What Are Wether Goats & Why They're Good to Have

What are wether goats? Simply put, a wether goat is a castrated male goat.

But they’re so much more than that—they’re one of the most useful and adaptable animals you can keep on your homestead.

a wethered goat standing on a log in a field surrounded by woods

From clearing weeds to providing companionship or even helping during the breeding season, wethers bring value to your goat herd in unique ways.

Ready to learn more? Let’s explore why wether goats are so valuable and how to care for them!

Table of Contents

Why Castrate Male Goats?

You don’t need many bucks for a goat herd. One buck (aka billy goat) can sire dozens of kids.

So you really only need one or two bucks, depending on the size of your herd.

All young male goats that won’t be used for breeding or butchered at a few months old should be castrated.

Why? Intact male goats get stinky—they have strong scent glands, pee on themselves, and tend to fight with each other during the breeding season.

By castrating these male kids, you remove the hormonal drama and end up with an odorless, easy-going goat.

three wethered male goat kids laying down in a goat stall — The 3 kids I banded. They rest and act a little sluggish for about a day but bounce back to normal quickly.

How to Castrate a Goat

There are three main ways to castrate a goat, each with its own pros and cons:

Surgical Castration: A vet removes the testicles through a small incision.
Banding: A tight rubber band is placed around the scrotum to cut off blood flow until the testicles fall off.
Emasculation: A Burdizzo tool crushes the spermatic cord without breaking the skin.

For me, banding works best. I actually learned how to do it last year.

I won’t lie—I was super nervous at first. But once I got the hang of it, I realized it’s one of those skills that sounds harder than it actually is.

What Are Wether Goats Good For?

two goats, a wether and doeling standing next to each other behind a fence — My first two goats: Benji, my blue-eyed wether, and his little sister, Inga.

When I started with goats, one of my first was a wether. I bought a sweet little doe and her brother—a wether—to keep her company.

He was the perfect buddy for her at the time, but once she had kids of her own, I didn’t think I needed him anymore and rehomed him.

Looking back, I didn’t realize just how valuable a wethered goat could be.

They might seem like they have no place on a homestead or farm, but they can earn their keep in many useful ways:

1. Weed Control

a wether goat and doe eating weeds in an open field surrounded by forest

Got a patch of overgrown brush or invasive weeds? Goats are natural browsers, making them perfect for clearing unwanted vegetation.

These guys will munch through the mess, saving you time and energy from ripping it out yourself or relying on toxic chemicals or machinery.

Plus, as they eat, they’ll leave behind fertilizer to enrich your soil naturally!

2. Identifying Does in Heat

Wether goats can act as a “teaser buck” because they retain some behaviors of intact males, like showing interest in female goats during the breeding season.

They can sense hormonal changes and pheromones that indicate a doe is in heat.

When near a wether, does in heat may display behaviors like tail wagging, vocalizing more, or staying close to the wether.

These signs make it easier to identify their readiness for breeding.

Since wethers can’t breed, they provide a safe and effective way to manage the herd during the breeding season without the risk of unwanted pregnancies.

a young doeling goat standing next to a wether goat in a pallet shelter

3. Companionship

Wether goats are excellent companion animals, whether for a buck or a doe.

Goats thrive in social settings, and a wether can step in to provide companionship when needed, keeping the herd dynamic balanced and preventing loneliness.

Whether calming a new goat or comforting a sick one, a wether’s gentle temperament makes them the perfect all-around buddy.

4. Meat or Fiber Production

People often raise wether goats for meat or fiber because of their calm nature and steady growth.

For meat production, they provide quality meat without the behavioral challenges of intact bucks.

For fiber production, wethers dedicate more energy to growing high-quality fiber, such as cashmere or mohair, since they’re not breeding.

Other Uses for Wethers

a wether goat sitting on a woman's lap — Benji loved to lay on my lap!

Wether goats are friendly and gentle, making them ideal for kids to raise in programs like 4-H or for use in petting zoos.

You can also train them as pack goats to carry light loads for hikers or campers.

Plus, without the stress of reproduction, wethers typically have stronger resistance to parasites and illness.

Caring for Wethers

woman feeding raspberries leaves to two young goats

Caring for a wether goat is fairly simple, but there are a few key points to keep them healthy and thriving:

Diet: Wethers should primarily eat pasture, browse, and good-quality grass hay. Avoid feeding alfalfa and grain, as they can cause urinary stones. Providing baking soda free-choice is important so they can self-medicate if dietary changes upset their rumen. They also need high-quality goat minerals.
Hydration: Always provide access to clean water. Goats are picky drinkers, and water quality can impact their overall health.
Management Practices: Keep an eye on their weight and physical characteristics. Wether goats are easy keepers, but it’s important to make sure they stay active and don’t become overweight.

Download my free Goat Care Checklist for a detailed breakdown of daily, weekly, and monthly basic care tasks, including feeding and supplements.

two young goats standing on a log in the middle of a field

FAQs About Wether Goats

Do wether goats still stink?

No, wether goats don’t stink. Unlike bucks, they don’t have active scent glands that produce the musky odor intact males are known for.

This makes them much more pleasant to have around, especially if you’re keeping them as pets or companions.

How long do wether goats live?

With proper nutrition and care, wether goats can live an average of 10-15 years. Their diet, shelter, and overall health management play a big role in how long they thrive.

Can wether goats eat alfalfa?

No, wethers shouldn’t eat alfalfa. It’s too high in calcium and can lead to urinary calculi, a common health issue for them.

Stick with grass hay like timothy or orchard grass for a balanced diet that keeps them healthy.

Can two wether goats live together?

Yes! Wethers are herd animals, so they thrive in pairs or groups.

Two wethers will make great companions for each other as long as they have enough space, good care, and access to clean water and nutritious feed.

Are wether goats aggressive?

No, wethers are typically calm and gentle. They’re much easier to handle than intact males and are known for their friendly temperament.

This makes them a great choice for families, especially those with kids or other animals. Of course, how they’re treated and socialized plays a big role in their behavior.

Do wether goats pee on themselves?

No, wether goats don’t pee on themselves. That behavior is more common in intact bucks during rut as part of their mating displays.

Since wethers are castrated, they don’t show those hormonal behaviors, which makes them a cleaner and more pleasant option for most goat owners.

Can a wether goat still breed?

No, wethers can’t breed. Castration removes their ability to reproduce, which is one of the main reasons for wethering.

Without the hormonal drive, they’re also much calmer and easier to manage.

When should a goat be wethered?

The best time to wether a goat is before they reach sexual maturity. Depending on the method of castration, this is typically between 6-12 weeks of age.

Banding is usually done earlier, while surgical or emasculation methods may be performed later. Consult a vet or experienced goat handler for guidance if you’re unsure.

Are Wether Goats Right for You?

a wether goat standing on a log into the middle of an open field

Wether goats are a great addition to any homestead.

From clearing weeds to helping during breeding season, they bring value and versatility to your herd.

Their calm, friendly nature also makes them perfect for beginners or families.

If you’re ready to start your journey with goats, don’t miss my Guide to Raising Goats for Beginners—everything you need to know to care for them and make the most of your herd!