How do crocodiles swallow horns

[azbob]

Without puncturing anything or harming themselves? Can't find any quick answers unless I have to read up on their anatomy.

 

[xrapidx]

They spit them out... like toothpicks.

 

[azbob]

They spit them out... like toothpicks.

Just saw one (on TV) swallow some sort of antelope, including the massive horns, didn't spit them out.

 

[biometrics]

They nibble on the nice bits.

 

[Unhappy438]

Without puncturing anything or harming themselves? Can't find any quick answers unless I have to read up on their anatomy.

Large throat and thick stomach lining . A croc’s stomach is extremely acidic, which allows it to digest bones, horns, hooves, or shells. They actually use the hard objects to digest the coarse food. Croc can go with a meal a week.

 

[xrapidx]

Just saw one (on TV) swallow some sort of antelope, including the massive horns, didn't spit them out.

Still cleaning his teeth.

 

[azbob]

I guess they have to be careful not to pierce the top of their mouth too. The other day a fish bone got me so I can imagine an antelope horn

 

[RiaX]

post a youtube clip, I want to see this.

 

[egenis]

I suppose they will not swallow it? They tear of chunks of meat and swallow that. Any pices of bone etc in that chunk is digested as Unhappy438 mentiond.

 

[RiaX]

Very interesting creatures, they naturally produce antibiotics in their blood :O

 

[Alton Turner Blackwood]

I suppose they will not swallow it? They tear of chunks of meat and swallow that..

This is how I know them to do it as well. Sink their teeth into a nice juicy piece and then do the roll-o-death to rip it off.

abzo's croc probably thought that's too mainstream

 

[azbob]

Some tear but others swallow their prey whole. I'm not sure how they decide which to do, probably depends on size and hunger levels.

 

[egenis]

Suppose if they swallow..(lol) the would take the quarry nose first so that the horns fold back on the neck... like the boa and other large snakes?

 

[Fudzy]

Interesting topic, I've read a lot on how snakes (not exactly crocs) are susceptible to injury from animals with defensive mechanisms.

Check this: www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.326772297339833

 

[RiaX]

LOL pwnt

 

[Skydrops]

Just saw one (on TV) swallow some sort of antelope, including the massive horns, didn't spit them out.

You still watch TV?! :erm:

Well... if crocks can crush and eat the bones of it's prey, I don't think the horns will be much of a problem either?