Camel for sale in the Netherlands

Camels and dromedaries: behaviour and suitability

These animals walk, forage and rest socially and tolerate isolation poorly. Rut, hierarchy and maternal behaviour make daily handling unsuitable for inexperienced keepers. Always assess the actual animal and, when a trade label covers several species, verify the scientific name before acquisition. Age, sex, health and previous housing can noticeably influence behaviour.

Care and housing

Provide extensive dry walking room, strong high fencing, species-appropriate fibre-rich feed and professional foot, dental and training care. Transport and medical treatment must be practically feasible beforehand. Set up the complete enclosure before the animal arrives and record relevant values and daily behaviour. A sudden change in appetite, activity, breathing, posture or droppings calls for a check of the environment and, where needed, knowledgeable help.

Health and responsible acquisition

First establish whether the exact animal is a camel or dromedary and whether possession and transfer are legal. RVO places both in risk class F because of serious injury risk. For dromedaries RVO also identifies MERS-CoV as a very high zoonotic risk. Ask the seller about age, origin, current care and known health problems, and ensure any documents belong to the animal offered. Never choose on colour, size or price alone, and identify a knowledgeable veterinarian or other species expert before urgent problems arise.