At what age should sheep generally be castrated?

The recommended age for castrating sheep is typically around 10 days old. This timing allows for several advantages, including reduced stress for the animal and a lower risk of complications during the healing process. Performing the procedure at a young age helps to minimize pain and recovery time since younger lambs have a better capacity to cope with the stress of castration. Additionally, early castration can help prevent undesirable behaviors associated with uncastrated males, such as dominance and aggression, while also ensuring healthier growth rates as they mature.

While some may consider castration at 1 week or slightly later, doing it at 10 days strikes a balance between being timely and ensuring the welfare of the lamb. Delaying the procedure to later ages, such as 3 weeks or 6 months, can lead to increased stress and complications, making the 10-day mark the most recommendable timeframe in sheep management practices.