I have a French Alpine wether who's about 2.5 years old, who we bottle-raised with his brother. He's always been affectionate and seeks me out when I'm in the pen (although his brother is the top 'buck' and usually steals the attention), but this week he's suddenly avoiding me, moving away when I approach or pet him. Tonight I followed him around despite his avoidance, because I wanted to check him out and make sure it wasn't health related, and he turned and reared at me a couple times so I had to flip him. Does anyone have any idea what might have caused this behavior change? Could it just be hormones and general agitation since it's rutting season (even though he's wethered)? I feel bad if something's bothering him, but I also don't like not feeling completely safe around him.
![Image]()
KatontheLand
Wether suddenly avoiding attention?
I have a French Alpine wether who's about 2.5 years old, who we bottle-raised with his brother. He's always been affectionate and seeks me out when I'm in the pen (although his brother is the top 'buck' and usually steals the attention), but this week he's suddenly avoiding me, moving away when I approach or pet him. Tonight I followed him around despite his avoidance, because I wanted to check him out and make sure it wasn't health related, and he turned and reared at me a couple times so I had to flip him. Does anyone have any idea what might have caused this behavior change? Could it just be hormones and general agitation since it's rutting season (even though he's wethered)? I feel bad if something's bothering him, but I also don't like not feeling completely safe around him.
![Image]()
Hes a handsome dude!!
Even though hes wethered..if girls are coming in heat around him. It could make him more testy. I would do a quick check up , temperature, famacha, rumen sounds, is he burping, Gassing and chewing his cud? Is he bright eyed and alert? Feel for lumps bumps and bo boos as my kids used to say. Check his hooves and pizzle area for signs of irritation etc.
If all looks good. Give him his space..and try again in a few days. Maybe bring a brush out and groom his brother see if he wants some attention. Definitely want to feel safe around him.. hopfully hes not growing dominant and ready to fight for top spot.
Even though hes wethered..if girls are coming in heat around him. It could make him more testy. I would do a quick check up , temperature, famacha, rumen sounds, is he burping, Gassing and chewing his cud? Is he bright eyed and alert? Feel for lumps bumps and bo boos as my kids used to say. Check his hooves and pizzle area for signs of irritation etc.
If all looks good. Give him his space..and try again in a few days. Maybe bring a brush out and groom his brother see if he wants some attention. Definitely want to feel safe around him.. hopfully hes not growing dominant and ready to fight for top spot.
Yeah, that was my intention last night, to give him a quick once-over (I did look at his hooves while I had him flipped lol, no issues there) - I'll have to try when my husband is home to help me wrangle him. I haven't noticed any other unusual behavior or sign of illness, but I do want to take him temp and get a better look at everything.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
