Break out of Framesby Chelle Rogers * 4-30-00 I can think of few things in life that bring more joy, and ask for less in return, than animals. They console us when we're down, amuse us with their antics, and even cause us to become more creative in our time management and problem solving skills. We often meet new friends because of the common admiration of a certain type of animal. Animals are clearly a joy, and a responsibility. I put my llama site online early in 1995. I was amazed to receive *at least* three emails a week from people wanting to know:
I answered questions as well as I could, but I was disgusted that breeders were selling llamas without any information being given to the buyer. Then I learned many of these llamas were being purchased at small livestock auctions that were merely a dumping ground for breeders with problem animals, or animals they had no interest in. I don't know why I was so surprised. I've seen it happen over and over with any species or breed that enjoys a sudden popularity. People impulse buy, or think they'll make a fortune. It happens with horses, dogs, cats, alpacas, ferrets, llamas, and every animal I can think of - sooner or later there are rescues occuring and many unwanted, unloved animals. There are many solutions to work on, but a good start is to help create "responsible buyers". There will ALWAYS be disreputable people breeding animals just to make a quick buck, but if they can't make that quick buck, maybe they'll find another scam. What is responsible buying? These are some of the things to do *before* buying any animal:
After you have answers to those questions, ask yourself:
I think to the best way to start with large livestock (especially if you've never owned any) is with mature, *well trained*, neutered/gelded animals (or perhaps two females) that you can learn from. I also think herd animals are happiest with a same-species buddy. If you have zero livestock experience, why mess up a young animal when you have no idea how to train it? And ALL livestock needs some training/taming in order (at the very least) to give it routine health care. I've seen so many people buy colts, refuse to geld them or train them properly, and end up terrified of a stallion who is spoiled rotten and totally out of control once his hormones kick in. Injuries occur (sometimes with tragic results) to both humans and the animal. All of that heartache could have been avoided with a bit of common sense and responsible buying. Why people set out to "breed" animals before ever owning one is another mystery. Breeding "successfully" entails so much more knowledge and experience than "pet" ownership. Often it requires the money and time to "hit the show circuit" in order to promote what you breed. And what makes you think you know what a "breeding quality" animal really consists of if you are new to the breed? Don't be fooled by a high price or merely a farm/breeder name. All breeders produce the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you don't know the difference, don't expect the breeder to tell you, many won't. Do your homework and get some experience before you try to leap into the breeding arena. You may find the reality isn't what you fantasized at all. These things may seem like a lot of trouble and wasted time, but I guarantee you'll be in a much better position to enjoy your animal or animals if you are willing to buy responsibly. You'll know what to expect and you'll be prepared even when an emergency occurs. You'll buy from a reputable breeder. If you don't know the breeder's clients, you can still ask for references to explore. You'll know what you should be getting in writing in the way of performance or health guarantees. You'll know you need to get a pre-purchase exam or a guarantee that allows you to have your own vet to examine the animal once you have it in your possesion. You'll know what your "return" policy is - is it money back or an exchange for another animal? Some defects will not show up until the animal matures, are you protected in that instance? And by then you will probably be attached to the animal, so what will happen to it if you do have a problem? You might also choose to adopt a "rescue" animal. This is a wonderful thing to do if you are looking for a pet. Even under these circumstances you need to know the best care possible for your new animal. You need to be informed enough to know if the animal has behavioral or health problems that you are capable (and willing) to deal with. This is especially important if any of the behavioral problems can put you, your family members, or neighbors at risk. Don't for one minute think I'm trying to discourage anyone from buying animals. Few things in life can rival the joy and "teaching" I've gained from animals - both my own and the wild ones that have chosen to "adopt" my farm as "safe" territory. I'm just hopeful that responsible buyers will be more common than impulse buyers, and that both you and every animal you purchase will have a great experience together.
Chelle Rogers is one of the presenters of All Animals and has a bio in the About Us section. There is also a page with photos about her farm, Castalia, and San Juan Island (where she lives) here. All Animals owns all rights to this article. You may link to the article, but you may *not* copy it, nor reprint it anywhere else. You may print the URL which is www.all-animals.com/buy.html Advertising | Site Design | Site Hosting | About Us | Home | Email |
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