The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Missy on March 14, 2018, 01:14:10 pm
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For the first time in a couple of years I have ram lambs being born to my ryelands.
I am out of practice at castrating and am worrying as after 48 hours I dont think the testicles have come down yet. This morning at 4 days now I have been feeling and I am sure they are not down.
They are quite small sized lambs. Should I wait abit longer? Or do I get the vet out? Dont have any farmers I could ask.
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Wait until day 7, when they may have come down.
More likely is that they are down but the lambs retract them when you are feeling to find them - not daft, lambs ;D . Best to do it as quickly as possible, and if you can't find them, then let the lamb go. A relaxed lamb lets it all hang out :eyelashes: Have some small scissors handy, such as a Swiss Army Knife, so that if you've missed one or both you can carefully cut off the ring.
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I struggle with my Ryelands compared to others too. Usually end up doing it a little bit later but it doesn't upset them.
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Wait till day 7 ..... can you pull the testicles down into the sack? If really small then leave them entire. (do not do after 7 days. If you need then castrated then the vet will do it when they are older .
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Can you feel them in the abdomen? They're usually close to the surface and possibly visible but certainly palpable. You may find that with a little very gentle pushing you can get them into the sac. They'll probably retract again as soon as you try to snare them, mind ::)