Banding

[Ariel301]

I think Im just going to look up how to cut here at the house. I have a friend that works down at a local vet office who assits in dogs all the time. Cant be much different right?

Actually, it's fairly different from how it is done in dogs. I've been to calf castrations where they were cut, and it's definitely a lot more rough than what your dog gets. I've seen calves bleed to death from it--when I would assist ranches in branding/eartagging/castrating, we would lose an average of one out of a hundred calves using that technique. They just never got up off the ground again after being cut, and died after several hours of laying there in misery. I have also been told by lots of people that banding is "inhumane", but having used both the banding and cutting methods...I find the animals seem to be in less pain with the banding. It's my method of choice. I personally will never castrate an animal by cutting again. With banding, after a short while, the testicles become numb from lack of circulation so they don't hurt so much...but having them cut off with a pocketknife while being awake and not receiving any pain relievers....ouch! Poor little boy animals.

The method is up to you, but I'd recommend banding over trying to cut him yourself. It's quite a bit safer. You can get cattle elastrators (the banding tool) at livestock supply companies or online...they tend to run $15-20, so it's not a bad investment.

 

[currycomb]

we have done both on goats. i had some little bucks that after they were banded, just went to a cornor and laid down to die. so cut the band off, they jumped up and ran for the feeder! next week we cut them, pulled the testicles till the cord broke, no cutting on the inside parts. when they snap, they seal the blood vessels and the goat is up an eating shortly. they need room to move around, not put up in a stall, so the swelling is minimal. for good measure, like to "cut" on a full moon, that being the sign is right.

 

[helmstead]

You can certainly band an older buck...you just usually need a calf bander instead of a small bander.

The chance of infection is slightly higher, but usually goes without a hitch. I've banded a 6 month old before and there was not a problem at all.

 

[SarahFair]

Well I dont plan on raising goats..
I just need a couple to clear some pasture. I wouldnt even bother neutering him and just get a wether from a man I know but a neighbor a couple acres over has goats and I dont know if they are nannies. I just dont want him peeing all over himself and causing a stink!

I guess I could always sell the bander...
Or maybe I could find someone with cattle?
Hmm..

 

[SarahFair]

I talked to a guy via email who does hoof trimming for $7. I asked him if he did banding..
He said around $40!

Is this a total rip off? I feel like I would be paying for his bander twice!

 

[aggieterpkatie]

I talked to a guy via email who does hoof trimming for $7. I asked him if he did banding..
He said around $40!

Is this a total rip off? I feel like I would be paying for his bander twice!

$40 for banding is a total rip off, but you can't blame the guy for making money for services.

If you're going to pay money like that, you might as well take the goat to a vet and let the vet do it. Or, you can go spend the $20 for an elastrator and $3 for a bag of 100 bands and do it yourself. I've seen people band 6 month old sheep with the regular small size bands. You may have to kinda ease the testicles through, but it works.

 

[ksalvagno]

Is there a local goat farm that would be willing to do it? You may have to offer them some money or they may have a price but if you are going to pay around $23 to buy the equipment and never need it again, why not help a local farmer a little and also start a relationship. Then if you have problems, you could call them for help.

 

[SarahFair]

I had some guy on a forum for Georgia outdoors people offer to come do it for free..
Im just really weary about people coming to my house.

 

[ksalvagno]

Why not take the goat to their house and do it in the driveway. If he is another goat breeder, then take the time to see his herd and talk to him about his goats and stuff. I'm always for having another goat person to be able to call locally if you have questions.

 

[SarahFair]

I had my 5 month old goat (at the time) banded about a month ago with a calf band.
His (not so) little sac dried up and its still hanging there. Its hard as a rock and flat, kind of looks like matted hair. The band is still on. Will it fall off in a few weeks or what do I do?

It doesnt seem to bother him at all.