At what age should sheep generally be castrated?

Castrating sheep at around 10 days old is considered an ideal timing for several reasons. At this young age, lambs are typically still under the care of their mothers, and the process is less stressful for them. The procedure can be performed quickly and with minimal complications. Furthermore, the pain response in very young animals is usually lower, and they tend to recover more swiftly.

Castrating at this age also avoids potential behavioral issues associated with adult males, like aggression or roaming tendencies, which can arise if they are not castrated before reaching maturity. While some management practices may suggest different ages, performing the procedure at approximately 10 days aligns with standard veterinary recommendations for optimal welfare and practical husbandry.