igoi] Odell — Alligator and Turtles as Pets. 193 



ALLIGATOR AND TURTLES AS PETS. 

 By W. S. Odell, Ottawa, Ont. 



In November of last year a small alligator [Alligator Mississip- 

 piensis) and three turtles were placed tog-ether in an aquarium. 

 Only a few features descriptive of the alligator need to be men- 

 tioned. The skin is now used for so many purposes that by this 

 means it has become known. 



This reptile is carnivorous, head broad, flattened and having 

 teeth of the lower jaw fitting into pits in the upper. The bright 

 yellow bands so marked in the young, lose their color to a large 

 extent in the adult. Tail about half the entire length of animal, 

 ard laterally compressed, terminating in a blunt point. 



Approaching cold weather had a marked effect in his loss of 

 appetite and vigor. During daytime the aquarium was placed in 

 sunlight, at night on hot water coils in the room, with a glass 

 cover, to retain heat and prevent escape. Remarking to a friend 

 his loss of appetite, the suggestion was jokingly made : "Why 

 not try cod liver oil ? " The alligator's mouth was forced open 

 and a few drops poured in. No bad results following, this novel 

 article of diet, varied at times with fluid beef, was continued 

 twice per w^eek through the winter. It is questionable whether 

 any benefit resulted from this treatment. 



Early in May, he for the first time, snapped at a piece of meat 

 which was being fed to the turtles. From this time onward all 

 kinds of meat, small toads, young tadpoles, newly hatched catfish, 

 etc., were fed him. Fish cut into small pieces was greatly 

 relished, but earthworms were preferred above all else. On re- 

 ceiving food it was carried into the water and was there eaten, 

 considerable motion being made in swallowing, the throat appear- 

 ing too small to admit of its passage. While feeding, his usual 

 torpid appearance underwent a change. The pupils of his eyes, 

 at other times contracted to a narrow slit, now become greatly 

 dilated ; and with open mouth and tail gracefully curved upward 

 his appearance was rather formidable. A hissing noise when 

 disturbed, and a sort of grunt in a high key, were the only sounds 

 he appeared capable of making. 



