[fifixx]

Management will be easier if I castrate the boys who have just been born and any more who arrive - but, do I really need to do it?

All the meat goat producers I have called today ring them at 2/3 days old.  The Soil Association questions if it is necessary but if it causes welfare issues (young billys mating their sisters) prefers it to be done.

Just feeling mean and not 100% sure - any comments welcome!

[wytsend]

Does depend on how soon they will go.....whether you will have 2 or 3 that can be housed separately later in the summer   etc etc.

Probably be easier to ring than not to.

[kelpy]

probably better to ring,we do all of ours unless keeping the odd one for breeding.

[jaykay]

Yes, you'll have to house them separately from about 12 weeks if not.

It causes them pain/discomfort for a short while and then they seem to forget it, so I don't think it's the most terrible thing for them. To be honest, I think they'd be more upset having to be separated from their mums and their sisters.

[Anke]

Yes - ALL males should be ringed unless they are kept for breeding (and only if a) pre-ordered from someone else and deposit paid, or b) to be used on the home farm).

It will give you the choice of keeping them until they are absolutely right for whichever weight you want to get them to and management is so much easier!

[cuckoo]

Well this years approach differs for us - we have a range of graded male boer kids - cant be registered as <100% so dilemma regarding ringing.  I got the first born rung as he was born with some others I was getting disbudded - I took them to the vet and wanted reminding I was ringing correctly - well the rings I brought with me just snapped as rubber had degraded so vets gave me one to do him.  However, for the others - 75% - I have not bothered ringing as didnt have the rings and I have the capacity to wean at 12 weeks and keep them seperate from does - I will be sending them to the abbatoir at before the breeding season is underway to reduce any billy taint.

[chickenfeed]

if they are going for meat ring them as by the time they are ready for slaughter there will be a high chance of billy taint and the market for entire billy limited so best ring.

we have had the odd entire ordered for meat but they are really not worth the trouble unless you can keep them away from the girls and any castrates.

[fifixx]

Neighbouring shepherd is coming round at lunchtime to help me....today's the day!  (only 2 to do!)