What size tank do you recommend for a hatchling American alligator?

Hatchlings are usually between 7″-9″ inches in total length. The land mass provided should be 1.5 x (total length) long, by (total length) wide. This ensures your gator will have enough space to bask without feeling trapped. You may have a larger size land mass, but be sure your open water area meets the criteria before experimenting with larger sizes.

Your open water area should be either 3-4 x (total length) long, by 2-3 x (total length) wide, by 1.5 x (total length) high OR 2-3 x (total length) long, by 3-4 x (total length) wide, by 1.5 x (total length) high. This may seem a bit grandiose, but your gator will spend most of the time in the water. In order to keep him healthy and happy, he needs a large amount of space to be able to swim. This also allots extra space needed to compensate for his rapid growth. You may not have any problems with adjusting the size of the land mass, however, these water sizes are important to the development of your gator and being thus, should not be altered outside of the recommended sizes.

It is suggested to start out with a 55 gallon+ tank to ensure you will have the space to allow him to grow while planning his next enclosure. If you have a gator in a tank that is too small, you can permanently deform him. This can also make him very sick, and severely effects his chances of survival.

How fast do American alligators grow?

American alligators grow approximately one foot (1′) to a foot and a half (1′ ½”) a year for the first seven years. This is irrespective of the size of the enclosure. The growth of a young gator greatly depends on temperature and feeding.