05/29/2026
Update on the ram lambs, who are now officially wethers.
I wanted to do a little follow-up for anyone who may be new to banding. Banding is one of those farm jobs that is simple in theory, but it is something you really do need to watch closely afterward.
So far, our boys are doing good.
After banding, it is normal for them to be a little uncomfortable at first. You may see them lie down more, kick at their belly, walk a little stiff, or act annoyed with the whole situation. Usually that settles pretty quickly and they go back to nursing, eating, following mom, and acting like normal lambs.
Good signs that everything is going well:
They are nursing or eating like normal.
They are up and moving around.
They are staying with mom and the flock.
They are bright-eyed and alert.
The band is still in the correct place.
The area below the band starts to shrink and dry over time.
There is no bad smell, swelling above the band, or wet discharge.
What you want to watch for:
A lamb that will not get up.
A lamb that quits nursing or eating.
Extreme swelling above the band.
Bleeding.
A foul odor.
Pus or drainage.
The band slipping or being in the wrong place.
A lamb acting very painful for more than the short adjustment period.
Any sign of tetanus, such as stiffness, trouble walking, tight jaw, or acting “locked up.”
This is also why we take CD&T vaccination seriously here. Tetanus is not something to play with, and anytime you are banding, docking, castrating, or creating any kind of wound, prevention matters.
Over the next couple of weeks, the banded area should continue to dry up and eventually fall off on its own. It is not pretty, and it is not the most glamorous part of farm life, but turning ram lambs into wethers makes them much easier and safer to keep as pets, companions, or fiber/farm animals without all the hormonal ram behavior.
As always, we keep a close eye on them, and if something does not look right, we do not ignore it. Livestock are tough little creatures, but good stewardship means watching the small things before they become big things.
So far, our little guys are handling it like champs. 🐑🤎
