Hi Gemma
re tattooing: It's a two person job! One to hold the piglet and one to perform the tattooing.
You will need: An empty feed bag to test the tattoo on,
An old toothbrush to apply the paste with
Tattoo paste. We use Fearings and have never had a problem with fading.
A book or piece of paper to write any comments/observations on.
If your tattoo pliers are quick release, you need to make sure they penetrate the ear. If you're not sure, put a piece of cardboard behind the leather pad.
The person holding the pig is better sitting down with the pig on his/her lap. The spare hand can hold the pigs nose and mouth, and this will muffle the squeals a bit. This also ensures that the pig's head is kept still.
When you have put the letters and numbers into the pliers,test them on the empty feed bag. This is just a check to make sure they are in the correct order and the right way up!
Get your toothbrush and apply paste in the
inside of the
pig's right ear. Perform the tattoo. If it's not a quick release, press really hard to make sure it goes all the way through. Rub more paste on both sides of the ear (you will be covered as well!!) scrubbing well in and making sure you have covered all the pin holes. Repeat on the
outside of the
pig's left ear.
If you have trouble reading the ear numbers on older pigs, clean the ear of dirt and wax, and shine a torch behind it. If for any reason you need to re-tattoo, you need to get permission from BPA to do so.
Hope this is helpful. If you have any more queries, phone me on 02476 466117.
Bill Howes