Great question! A wether is a castrated male goat, and lots of people intentionally add them to their herds. Here’s why they’re often valued:
1. Calm, Gentle Personalities
Without the hormones of an intact buck, wethers tend to be mellow, friendly, and easy to handle.
They often make great pets and companions for children or new goat owners.
2. Companionship
Goats must have herd mates, and wethers are excellent companions for does or other wethers.
They help keep bucks calmer too — many people keep a “buddy wether” with their breeding male so he isn’t stressed living alone.
3. No Breeding Pressure
Unlike bucks, wethers don’t chase does or cause stress in a mixed herd.
You don’t have to worry about unwanted breeding.
4. Low Maintenance
They don’t have the strong odor of bucks.
Their nutritional needs are generally simpler than those of does in milk or growing kids. (Still, diet must be managed to prevent urinary stones — usually by feeding appropriate minerals and not overdoing grain.)
5. Goats with a Purpose
Wethers are often useful in a herd, as they can be a “buddy” for does, bucks, kids, or other wethers
6. Long, Happy Lifespans
They often live long, healthy lives as easygoing herd members.
So, many people say that if you’re keeping goats mainly as pets or companions (rather than breeding or milking), wethers are the “best of goats” — all the fun personality without the extra management headaches.
Every year we are so fortunate to find the best families to give our wethers happy homes. Thanks so much to all of those families who bring a wether or three into their hearts and homes.
All the Love, Annette @ Scoop ‘n’ Poop Farm