Circle G - If you are just getting started, just sell the calves when they are 5 - 6 months old and not worry yet about casteration. You have a lot to learn yet. After you get a few sold and understand the market, the sale barn, raising calves, etc. then learn how to casterate with a knife. It is also helpful to learn how to calf tie them or to use a calf table. In Texas is it highly advisable to use a knife to reduce the risk of blood poisoning.
To casterate with a knife - push the testicles up and cut the bottom 1/2 to 2/3 of the sack off completely. the testicles will fall back out. Grab the tesicles with your fingers and pull them out some more and either scrape or break the cords by pulling them apart. Never cut the cords. Treat the cuts with idoine.
Some will advise you to give a tetnus shot which is probably good advice - I just don't do it. My vet will do it at the clinic, but he won't give the shots to his calves on his ranch, which is 2 miles from my place. The iodine kills everything for a few days. You will be amazed at how the calf really doesn't feel pain. And, the younger the calf the easier this is. I casterate mine within a week of birth.
If you prefer to use the bands, I recommend that you use 2 bands. Put 2 cherrios on the tool at the same time and before you release the bands make sure you have both testicles below the bands. It will take 4-8 weeks for the sack to fall off.
You can also search here and in the Beginners Forum to read about arguments for each method - which is what I hope this does NOT turn into. Just type in casteration or banding for the search.
