 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Caiman Hunter
What’s your weirdest caiman-related story? CaimanHunter
would like to know.
Send us your stories, videos
& pictures; and let us know
how we can help.
If you would like to send us information regarding breeding caiman that you've had personal experience with we will gladly post it here and give you full credit for the information.
| Caiman Breeding | |
| Species Covered: | Spectacled Caiman |
| Other species covered by this care sheet: | Dwarf Caiman, Culver’s Dwarf Caiman, Yacari Caiman, Piranha Caiman |
| Maturity: | Can take six years to reach sexual maturity, corresponding to an approximate overall length of about 4 feet (or 120 cm) |
| Mating: | Courtship and mating usually coincide with the onset of the rainy season (June-ish). |
| Laying the eggs: | Usually in August/September, depending upon where they live. |
| Number of eggs: | 20-40 per clutch, depending on size of the mother and how many previous clutches she's had. |
| Incubation period: | 65-85 days - Various experts have had varied results. Our experience is that it can take up to 100 days. |
| Temperature: | 86-89 degrees F |
| Hatchling size: | 6 1/2" - 10" |
| Nests: | The mother will build her nest out of dirt and vegetation. |
| Nest size: | The nest can be as big as 1 1/2 feet high and 3 1/3 feet around. |
| Mortality: | Whether in captivity or in the wild only about 1/4 of the eggs will hatch. |
| Maternal Instinct: | The mother will stay with the babies for the first few months of their lives. |
| Other information: | Clutch 1: 3 of 20 eggs lived Clutch 2: 16 of 30 eggs lived Clutch 3: 0 of 24 eggs lived Clutch 4: 5 of 20 eggs lived |
If you want a pet with guaranteed health and temperament, or a pet with very specific and predictable characteristics and tendencies, a shelter animal may not be right for you. If you are looking for a pet that will fetch your slippers, this is not the animal for you. Remember that when it bites you, it will hurt.
As you search for the perfect animal for you, remember that “Registered” or “Papers” or other claims that people have about their animals, only means that some organization granted them a piece of paper, for which that organization collected a fee. Those organizations do not inspect animals, and they do no type of quality control. It is up to you to pay careful attention and look for signs that a breeder is doing his best to improve the animals and the breed and not contribute to any ongoing problems associated with the breed.
Look for a Breeder who:
• Shows you where the animals are kept – and that the area is well
maintained.
• Feeds high quality food or monitors natural diet.
• Specializes in 1 or 2 breeds - rather than dozens of different breeds
that he can’t keep up with – and has done so for at least 5 years.
• Breeds no more than one time a year.
• Has animals that appear healthy.
• Does not always have hatchlings available, but rather has a waiting
list of people who show interest more than once.
• Does not sell animals less than 7-8 weeks old.
• Is knowledgeable about breed standards and care.
• Is familiar with normal and potential problems and is willing to discuss
these with you.
• Can explain the animal’s medical history and any upcoming medical
needs.
• Is willing to provide references of other families who have purchased
animals from him.
• Is a member of some reputable herpetology club, forum or organization.
• Is willing to take animal back should you no longer be able to care
for it, or change your mind (but do not expect to get your fees back).
The Breeder should require you to:
• Why you want this type of animal.
• Tell him who will be responsible for the care, feeding, maintenance
and upkeep of the animal.
• Agree to return the animal to the breeder should you no longer be able
to care for or keep the animal, at any point in its life.
Breeding is a serious endeavor that requires real dedication and commitment.
It almost never results in a profit. If you meet a “breeder” who
does meet the above standards, walk away. You will eventually end up with a
better animal. Happy herping.
*If you have problem caimans you want to get rid of, if they get too big for you to handle or information you'd like to share click here.*
Feeding and Growth Chart can be found here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|