Timberwyck Farm

We are not expert castrators. That said, when we did our first bucks, we waited a good long time. We were in no danger of our does getting pregnant, as our servicing buck Emmett had already taken care of business.

That said, I probably would not advise castrating too late, as we had some difficult holding our bigger buck down. But you also don't want to things too early, as the male urethra will not grow to it's full width until after puberty. A a narrow urethra, much like with humans, puts your soon-to-be whether at risk for UrinaryStones. 8 weeks is a good time to be ready for castration.

The only method we have ever used is the "side crusher," also known as a Richtey Nipper and generically as an emasculatom. Never a more clear, yet at the same time obscure word has been used. We ordered our side crusher from Premier 1 Supplies out of Ames, IA. It retails for $96. While you can find emasculatoms for cheaper, if you're mostly doing smaller goats and sheep, I'd splurge for the side crusher. It is designed for the size testicles you'll be dealing with, and does not have very large gaps on the side of the crusher into which the spermatic cord can slide if you're not careful. Premier 1's tool, like everything they sell, is also really well made and just feels solid in your hands. "Now this can make men in to boys," you'll find yourself saying...cue the groan.

For the actual crushing action, as I mentioned above, we've only done this once on three animals: Vern, Brackets and Frank.