Strange trend of keeping crocodiles as pets

As the trend of raising normal animals gradually becomes saturated, people begin to prefer unique and strange pets. Recently, hunting and buying pet crocodiles is creating a fever and making many people curious.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Minh (28 years old, Bach Mai, Hanoi) - a reptile enthusiast said that recently, when his South American dragon unfortunately passed away, he decided to switch to raising another animal. Curious about the newly popular pet crocodile, Mr. Minh had to hunt for several weeks to find a satisfactory one.

Crocodiles are popular as pets.

“Crocodiles are amphibious reptiles, they can live healthily whether on land or in water. However, with the nature of wild animals, when first exposed, crocodiles also have movements to defend themselves but are completely harmless to the owner. Over time, when being petted and cuddled, they get used to it and become gentle,” Minh shared.

Normally, a beautiful and standard crocodile in the eyes of the player must ensure the following factors: even spines, fresh gray skin, balanced body parts and an undenatured head. Their food is also quite easy to find, mainly meat, fish, shrimp or chopped animal organs.

Crocodiles can be domesticated when young.

This is the first time he has raised a pet crocodile, so Mr. Tuan (25 years old, Nguyen Huu Huan, Hanoi) invested in a very sturdy plastic cage, and every month spends a large amount of money to buy the freshest food for his pet.

However, one time he went on a business trip away from home on a very cold day. When he returned, he noticed that the 4-month-old crocodile had stopped eating and was getting weaker. “I was shocked and asked around and found out that although crocodiles can fast for 1-3 months, they will stop eating completely if they live in an environment below 18 degrees Celsius. Later, I had to install a heating system and learn carefully about how to raise them to avoid such cases,” said Mr. Tuan.

Talking to Dan Tri reporter, the owner of a crocodile farm in Ninh Binh said that in fact, keeping crocodiles as pets is quite popular in the world, but in Vietnam it has only recently received attention. Currently, the market with the highest demand is still in Hanoi.

Crocodiles can fast for 1-3 months.

“To keep crocodiles as pets, you need to have a certain understanding and master the techniques of caring for reptiles. Crocodiles can be raised in a corner of the garden or in a glass tank. Each season, parent crocodiles lay about 50-60 eggs, with a 40-50% success rate. After 1-2 weeks of care, the store will select and then sell the crocodiles to the market,” the farm owner shared.

Normally, players often choose to buy 1-month-old crocodiles (about 18-20 cm in size). This is when the crocodiles are still small and easy to tame. This species has a very long lifespan. If you want to "slow down" the size of a pet crocodile, the breeder only needs to reduce the feeding to 1-2 times/week and the animal will still live very healthy.

Depending on the size of the crocodile, the price also varies.

The farm owner in Ninh Binh also confirmed: “Compared to common pets, the price of ornamental crocodiles is a bit higher. Depending on the time, the price sometimes fluctuates from 500,000 - 600,000 VND, but sometimes it goes up to 1,000,000 - 1,200,000 VND. Currently, supply cannot meet demand. People still consider this a hobby for noble families and those with good conditions.”

It is known that in addition to buying crocodiles as pets, there are also many people who like specialties made from crocodile meat. Previously, crocodile meat was rare so only the rich could enjoy it. After raising for 2 years or more, the crocodile has a large weight and can be sold for meat.

According to Dantri