When you band at that age you have them standing in a chute. Then come from behind and put it on. No 300 lbs Mr Universe muscles needed to tackle them ;-)
Here's a link to the site with the bander we use.
http://www.castrator.com/
Typically cutting is done when branding. And branding usually(not always) happens when they are approx. 2-3 months of age. This would be May for most ranch operations -depending on region. Some regions are thick with bugs in May. Unlike our operation, we do not have bugs
until mid to end June. What area you are from will determine when you have bugs and no bugs. If you have fall breeding then hopefully by the time cutting comes around (Nov- Dec - Jan) you will have hardly any bugs or no bugs at all. I know we sure don't, haven't seen a bugs flying around at minus 30 degrees :lol:
What is excellent to know for branding and cutting (calf laying flat on side either on ground or calf table) is the tail position of the calf. If you take the base of the tail and wrap your hand around the base with knucks facing the top as if it is part of the spine and then rotate your wrist toward the backbone, the knucks will then be resting on the spine of the calf. You are bending the tail toward the calf's head. This will freeze/immobilize the calf’s rear end. They will not kick or even move the legs. No rope or strong arms holding the legs ever needed again to try and keep the calf still. A ton of less strain/stress on the calf. The same effect happens when people move cattle in the chute alley way they lift up the tail and bring it forward to move the cow forward and the people get the cow who is frozen in their tracks effect. Not what they wanted.
Another caution with castration know what a normal nut feels like and what a abnormal nut feels like. It could be the difference between a live calf and a dead one.
Now boys no smart comments :shock: :roll: And how do you know what is normal - go to other ranches to get first hand experience. Cutting is not for the first timers by themselves. Banding is more beginner proof.