The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Dafad21 on September 27, 2021, 10:24:23 pm
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I recently brought a pet wether lamb ( 6 months old) but he is showing signs of being a ram still.
I contacted the previous owners and they have said he was pinched not rung.
I was under the impression that Emasculating would cause the testes to drop off or stop growing? Does the scrotum stay intact? He seems to still have a package ;)
He has started licking his lips and showing signs of being interested in the ewes.
Is this normal to show these signs and still be a wether or do I have a ram on my hands?
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With bloodless castrators, if it's done correctly, the stones will wither and eventually disappear or remain but only very very small. There's always a little sac, though : that hasn't been damaged and so won't fall off.
It should have been done by one month old but it's possible it was done later. So at 6 months, you may still feel appreciable testes.
Have a fondle and see what you find. If the testes feel healthy and sizeable, the emasculation may have been unsuccessful. If the stones are smaller, harder and don't feel (pardon me, but...) like your own testes do, then it's been successful.
He can still have hormones circulating, especially if it was done late.
If you have any doubt as to whether his testes have fully degenerated, keep him away from the ladies this time around, just to be on the safe side.