Can this animal be keep as pets?

The answer is yes. You can kept them as pets. Provided you can follow this Strict guidelines.

Young Crocodiles Hatchling

Do you want to lose your fingers?

Saltwater Crocodiles(Crocodylus porosus)

Guidelines for Keeping Crocodiles as Pets

Background

Young crocodiles are relatively fragile, so when deciding to keep a crocodile as a pet, it is important to consider the care that crocodiles require in captivity. There are two species of crocodiles that may be kept as pets, saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) and freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni). Both species require similar conditions in captivity.

Crocodiles are potentially very dangerous animals. For this reason, there are specific guidelines that must be adhered to when keeping a crocodile as a pet.

Requirements

• These animals must be housed in a secure aquarium or enclosure in the same manner as other reptiles. Aquariums or enclosures must include both wet and dry areas so that the crocodile can be completely submerged or surfaced at any time.

• It is recommended that crocodile owners complete a senior first aid certificate and keep a trauma kit on hand in case of an emergency.

Housing

The enclosure (including aquariums) must have a floor area in square meters equal to the length of the animal in meters squared and the multiplied by six. Example:

• for a 1 meter crocodile the floor area is 1² x 6 = 6 m²,
• for a 2 meter crocodile the floor area is 2² x 6 = 24 m²,
• for a 3 meter crocodile the floor area is 3² x 6 = 54 m² and
• for a 4 metre crocodile the floor area is 4² x 6 = 96 m².

Crocodiles require a pool of water that is large and deep enough to enable the crocodile to completely submerge. It is recommended that between 60-75% of the bottom of the tank or enclosure should be water.

There must be sufficient dry ground to enable the animal to exit the water completely to bask itself and turn around comfortably. The land substrate should consist of a large, flat rock, stones, or pebbles. As a general guideline, the land area should be approximately 25-40% of the total area of the tank or enclosure.

The crocodile must have exposure to sun and shade within the pool as well as on dry ground so that the animal may regulate its temperature. Shade is very important because crocodiles may burn and/or overheat. In particular, young crocodiles must have shelter. A piece of wood or plastic suspended over the land or water is ideal.

Preferred air temperatures for crocodiles range between 29°C and 33°C. These conditions should be established prior to purchasing the crocodile to ensure that the conditions are suitable before introducing the animal.

Young crocodiles are very good at climbing, so precautions must be taken to prevent a crocodile from escaping by climbing up the sides of a tank. This is possible by placing blocks at the top of each corner of the tank or by placing a secure lid with adequate ventilation on the top of tank.

Water that is polluted by waste products and uneaten food will affect the health of the crocodile. It is important to provide an effluent discharge area that is able to handle all such discharge.

Feeding

Crocodiles require sufficient quantities of food and water to sustain healthy growth and vitality. Under natural conditions, crocodiles receive a varied diet which may comprise insects (beetles, moths, cockroaches, and crickets), fish, small frogs, lizards, crustaceans and small mammals. A diet comprising pieces of chicken or beef is not suitable.

Food should be chopped to a size that can be eaten easily.

Live food, such as fish and insects, may be placed in the water to encourage the crocodile to hunt.

New acquisitions may reject food after they are first introduced to their new environment. This should pass within a few days under suitable temperature and low stress conditions.

Juvenile crocodiles should be fed 1-3 times per week. The total weight of food provided should weigh approximately 5% of their own body weight.

Uneaten food should be removed within 24 hours to prevent it from decomposing.

Handling

Crocodiles do not like being handled. While crocodiles will get used to regular handling, owners should always be on their guard when handling a crocodile.

Avoid handling new pets – give them several weeks to settle down in captivity before attempting to hold them.

Handle juveniles gently to avoid injury to the crocodile or the people handling the crocodile.

The best way of holding a crocodile is by placing a firm grip around the neck, with a second hand under the body. Larger crocodiles may require this second hand to support the base of the tail.

An elastic band may be placed around the snout of the crocodile to ensure that it doesn’t bite while handling. In this case, close the jaws by approaching the animal from behind and then securing the elastic band. Always remove the band when you return the animal to its enclosure.

Conclusion

So if you can follow that Strict guidelines, Then I see no reason why you can't kept them as pets, Most important, You must remember, They can grow up to 20ft and can eat Human.