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Dromedary and Bactrian Camel Information by Winifred Whitfield * 4-4-00 Click linked photos, use your "Back" browser button to return to this page.       I own two camels. Gobi is a Bactrian camel and Butterscotch is a Dromedary camel. They are both very precious in my life. Following are some of the things I have learned about camels, along with answers to questions I am most frequently asked.       The first U.S. camels were imported into Texas in 1856. It is not know if the scholars of that time knew that the oldest remains of camels have been found in North America. Camels are said to have originated in North America 45 million years ago. In the mid 1850's the importation of camels to the United States was an experiment for the U.S. Army. The Army needed a system of transportation for its goods that otherwise did not exist at the time. Camels were determined to be very effective for the job of transporting heavy loads and go greater distances than horses or mules. Camel express freight lines were created in many areas of the Southwest. Bactrian camel, Gobi, in summer.       Camels have several characteristics which suited it to this job. Although we have long been told that the camels humps contain water, this is not the case. The humps contain fat which can be converted to water when necessary. The camel can go many days and great distances without water. The camel has large eyes protected by two interlocking lashes, which are set under an overhanging brow, all of which protects it from intense desert heat. The camel can completely close its nostrils to blowing desert sand. Both one humped and two humped camels were used. The Dromedary proved to be most effective in this work as it could carry more than 500 pounds for 40 miles. Frequently Asked Questions       Question: What is the difference between a one humped camel and a two humped camel?       Answer: A two humped camel is called a Bactrian Camel. These are Asian camels, which come form the deserts of China and Mongolia. These camels have thick, warm, long, shaggy coats in winter and are equipped for very extreme temperatures. They can withstand cold down to 40 degrees below zero. In summer they shed and can take heat up to 120 degrees farenheit. Dromedary camels have one hump. These camels come from North and East Africa. They have a shorter fiber coat, even in winter, and they are typically taller than Bactrians at the humps. Dromedaries are not equipped for the degree of cold which Bactrians can withstand, and I always make sure that my Dromedary has a solid shelter from the wind, cold and rain. My Bactrian rarely goes into a shelter except to eat. Cold, wind, rain or snow, he appears very comfortable and content lying exposed in the pasture. All livestock should have a shelter, however. Both camels have very large saucer like feet which assist them in their movement across desert sand.       Question: The media portrays camels as ornery, stubborn and ill tempered. Is this true?       Answer: This is certainly not true in my experience. Both of my camels are known and loved because of their very affectionate, good-tempered nature. They enjoy the company of humans and other animals and love being brushed and having their big soft noses petted. However, they are VERY large animals and, as with all animals, they want to have their way. They require careful training so you can interact with them positively, and in a safe manner. You may want to take a camel for a walk or ride it in a parade, or take it to participate in a Christmas Nativity scene. All of this takes training. It is certainly not they same as having a dog, and camels aren't for the timid. Camels are noted for their "Happy Camels" antics. This occurs when they are excited and run about flailing their legs out to the side and into the air. This often happens at my farm when a big noisy truck rushes down the road. The camels get very excited and react. You can only run for cover when this occurs in order not to be kicked. It is best to train them that they can never do this when you are present.       Question: Do Camels Spit?       Answer: Camels can spit as can any animal in the camelid family. This family of animals includes the Bactrian and Dromedary camels, llamas, alpacas, guanacos and vicunas. However, these animals normally spit at each other around food issues - as in - I want all of the food and I want you to have none. So - Spit! Spit! Go Away! Or they may spit at a person, which is unusual, out of frustration or as a defense, feeling that a person may bring it harm. One day a man brought a little boy to visit my camel, Gobi. Gobi is very loving, likes to nuzzle, and is gentle with children. The man asks if the little boy could feed Gobi carrots. I said yes and the man fed Gobi the first carrot. Then the little boy held the peeled baby carrot up to Gobi. Gobi lowered his huge head and mouth down toward the little boy's hand in order to take the carrot, but the little boy let go of the carrot before Gobi could get it into his mouth and it fell on the outside of the fence to the ground. Gobi could see that there were more carrots and he patiently waited for the next. Again the little boy held up his small hand holding the delicious treat, probably Gobi's favorite, and again the little boy let go of the carrot and pulled back his hand in fright as Gobi's large mouth opened to take the treat. The carrot fell to the ground out of Gobi's reach. Gobi shuffled back and forth a bit, salivating no doubt, at the expectation of the little carrots. He still saw the bag of carrots and so he patiently waited. The little boy, no more than 4 years old, quite shy and not more than two and a half feet tall was encouraged to try it again. "Just hold it until he gets it in his mouth", we told him. Gobi is very gentle and will take the carrot slowly. Again the small hand went into the bag of carrots to select a carrot. He held it up to Gobi, but again let it go before Gobi could get in into his mouth. Need I tell you what happened next? Gobi thought he was being cruelly teased and spit! It was just a soft spray, but it dissuaded the little boy from trying to feed Gobi again.       Question: What do Camels eat?       Answer: Camels are primarily grazers. Most of the food which they eat at my farm consists of grass and hay. I also feed them a supplement of grain which has addition protein, vitamins and minerals in it. In addition, camels love carrots, apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, and many other crunchy vegetables and fruits. They also browse and nibble the tree leaves of just about any tree in their environment. When I look across into their pasture, I can see all of the trees trimmed up high, as far as the camels can reach. Author Bio       Winifred Winfield (known as Win to friends) has a very interesting life. She successfully worked on Wall Street, but tired of the noise, city lights and concrete. She is always one to step up and make changes based on faith and joy. In 1993 she purchased a 100 year old farm in Poulsbo, Washington. She immediately went to work turning it into a showplace filled with beautiful gardens, Peruvian and Bolivian llamas, and her sweet camels. Winifred does a lot of community work with her animals and is regularly written about in the local newspapers. She and Gobi appeared on a TV news show in Seattle, and in 2000 she was spotlighted in an ½ hour interview on the HGTV produced show called The Good Life.       All Animals owns all rights to this article and the photos. 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