Interesting Facts About Camel Raising

Camels can make for great pets if you know how to train them. While most of us are skeptical in domesticating them for the huge size, there’s no harm keeping a baby camel. From their goofiness to attractive features like long legs and super cute eyes, a camel in its small avatar is one of the most beautiful creatures on the planet. Despite all these sweet aspects, it is not uncommon top find your pet being aggressive or displaying an unexpectedly fearful behavior.

Interesting facts about camel raising

Common types of camels

Before you give a thought to domesticating a camel, it is vital you know the two basic types- Bactrian (two humped) and Dromedary (one humped). One humped are common in North African or Arabian Desert regions, while the two humped ones are characteristic of Central Asia (Mongolia).

While the above mentioned ones ideally constitute the old world types, there are new ones too. For camel raising, we choose domesticated ones that belong to the camelid family, including alpacas and llamas). Vicuna and Guanaco constitute the new world ones too, but they are a tad wild.

Handling your camel

Basically, camels make for adorable companions. Besides being a strong animal, they can be your best buddy if the right care and basic necessities are provided. While it is true that they are comparatively uncommon to many other so called pets, yet you need to be familiar with their habits and requirements before going ahead with the domestication.

• Choice of habitat:
Once you have made your mind that a camel is the best choice for you, understand the need for proper handling. Try and include soft soil or sand near your place, for their feet contain pads and not hooves. Ensure that you trim the toenails periodically, either by yourself or by an expert.

• Feeding and nourishing:
Instead of oats and grains, treat your pet to grass like dry hay or some desert scrubs. Camels love alfalfa, but use in small quantities. Since feeding patterns vary, take sufficient care about their preferences. Of course they like shrubs or grass; but it will only act as supplements. A word of caution here- at no cost should you stick to that. Of course, feeding them is expensive, given the wide range of foods they must be fed with. But if you own the animal, the onus lies on you.

Sodium levels must be adequate in a camel’s diet. Since their body content requires a high dose of salt, you can provide chunks of salty to chew or hang ‘salt treats’. Much like this nutrient, access to clean and fresh water is equally important. Though they can survive in places having scanty reserves of water, but the more you supply them, the better their health.

• Housing needs:
So you thought that your pet camel will fit in the house? Given their huge sizes, these animals need adequate space for accommodation. This is largely keeping in mind their need to eat, sleep, move about and most importantly, for their general well being. Also, you can have the sandy or soft soil area near to the hut made especially for your pet. Not only will he or she be protected from weather extremities but also get large spaces to explore. There can arise times when your camel proves dangerous on fences. To be on the safe side, fix an electrified wire around its housing area.

• Cleanliness freak:
Actually! Camels hate staying messy. They are clean animals and you need to be constantly on your toes to see if they are in a happy go lucky mood. Make sure to clean their dung on a regular basis or at least arrange for a weekly cleaning. There are special combs available for animals, which you can use to brush up the fur and keep the living area spic and span.

• Fix up periodical check ups:
Arrange for periodical consultation of your camel with the veterinary or at least when such issue arises. There are protective measure s that you must exercise for camel raising, which includes vaccinations for tetanus, clostridial diseases, floating of teeth, de-worming and more.

Understanding emotional needs

If you do not care to respect your pet camel, chances are obvious for it to become rebellious or show some negative behavior. It’s amazing how well they understand you. Besides, if you see them panicky, be gentle and act confident,. That will only help them to follow your instructions.

Reinforcement is another factor that yields positive results. Camel raising is not an easy job, so be sure before you undertake the responsibility. However, treating them occasionally will help in establishing a strong rapport with you. Besides, they are social animals. So don’t make the mistake of leaving them alone.
How about bringing the companionship of dogs, sheep and others to foster great ties?