Author Topic: Eartagging weaners? (Read 1423 times)

JedM · « **on:** March 18, 2015, 04:10:31 pm »

I have got some weaners which I will be selling at 8 weeks old. Do I need to put the ear tags in at this age? I have bought weaners in the past at this age and they have never had any tags, so I put the metal tags in just before they go to the abattoir.
I am sure they should have tags at whatever age but would just like to find out if they do have to? I'd be glad of any advice.

Clansman · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2015, 04:12:27 pm »

Only legally need ear tags once they reach 1 year old

If you move them live to another location before that it can be done just by a coloured stock marker.

I've never taken them to an abattoir but I believe you can either mark them either by ear tags or a slap mark before they go

Bionic · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2015, 04:44:30 pm »

We take ours to the abattoir with a slap mark. It works well for us and isn't too stressful for the pigs.

HappyHippy · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2015, 04:55:21 pm »

If they're going direct from your holding to another holding they should be fine to move on a temporary mark (paint mark) but if they are going to a market to be sold they'll need tags with your herd number on them.
If they are pedigree it's worth tagging sooner rather than later.
HTH