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3petpacas
45 Posts |
 Posted - 07/10/2012 : 12:36:46 AM
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i'm getting my 2 intact males gelded but was wondering the best age. I have seen that some people do it young, and others say to wait as long as possible. The one male is 2 years old and the other is a yearling. Would it be ok to get them both done at the same time?
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Judith
3843 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2012 : 05:42:55 AM
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The rule of thumb with alpacas is no earlier than 18 months. Two years is probably better. The logic is that gelding stops the production of testosterone, which stops bone development that would have continued up until about 18 months to 2 years of age. By gelding too early, the alpaca doesn't have a chance to fully develop his bones which could lead to later health problems such as arthritis, joint problems or simply fragility. If you can wait until 2 years, it would be better, but 1 year is much too young for gelding.
Judith Korff
AlpacaNation Forum Co-Moderator
LadySong Farm Bolivian Suri Alpacas
Randolph, NY 14772
Cell: (716) 499-0383
www.alpacanation.com/ladysong.asp |
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jillmcm
3166 Posts |
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ard
1664 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2012 : 2:27:15 PM
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Although I very seldom disagree with Jill, I do think that it is worth it to geld males because they become more docile and easier to handle. Since we are older, this is a factor we consider with our animals. One broken back, (from a car accident), is all the broken bone experience I need. I just really like our geldings.
Robin Alpert
Alpacas 'R Diamonds
15163 W 323rd
Paola, KS 66071
913-849-3738
www.alpacanation.com/alpacasrdiamonds.asp, www.alpacastreet.com/alpacasrdiamonds.asp
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rackapaca
634 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2012 : 2:56:04 PM
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We have had several of our gelded and I would say that the personality changes have all been for the better. Not that I don't love my intact males, but gelding a couple of them I think relieved some herd stress.
Ruthann
Racka Paca Ranch
Kila, MT |
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jillmcm
3166 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2012 : 9:36:20 PM
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I have the opposite experience, Robin - our gelding is a royal PITA to handle, while the majority of the intact males are a piece of cake. I breed for temperament, though, so I do actively select breeding males based on their personalities as well as fiber qualities. But I can completely see your point.
Jill McElderry-Maxwell
Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine - ¡BESAME!
Pittsfield, ME
(207) 660-5276 (cell)
bagendsuris@roadrunner.com
http://www.bagendsuris.com
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ard
1664 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2012 : 10:38:54 PM
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Hi Jill,
We actually do have one gelding with personality issues, but they were worse when he was in tact. We have had other males who were "killers" in tact, but settled in as really nice guys when gelded. As with most things in this world, nothing is 100%. It just reminds us that we are not in control of the universe.
Robin Alpert
Alpacas 'R Diamonds
15163 W 323rd
Paola, KS 66071
913-849-3738
www.alpacanation.com/alpacasrdiamonds.asp, www.alpacastreet.com/alpacasrdiamonds.asp
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redroofranch
264 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2012 : 4:43:10 PM
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I seem to recall reading a study a while back that concluded that there was no danger in gelding earlier than 18 months. Seems like it might have been quoted by Ian Watt. Perhaps he could chime in.
Kathy
Kathy & Rick Tinkham
Red Roof Ranch Alpacas
Cadiz, KY
www.redroofranch.net
www.alpacanation.com/redroofranch.asp
(270) 206-0367
"We create our tomorrows by what we dream today." |
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BeachRunFarm
94 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2012 : 10:53:46 PM
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I have also read many studies that content that gelding before bone growth is finished can cause problems with their bones later on. Seems the best time is 2 years or so as was stated previously.
Patricia
Beach Run FArm
Oxford, NC |
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Mary Jane
1133 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2012 : 2:50:46 PM
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We geld any male we would not use for breeding. It makes for a much quieter male pasture. We follow the 18 month rule to be on the safe side.
Mary Jane
Land of Legends Alpacas
2653 Swans Road
Newark, OH 43055
(740)345-2199
www.alpacanation.com/landoflegends.asp |
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nyala
3311 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 8:49:08 PM
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Hi,
We used to geld after 18 months and I have noticed less fighting with the gelded males. What are folks paying for gelding now? Since the price of fiber males has dropped so much where we are it has not paid to geld anyone.
Ann
D. Andrew Merriwether, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Anthropology and Biology, Binghamton University
and
Ann and Andy Merriwether
Nyala Farm Alpacas,Vestal, NY
www.alpacanation.com/nyalafarm.asp |
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3petpacas
45 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2012 : 10:01:18 PM
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| I'm getting them gelded on Friday and the vet gave me an estimate of $75 each...is that about what you guys are paying? |
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Lee
384 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2012 : 07:00:38 AM
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Wow I may have to come your way to have my male gelded. I have a vet I love to death but it cost me 200.00 each. We have had gelding parties in the past and it was much cheaper.
Lee Ann Hammer
Magnolia Hill Alpacas
West Point, VA.
larryhamm@gmail.com |
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wsantus
67 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2012 : 09:48:29 AM
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Our vet fee for a gelding 2 years ago was $80.
Diane Santus
More Than A Glance Alpacas
3030 E. Valley Rd.
Adrian, MI 49221 |
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garyw965
29 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2012 : 1:12:56 PM
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| My friends don't have theirs gelded and I wish they would the one. He is so aggressive, it's not funny. I bet gelding him would make a big difference. |
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dlduda
32 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2012 : 06:29:20 AM
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The person 3petpacas, where are you that is half what I was quoted for gelding.
Darcell
Duda's Alpacas
Conneautville, PA |
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3petpacas
45 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2012 : 12:58:41 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by dlduda
The person 3petpacas, where are you that is half what I was quoted for gelding.
Darcell
Duda's Alpacas
Conneautville, PA
I'm in NY 
And i just wanted to let you know that they told me it would be at least $75 each, but i just got the bill a few days ago and he only charged me $40 for the 2 of them!!  i LOVE this vet  |
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Topic |
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gelding
