Guide to Purchasing a Camel

Recognize the Responsibility and Expenses of Camel Ownership: Owning a camel is a long-term commitment with significant financial implications. Camels have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years, necessitating substantial financial investment in food, equipment, healthcare, and grooming. Annual expenses can amount to $2,000 USD or more, with initial purchase prices varying by location and breed. Here's a glimpse at camel prices across different regions:

• In the US, prices range from $10,000 for a mature gelding to $17,000 for a pregnant female.
• In Tanzania, expect to pay around $700 USD for a camel.
• Egyptian markets offer camels for $50 to $380, but conditions may not be optimal.
• Specialized racing camels in the UK command prices of approximately $55,000 USD.
• The upkeep of racing camels exceeds $12,000 annually.
• Untrained camels may require additional expenses for training, particularly for grooming purposes.

Prepare the Camel's Habitat or Obtain Riding Gear If you're considering keeping a camel as a pet, ensure you have a suitable pasture enclosed by sturdy fences and a three-sided shelter. Allocate a minimum of two acres per camel and avoid housing them with horses. Consider having at least two camels as they thrive in herds. For riding purposes, gather essentials like a saddle, rope with pegs, blankets, and a camel stick. If using the camel for transportation, equip it with additional rope and sturdy sacks, being cautious not to overload its back.

Ensure Adequate Nutrition for Your Camel While camels can endure long periods without water, they require daily sustenance. Prior to acquiring a camel, stock up on alfalfa hay, oat hay, corn, or oats. Prepare meals in advance, especially if you intend to travel to areas without grazing opportunities. Additionally, ensure your camel receives daily salt intake and the necessary selenium, either through its diet or supplements, to prevent deficiencies that could prove fatal.

Comprehend the Responsibilities of Camel Care Similar to household pets, camels necessitate regular vaccinations and grooming. Schedule yearly vaccinations, including the West Nile virus vaccine, administered by a specialized veterinarian. Regular grooming is essential to maintain their fur's cleanliness and address any injuries promptly. Additionally, arrange for regular nail trimming by a veterinarian or farrier to ensure their well-being.

Address Legal Requirements Depending on your location, owning a camel may entail specific permits and documentation. For instance, residents of the United Kingdom require a DWA license to legally own a camel. Prioritize obtaining the necessary clearances and authorizations to comply with local regulations.

Plan the Homeward Journey

Transportation arrangements for your camel require careful planning, considering both cost and the animal's well-being. Ground transportation is generally more cost-effective and less stressful than overseas travel. When utilizing transportation agencies, inquire about post-transportation care options, as some may only deliver the camel to a designated location, leaving further arrangements to the owner.

Choose the Camel Breed Wisely The type of camel you select impacts its characteristics such as the number of humps, size, and fur. For instance, the Dromedary, with one hump, is taller and well-suited for desert environments. Conversely, the Bactrian, sporting two humps, boasts a robust physique and dense winter coat, making it suitable for colder regions.

Opt for a Sturdy Camel for Long Journeys Particularly if the camel is tasked with transporting supplies or passengers over extensive distances. Weak camels are prone to injuries, especially under heavy loads. Consider the following:

• Observe the camel's knees for stability when standing up. Trembling or shaking indicates weak knees, rendering the camel unsuitable for heavy loads.
• Assess its gait; a limp may signify weakness or illness, posing potential challenges during travel.

Choose a Gentle, Compliant Camel for Travel Given their size and strength, obedience is crucial in camels. A well-behaved camel is easier to handle and minimizes risks of bites or kicks. A disciplined camel is essential not only for riding but also for grooming, requiring the ability to remain still during brushing and nail trimming sessions.

Observe the Camel's Seating and Standing Movements Smooth and fluid movements are imperative, especially for riding purposes. Unlike horses, mounting and dismounting camels require them to be seated. Rough or abrupt seating or standing poses a higher risk of falling off.

Ensure the Camel is Comfortable with a Nose Peg for Riding. Unlike horses, camels use a nose peg instead of bridles and bits. If the camel reacts negatively to the nose peg, it may not be properly trained for riding.

Assess the Camel's Health. A healthy camel is crucial whether you intend to ride it or keep it as a pet. Check for sores on the skin and mouth, and inspect the feet for any wounds. Any signs of illness or injury can lead to serious issues, especially during desert travel.

Opt for a Camel Between Four and Eight Years Old. Camels within this age range are typically experienced, strong, and in good health.

Know Where to Purchase a Camel. You don't necessarily have to travel to the Middle East to buy a camel. Look for camel breeders in your local area or explore options online. Livestock markets in countries like Ethiopia, India, the Gobi desert, and Australia are also viable places to find camels.

Stay Prepared when Visiting a Market Abroad. When visiting a market in a foreign country, be aware of potential scams. Some sellers may take advantage of your unfamiliarity and attempt to overcharge you. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, especially regarding business transactions and negotiation practices, to avoid misunderstandings.

Consider Bringing a Local Companion. Bringing along a local friend or someone knowledgeable about camels can be beneficial. They can assist you in negotiating a fair price and navigating the market environment. Be sure to compensate them for their assistance and time.

Understand Camel Pricing Variability. Camel prices can fluctuate based on factors such as availability, age, gender, and intended use. Factors like training level and lineage from reputable breeders can also impact pricing. Be aware of these variables when assessing camel prices.

Give Your Camel a Name. If your camel doesn't already have a name, choose one that suits its personality or appearance. Consider factors like their behavior, appearance, or habits when selecting a name.

• Opt for a female camel if you're keen on experiencing the delectable and nutritious camel milk.
• If you're a novice camel owner, consider acquiring an older camel that is already trained, tamed, and gentle.
• Acquire or borrow books on camel husbandry and explore online camel-raising resources to learn how to care for your new camel.

• Keep horses away from camels. Horses are easily spooked by camels and may react aggressively.

• Barn
• Camel harness
• Water and food for camel