[Jacob-list] Casterated rams (was wethering yearlings)

[ARTHUR PARTRIDGE]

Hi Connie,
     I have two castrated rams.  I liked their horns and decided to wait so
they could grow.  They were castrated at 8 months.  By all means, use a
veterinarian.  I would've removed the wrong parts<grin>.  We held him down
and she gave a local injection of something to numb the area.  I helped
hold, but couldn't watch.  She was done cutting things out in just a few
minutes.  She didn't sew anything up, just cleaned the area well,
disinfected area and I watched for any infection later.  No problems with
healing.  It cost $50 per ram.  The ram walked funny for a day or two after
that, but then who wouldn't?  I keep my ram separate from the ewes for most
of the year, so I gave him some buddies to keep him company.  I have two
wethers (males castrated before sexual maturity) and two castrated rams
(males done after sexual maturity).  My neighbors love to eat Rocky
Mountain Oysters, so I gave them the ones from the rams.  I didn't think
people really ate those things!!
If you need any more information, just email me.
Cathy

--Original message-- 
Hello All,
I am checking with you to get experiences/opinions on wethering a ram lamb
from last year for someone that wants him as a pet.
I was hoping to find a breeding home for him, but haven't been able to so
far.
He is not aggressive at this point, which I wouldn't expect him to be at
this young age. 
They love his horns but are by no means interested in breeding. They have
no other sheep at this time, but are purchasing a couple goats, which he is
used to being around. He has never been used for breeding as he is to
closely related to our girls. 
Give me your input.
Many Thanks, Connie