Just a share really. Very sorry to have lost my remaining GFD wether - a great big, soppy cuddly boy, always lumbering up for a scratch and a fuss. Lost him to a blocked bladder, which is how his brother went a year or so ago.
I understand that when the boys are castrated, their urethra and penis don't develop fully, so they're more prone to infections and to bladder blockages that a ram could pass easily. Once the bladder fills and can't be emptied, they are in dire straits, so had to choose the kindest thing and have him put to sleep.
Mine is just a tiny hobby flock, kept for their fleece and my own interest. Vet explained that she only sees this problem with sheep (and goats) kept as pets, as obviously in a commercial environment, the wethers would be slaughtered and not kept for years.
I have one wether left (a Hebridean/Longwool cross) and am hoping he doesn't go the same way
The remaining sheep are ewes, and if I'd known about this problem I'd have just stuck with ewes.