When and when not to castrate?

[sunflowerparrot]

I have a 2 1/2 week old buckling and will be butchering him in the fall. Do I need to castrate him? He will be with his sister (same age) until butcher day.

 

[promiseacres]

lots of opinions on this, they CAN breed at about 5 months so if he'll be under that maybe not. I didn't castrate my hair sheep last year and butchered him at 11 mos, no tainted meat very yummy. but I kept him away from the girls. I'm debating on castrating the ones I'll butcher this year b/c then if I need to move them into a pen with girls no problems.

 

[boothcreek]

If you keep him with his sister I would castrate him, I have had ewes get into heat as early as 4 months and get bred by their same-age brothers.....
Taste wise there shouldn't be a difference really. I keep hair sheep and usually don't castrate unless there is a big fault.

 

[Goat Whisperer]

You say buckling, but posted in the sheep section. Are you talking about a sheep or goat?

 

[sunflowerparrot]

sheep I had goats last year and continue to call him a buckling! Anyways - thank you everyone. I will get him castrated next week. He will be 3 1/2 weeks old then. I am going to band him - that is ok, yes?

 

[SheepGirl]

Yes, castrating using the elastrator method is fine up to 2 months old.

 

[AnnaEhsan]

Hello Everyone,

There are different color of rings available (orange, green). Is there any difference in them? which one should I use for sheep?

Thanks,
Anna

 

[Goat Whisperer]

I don't band...tagging some other folks that might know...
@norseofcourse @mysunwolf @SheepGirl @Roving Jacobs

 

[SheepGirl]

I don't think there is a difference in quality...just the brand. I see Premier sells the orange ones and most farm stores sell the green ones. They both work. Just whatever is available to you.