Do bisons make good pets?

Question

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-hAtKJ5Q7eqWSTbp7Q1vuu8mXxBauWCE-?cq=1

Is the area where you live zoned for bisons as pets? Would you like to have a bison as a pet?

Ah, Darth, thanks for the link! It won't be long before Patrick has to move it outside then, eh?

Answer 1

he he he, I was going to ask this question a couple of days ago.

Here's an adult one:

http://www.livingwilderness.com/wildlife/bison-standing.html

Answer 2

Bison are not like cattle (which do make good pets) in that they are considered wild and dangerous animals.

That doesn't mean you couldn't explore the idea of a bison as a pet. BUT you would have to do a lot of research as to their needs insofar as pens/pasture, shelter, feed, etc. Also, you should probably look not only into zoning - which would be similar to owning a cow or horse - but also special wildlife permits. I would suggest you contact your state and federal departments of natural resources and the interior.

Plus, if you're a member of one of the first nations tribes there may be significant religious/cultural implications surrounding keeping a bison as a pet. Check that out too.

Finally, contact your local Zoo. I would bet that you could "adopt" a bison - which means you donate $$ toward its upkeep - which would entitle you to call that particular bison "your pet."

Answer 3

No, bison do not make good pets.

"Handling -
Bison are not a domestic animal and require different handling than cattle. Many bison producers agree with the saying "You can get a bison to go anywhere he wants to go."

Bison are much more nervous and excitable in close quarters. Work bison slower and calmer than you would other stock. Handling facilities will need to be stronger and taller than pasture fences. Your facility for capturing, sorting, treating, testing, loading out, or confining your bison should be strong, long lasting, cost efficient, and most importantly, safe for you and your animals."
http://www.bisoncentral.com/index.php?c=63&d=155&a=1169&w=2&r=Y


"Bison are not domestic animals

Although most bison are now raised on ranches, they are not considered domesticated. They have very keen hearing, and a great sense of smell, which they use to locate food and detect danger. Their wonderful immune system makes them less prone to disease than beef cattle.

With their coarse guard hairs and soft undercoats, bison look shaggy and almost cuddly, but you should never approach or try to pet one. They are dangerous and very large animals:

Bulls stand over six feet tall at their hump, and weigh1,500 to 2,000 lbs. at maturity (5 to 7 years old)
Cows average 1,000 to 1,200 lbs.
Calves weigh 25 to 40 lbs. at birth, but grow to 500 lbs. in their first year.
Both bison cows and bulls have black horns.

Putting on the speed

For all their size and bulk, bison move remarkably quickly:

They can sprint 35 to 40 miles an hour-and can maintain that pace for five miles
They can run for miles and miles without stopping
They can jump five or six feet in the air-from a standstill!"

http://www.gunpowderbison.com/raisingBison.html

Answer 4

I have a farm but no bisons they are basically the same as a cow if I were you I would think for a long time before getting one they are very big and can live for up to twenty years. What would you do with it if you need to get rid of it before then

Answer 5

bisons good pets

Answer 6

I don't think the bison would be compatible with my Apartment 3.0.

Answer 7

Paul Bunyon thought so. Oh, wait, Babe was an ox. A blue one, too. Well, anyway there weren't any zoning ordanance then, so Paul could pretty much have what ever type of animal he wanted for a pet.

Answer 8

They make good pet FOOD. This much I know.

I don't think they'd make good pets. They'd probably hog the bed, they'd be hard to ride, and they'd probably play the endangered card if asked to do manual labor.

*looks down* Hey, who did that? Some bisonphile I suppose. *fangs dripping vengeful venom*

Answer 9

Cows are the choice preference, thank you very much. Bisons are just so...uncivilized.

Answer 10

uuuuhhhhh..... why in the world would anyone want a bison as a pet?