The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: Pigglewiggle on November 24, 2009, 02:20:31 pm

Title: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: Pigglewiggle on November 24, 2009, 02:20:31 pm

 Our Saddleback pigs are off to the abattoir in 3 weeks, its flown by this time.. but they have no tags. We have bought them from Fearings and now need to do it.

We also have 4 GOS weaners, so are planning to start with those ( thinking as they are smaller it may be easier).
 any advice gratefully received as we are both dodging the deed at the moment.

 Debbie  :pig:

Title: Re: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: JulieS on November 24, 2009, 03:02:01 pm

To go to the abattoir mine need to have metal tags.

I was apprehensive the first time.  So did it while they were eating. 

They hardly noticed, just a shake of the head.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

Title: Re: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: viatro on November 24, 2009, 03:33:03 pm

Hi,

We have just ordered our tags from tags4u which is www.dalton.co.uk, they have a page that gives instructions on tags and how to do it. Hope this helps, good luck.

Kind regards Nell

Title: Re: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: Pigglewiggle on November 24, 2009, 04:23:34 pm

Thanks Nell, That site is quite useful.. but why do they have a picture of a woman holding a tag to her ear ???
 Will let you know how we get on

 Debbie

Title: Re: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: Hilarysmum on November 24, 2009, 05:20:59 pm

I chickened out and bought a slapper. 

Title: Re: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: oink on November 24, 2009, 05:30:54 pm

Hi all, sorry to hijack the thread but I was just about to order 25 ear tags when I realized I wasn't sure what herd no. to get on them.

I had 2 pigs this year which are now happily in my freezer.  I'll be getting another 2 next year and was wondering if they'll have the same herd no. as my previous two or if they'll be supplied a new herd no.?

Cheers guys

Title: Re: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: oaklandspigs on November 24, 2009, 06:20:18 pm

Oink,

The tags need to have YOUR herd no. no matter where they came from.  The herd no. relates to your pigs on your holding.

You should (and hopefully did) apply for a herd no. when you got you last set of pigs.

Pigglewiggle - We only tag the day before they go off.  No point in doing before, as there is always a chance that they will lose them by pulling out if they get caught on something.  Also take the applicator and a spare tag along with you just in case!

As JulieS says, the pigs hardly notice - do it whilst they are eating, and they will jump slightly when you do it, but almost immediately go back to eating.

Title: Re: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: oink on November 24, 2009, 06:49:13 pm

cheers oaklandspigs.

Yeah, I did get a herd number,  just wanted to make sure it wouldn't be considered a new herd when I got new pigs.  It makes sense though - My herd was 2, is now 0 and will be 2 again next year ;D easy!

Title: Re: Help.. we need to tag..
Post by: oaklandspigs on November 24, 2009, 09:37:44 pm

Oink,

Glad to help! :)