Need Some Advice...

[Xmasbaby81]

I am sorry for the VERY long post but I am looking for advice and am new to Camels. I recently stated volunteering at a farm that opened their doors to a bull camel awhile ago. The way the story goes is that they adopted him from a farm that had a petting "zoo" when it closed. The original owner died and the adult children and wife coudn't care for the animals. He gets fed and has clean water twice a day and get vet care when needed. His stall and paddock get cleaned only when there are enough people to distract him (apparently he loves shavings and tries to climb over the Dutch stall door even if you lock him out). On a normal basis he is good boy, but he has bitten before and supposedly without warning or provocation. I have worked with various different types of animals (horse, parrots, dogs, etc.) most of them with bad habits and abused and I believe that we can atleast train him so that his area can be maintained on a more regular basis. Would castration help? Are there any suttle hints that a camel may become agressive? Behaviors that his caretakers are just not recognizing? Does anyone have any suggestions? The owner put an add in the paper for a camel trainer but it was met by prank calls. I know it sounds weird, but he has kind eye and I believe in him. I respect his power, but I believe that he can be helped.

[bacdromgrl]

bull camels can be very hard to handle. castration would help but you really really need to know how to handle him and not be afraid to show him who's boss. just please make sure you or him dont get hurt.

[Xmasbaby81]

I figured that bull camels can be tough.... Kind of like dealing with a stallion horse? I would never think of hurting him, but I won't take his "crap" either. I certainly don't want to get hurt. Like I said I respect what he CAN potentially do to me. The problem is that if he severely bites again he might get shot and I really don't think that it has come to that point yet. I have successfully dealt with Stallions before because I knew how to read their body language, knew when they were going to act up and acte accordingly. I am hoping that you guys can help me learn about camel body language and vocalizations so that I can keep both of us safe & happy. I am thinking that if I can get him to Cush by his tree in his paddock so that I can close myself in his stall to clean it and then Cush in his stall so that his paddock and water can be done it might help and give him a little disciple and interaction. I think that if I can teach him to target with clicker training I might be able to teach the whol process from outside his fence.

[Humphrey]

:clap You answered your own question there....get him to cush down and stay, while you work in the other area. Camels are also inquisitive, so maybe some sort of distraction such as a salt lick, or nail something like a oven tray on a tree or fence, and smear it with molasses or put some hay in a haynet and tie it in the stall, or outdoors, where ever you need him.;)

[camelsinfrance]

Hi, what a sensible post...
I have 4 Bactrian camels, and recently was lucky enough to have a Bull come to stay, but he was a very gentle soul. For your safety, one of the first things I would consider teaching is for him to back up. As you have experience with horses, I'm sure you'll be confident in doing this, however, don't position yourself RIGHT infront of the camel, as ( as a bull) if he becomes dominant or aggressive towards you you'll want to step sideways out of the way, and not backwards. Keep us all posted with how you get on, and remember who's the boss!! GOOD LUCK

[camels]

Are you some bull camels gentle and others not? Does it vary greatly? Have anything to do with a cow around?