A wether goat is a castrated male goat that can serve many purposes, from farm work to companionship. Even though they don’t produce milk or raise kids, wether goats are highly valued for their calm personalities and usefulness.
What is a Wether Goat?
A weather goat is a castrated male goat. The male goat can be castrated as an adult, but it is easier for everyone involved if the procedure is done between the ages of eight and twelve weeks; however, it can be done as early as six weeks of age.
But why are wether goats so popular? There are many reasons for their popularity, so keep reading to learn more.
No Accidental Breeding With a Wether Goat
Intact male and female goats both have a lot to offer goat owners, but if you aren’t looking to raise kids (baby goats) to sell or produce your own milk, you may not want to own an intact male goat (also known as a buck).
Individuals looking to raise both male and female goats for companionship have found that wethers are the perfect choice, especially when it comes to goat care. Wether goats give owners the ability to raise males and females alongside each other without the worries of accidental pregnancies or the aggression of an intact buck during breeding season.
Wether Goats as Pack and Draft Animals
A wether goat is the draft horse of the goat world and makes an ideal choice for those looking for work goats. These boys are hardworking and can be trained as both a pack goat and a draft goat, and can even be trained to pull a cultivator through a garden. So why does a wether make a better work goat than intact males and females?
Wethers grow larger and stronger than female goats (often referred to as a doe), allowing them to pull more weight and carry heavier packs without hurting themselves. Wethers also have a calmer personality than both intact male and female goats. So there is no need to worry about an intact buck turning on you while hiking through the wilderness with your pack goats.
Another plus to using a wether goat for working is that there is no need to worry about udder injuries caused by branches, twigs, or even dried grass cutting or tearing the udder. Also, the wethers will be able to work year-round, not needing to take a break to give birth to kids like a doe would.
Note: A draft or pack wether can be any breed or even a mixed breed, as breed choice doesn’t matter to get these jobs done successfully.
Raising a Wether Goat for Meat
If you are a small-scale farmer looking to raise some meat goats, wethers just might be the right choice for you. And if you have never raised goats for meat before, wethers are a good beginner goat.
Wethers grow larger and gain weight faster than intact males and are less aggressive, making them easy to handle and work with, which makes them a good choice for small-scale farmers with children.
The meat of a wether goat has a mild flavor, and many people prefer the taste of a wether goat to that of an intact buck. Raising wethers for meat may not only mean easier to work with goats, but it can also help you gain repeat meat customers.
Rescuing or Adopting a Wether Goat
Just like many other species of livestock, female goats are often preferred over males (intact or castrated) because they can raise young. Sadly, this means that many male goats find themselves without a home and no one to take care of them.
Did you know? Many shelters often have wether goats for adoption due to the shortage of homes for these boys. Whether or not you rescue a wether goat from a rescue, off the side of the road, or purchase some castrated goats from a breeder, you can do your part to help and prevent the homeless wether populations.
Wether Goats as Pets and Companions
A wether goat is hands down the perfect choice for those wanting a calm and friendly goat breed for a pet or companion animal.
When handled from a young age, these delightful goats bond closely to their whole family and love to interact with their humans. Some wethers will even follow their owners around the yard without a leash.
A wether goat is highly trainable and can be trained to walk on a leash, do tricks, and even be taught agility. These goats have a loveable and affectionate personality and are ideal for families with children or if your human kids want to raise some goats of their own.
Another reason wethers make such excellent pets is that they don’t go into season and become hormonal like a doe, nor do they possess an odor like intact males during the breeding season. This makes them a more enjoyable pet all year round.
A wether goat should never display an aggressive personality like intact males. However, like all goats, they can be mischievous and can try to butt or nibble on their owner’s clothes. These behaviors should be discouraged at all times to ensure the safety and well-being of the entire family, including the goats.
A wether goat is the perfect option for those who are not looking to breed their herd. With their friendly, calm personalities and willingness to work alongside their handlers, wethers make remarkable work companions and pets.
This article about wether goats was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
