Poor Souls

[helmstead]

Today was wethering day here in the barnyard. Nicky (renamed Alfie by his new family) and Low Boy were both purchased as wethers, so it was their fate.

So I have two boys out there crying their little heads off, flipping over trying to get the band off, and army crawling around. Poor souls!

Here are a couple recent pics of the boys:

 

[Katy]

That's why we always band our calves as newborns....doesn't phase them like it does when they're older.

 

[mlheran]

Why not use a Burdizzo instead?Only a few minutes of discomfort and it's done . Plus it can be done at any age (at least up to a couple years, anyway, as far as I've heard).

Cute goats though!

 

[helmstead]

You can't wether goats until they're 8 weeks or they're way more likely to get UC. You have to give the urethra time to grow. Goats and cows - altho both ruminents - are very different.

We don't Burdizzo because it's not as effective in our opinion. You often have to repeat treatments. Banding is just a few moments of discomfort, too, until the area goes numb.

 

[Cheryl]

Since I've never had goats and wasn't familiar with the term, I had to look it up. So I have one question, why would you purchase goats to castrate? I grew up with a friend whose mom sold goats milk and homemade bread, so the one male goat was always whole and she found homes for any others born.

 

[Kanchii]

Quote:
Wethers (castrated male goats) are very very sweet and good pets, and you can still show them. Also, they tend to be cheaper than does or bucks, so if you just want a pet its the way to go, or if you just need some company for another animal.

 

[helmstead]

Kanchii is right on. Bucks can be nasty creatures, stinking and being hormonal. If you're looking for a pet, a wether is the way to go. I've heard that ethnic people prefer intact goats and sheep for eating, but I don't sell goats for eating, so any extra boys (unless sold as sires per the buyer) are wethered at 8 weeks. This way they can stay with the herd with no danger of impregnating moms or sisters and make good pets.

 

[Frozen Feathers]

Poor boys.

I banded Jack when we still had him and it's hard to see them go through that, but he was only uncomfortable for about 15 minutes and then went back to his normal bratty self. I couldn't imagine keeping an intact male around, specially since I don't breed. Even if I did I might just rent a buck rather then keep one around all the time.
Cute goats Helmstead!

 

[WriterofWords]

We always use castrated males as companions for the horses at the track. They are calm, easy going, and are not a threat to the horses.
K

 

[Wildsky]

My little wether is a handful - he's cute as can be!

He gets SO excited when we go out with FOOD (morning and night) he runs laps around the pen/run - he bounces like he has springs on his feet, and generally annoys the horse

He runs under her and between her legs.... it cracks me up!

As a pet, I think a wether is great!