The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: JedM on March 18, 2015, 04:10:31 pm

Title: Eartagging weaners?
Post by: 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.

Title: Re: Eartagging weaners?
Post by: Clansman 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

Title: Re: Eartagging weaners?
Post by: Bionic 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.

Title: Re: Eartagging weaners?
Post by: HappyHippy 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

Title: Re: Eartagging weaners?
Post by: JedM on March 18, 2015, 05:39:34 pm

Thanks for the advice.  They will be going to another holding, so I will just use a temporary paint mark.