My Sheep

[St Andy]

Hi Guy's first post so no flaming :) My partner and I have recently bought a pet lamb from the farmer next door, as we have loads of land we thought it would be wicked.

Anyway, the lamb is a ram and the farmer say's that we have to neuter it :confused: He said we can either do it with a knife :eek: or use an elastic band :confused: :confused:

Are there any vets on this forum as I haven't got a clue about this. Help!! :(

[RabbitMage]

Having yout little lamb castrated would make him a much safer pet. Many rams tend to become aggresive as they mature, and by castrating them you remove the hormones responsible for that.

Castrating with a knife is actually very quick and safe when done properly. Oftentimes the wound is cauterized right afterward, and this keeps infection to a minimum.

In your other option a band is placed around the base of the sac, close to the body. This cuts off circulation to the testes and eventually they come off on their own. Infection and flies are a bigger concern this way.

If your sheep is older than six months, I'd reccomend having a vet out to castrate him. One of my ag teachers years and years ago castrated a 9 month old ram on her own, and he almost died from blood loss. Better safe than sorry!

[St Andy]

Thanks, I think I will have to do it as I reckon he could be agressive later on and the farmer next door is worried that he will get randy with his yew's.

As for using a knife, well thats a big no-no , I'm way too squeemish.

How do you do it with an elastic band? Anyone?

[RabbitMage]

I'd advise getting the farmer to do it, either way. He should already have the proper equipment and the know-how to do it.

If not, you can scurry over to your local livestock supply store. You'll need an 'elastrator', and the bands for it (they looks something like Froot Loops). I'll see if I can find something of a step by step guide online if you need it...I'm not sure I can explain the process as well as I can do it.

[andreaS15]

I'd advise getting the farmer to do it, either way. He should already have the proper equipment and the know-how to do it.

If not, you can scurry over to your local livestock supply store. You'll need an 'elastrator', and the bands for it (they looks something like Froot Loops). I'll see if I can find something of a step by step guide online if you need it...I'm not sure I can explain the process as well as I can do it.
Yup, If the farmer does it to his own stock, I'm sure he could do it for you.

Or call a local vet to come over and do it for you. You definetly don't want an un-neutered ram... if there anything like billy goats you REALLY don't want un-neutered! :p

[RabbitMage]

They aren't quite as bad as male goats (I know they don't smell as bad!) but when you've been bowled over by a big Suffolk ram a few times...owie.