Caring for baby alligators is not difficult if you have an enclosure already established in which to house them. If you are starting from scratch, be prepared to spend some money and a considerable amount of time in creating an environment in which baby alligators can thrive. A habitat consisting of a dry land area, a basking area and a water area large enough for a growing baby alligator to submerge in is essential for a healthy alligator environment.
Instructions
1. Enclosure:
Obtain an enclosure to house the baby alligators in. A 55-gallon tank is sufficient for one baby alligator. The length of the tank needs to be at least three times the length of the baby alligator. The width of the tank needs to be at least two times the length of the baby alligator. The depth of the enclosure should be twice the length of the baby alligator.
2. Temperatures:
In order for baby alligators to grow into healthy adult alligators, a habitat of varying temperatures must be provided. Baby alligators require a three-temperature environment: a land area temperature of 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, a basking area temperature of 75 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and a water temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
A external water heater with a thermostat on it will keep the water temperature consistent, which is most desirable for baby alligators.
3. Lighting:
Proper lighting is crucial to the development of baby alligators. As in a natural habitat, durations for light increase during warmer months and decrease in cooler months. For this reason, use UVB and UVA lights positioned directly over a portion of the land area to create a basking area. Use an automated timer to achieve consistent lighting. During the fall and winter months, set the timer for 8 to 10 hours of light, and for spring and summer months allow 12 to 14 hours of light each day.
4. Filter:
Purchase an external tank filter for the size of your enclosure. Baby alligators grow quickly, and results can be messy if proper filters are not used.
5. Feeding:
Baby alligators will happily feed on goldfish, minnows, crayfish or other small fish. It's important to have the fish available in the tank at all time for the baby gators. As the gators grow, crickets and feeder mice may be added to their diet.
Tags: baby alligator, baby alligators, Baby alligators, basking area, degrees Fahrenheit, land area, length baby