time he snaped. It worked but then as he got bigger, -if he bit- he ment it and it started to hurt. I’m pritty sure the main reason he’s "friendly" now is because i handled him alot, 1/2 hour almost every day. Now he’s great... ...my recomendation: Handle lots and make sure he knows you feed him.

 #66349

 Taming Spectacled Caiman

hey, thanks for the response. I usually use gloves just to pick up the caiman out of the cage, then I take them off once I have it out. I have actually never been bit. Its snaps and splashes and hisses and growls when I go near the cage or go to take it out, but once I have it out of the cage and have a good grip on it, it calms down somewhat, but if I set it down on the floor it will go crazy and try to bite anything within its reach.

 #66598

 Taming Spectacled Caiman

They smell fear... your going to get bit its inevitable I dont care what anyone says it WILL happen..... they learn when you dont jerk or you continue they cant intimidate you.... right now its at a learnign stage if you show fear or if you refuse to hold it because it snaps it learns something and continues just keep handling it constantly talk to it hold it pet it and let it get accoustomed...itll calm down

 #66708

 Taming Spectacled Caiman

C.T IS QUITE RIGHT! THEY ARE SMARTER THAN PEOPLE BELIEVE.

 #67036

 Taming Spectacled Caiman

*giggle*JEFF...AGREEING...WITH ME!?!?!?! teasing but thanks Jeff for the support heh of course Im right Im a Woman *winks* its with any animal its how they sense, People as well as other animals emit something called Phermones, scientifically speaking Phermones are a very faint scent much like a Garter snake emits when hostile to ward off other animals...each Phermone for wach emotion ie fear concern, joy,has a certain distinct smell that animals can taste on the air....Deer emit them to attract a mate as most do...Cats emit Phermones and use it to mark territory with their scent glands ie rubbing against your leg or other opbject... when you are showing fear theres a distinct scent that carries the primal urges of the reptile force it to react....as Nature intended ie acts of intimidation, or agression... Body language as well is an indicator. a tone of voicce the vibrations carry and can be registered... a jerky movement as you pull back when it hisses construed as fear.... avoidance unless you HAVE to handle can be taken into consideration each is a small peice that forms a much larger puzzle. as long as you SHOW your not afraid by actions and tones you should be fine but regardless your going to get bit and gloves will not do much to stop it.... yours is 24 inches (2ft) a 13inch Gator can do serious damage THROUGH gloves they DO have a grip you have to keep in mind they can crack shells (young gators and caimans feast on crustaceans as a part of their diet) they can snap a chicken leg or neck...toss it a chiecken bone..... gloves might numb it a bit but you will STILL get a good nip even with the gloves.... its inevitable if you ask any owner of a crocidillian species on here they have all been bit at one point in time...speak with Bayou for that matter he has had his experiance as have I and my Father.....If your going to be concerned with getting bit or if your going to slack on handling or worry the pet is gonna smell it and your best to start off with something smaller if thats the case because that Caiman will reach 4-6 feet depending I could be wrong However at 3feet darlin the bites will start hurting a LOT worse

 #67221

 Taming Spectacled Caiman

YOU ARE A NUTTY CHICK, BUT SMART. I DON’T EVER REMEMBER DEBATING ANYTHING WITH YOU OTHER THAN THE LANGUAGE THING. THE CAIMAN IN THE PIC SURE IS A BEAUTY. I HOPE YOU KEEP IT.

 #67514

 Taming Spectacled Caiman

*innocent look* Language?? naaaaaaaaaaah *grin*thats in the past and too far gone...but anywho Im not smart lol just learned from experiance and have the scars to prove it. Hey Bayou your gonna love this one... Animal welfare that I deal with....has me listed as their "extractor" so now I get to go to the Houses and remove reptiles FUN....Pheonix IL PD called the other day for the removal of a snake the cop would NOT go near the House...he has a GUN and a BATON I asked he said "thats your job go ahead" Boy i love my life.. told him hes afraid of an itty bitty reptile but doesnt mind the chance of getting shot HAH!!! lemme tell you I gave the man grief of course he took it in stride and laughed but darn man it was great though the search for the snake took me 2 hours....I had to go through EVERY bloody nook and cranny