Raising Gators for Table Fare

[gsarchie]

I have always wanted to own an alligator, however I know that eventually one would become far too big for me to handle and take care of safely. I have considered buying a couple at some point down the road and raising them up to about 6' in length before slaughtering and butchering them to put some gator meat in the freezer. Now before anyone jumps out of their socks and calls me a heartless killer, this is no different from buying spring lambs and raising them through the summer only to slaughter them come fall. Most people that do this name their sheep and even play with them, but they always know that someday soon the animal will become food on the table. I love lamb and mutton, and I also love gator, from steaks to sausage to gator boudan. To me this seems reasonable. Given my explanation are there still those out there that would call me a monster? My main reason for asking is to know whether or not I should post about it if I do in fact end up doing it.

However you feel about this, let's please keep the discussion civil.

[Quantum Constrictors]

I really see no problem with raising an animal for food. Its the same thing with : Turkeys, Lamb , Cow, Pig, Chicken... The list could go on.

[JLC]

Gator is good eating if it's prepared right.

I don't know if they're raised differently for food, though. Seems like if you make sure they're fed only healthy, organic prey, then they should be good to eat. But is there an ideal size/age to butcher them?

So long as it's legal where you live, the research is done, and steps taken to make sure they're cared for properly, I wouldn't have an issue with someone choosing to do that.

[Quantum Constrictors]

And at least with the gator you would get a nice pair of boots out of it too!

[BallsUnlimited]

I agree with both above. There is nothing wrong with raising your own food for your table as long as your care for the animals properly.

[adamjeffery]

I really see no problem with raising an animal for food. Its the same thing with : Turkeys, Lamb , Cow, Pig, Chicken... The list could go on.

i am a hunter so as far as killing goes i have no problem with it, as long as its being used for food. now if you were just gonna kill it and throw it away then buy another i would have a problem for sure. i myself have thought about this exact same thing (if i lived in a state that allowed gators). i have always wanted one and at some point in my life will own one. i am 15 minutes from the border of pennsylvania which does allow them. so even if i have to buy a small plot of land to do it i will.
adam jeffery

[Mike41793]

I think it would be a good idea. No i dont like killing animals but i certainly eat meat lol. If you raise the gators you would know whats going into them. Like free range chickens and all that hooblah. If you do it, just try and used as much of them as possible so its not a waste. You could probably get some decent money for the hides if you find a tanner or whatever.

[txcoker]

I'm cool with it. My question is where would you keep it? They are really cool to watch, when I go to our river camp I get up early in the morning and watch them swim down the banks after they have been feeding all night. What is crazy is when you are swiming in the river and they pop up about 20 yards from you. true story!
Since I am in the Insurance business I always look from a different view before I act on stuff. You need to think about a couple of things: 1)what happens if it bites someone, or yourself, or kills someone or yourself. 2)does you current insurance policy exclude any "exotic" animals. Just a few things to think about.

[Pampho85]

I was a vegetarian for about 16 years of my life, and my family raised me that way. One thing I never understood is why do people discriminate against certain animals that are raised for meat? As bad as it may sounds, I don't see a difference between raising dogs for meat and with cows. Same could go with reptile meat, as long as it's raised and put down in a humane manner, I see no difference in it.

So, back to the original topic, as long as it's raised in a humane manner as well as put down in the same manner, I see no shame. Heck, make some profit by selling the skin, some money in your pocket!

[jbean7916]

I'm in agreement with everyone else here. There is nothing wrong worth raising animals to be a food source as long as they are kept correctly and slaughtered humanely. Everyone should have the rights to raise/grow their own food. We'd be in a better place if we did!

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