The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: cluckyclaire on November 14, 2010, 12:22:06 am

Title: Replacement tags
Post by: cluckyclaire on November 14, 2010, 12:22:06 am
I bought some sock lambs at auction earlier this year and being lambs most have ripped out their tags at different points. I know that the replacement tags need to be the red but do i retag with my own number or do i need to get tags with the orginal number on? I have kept track of who had which number as had a feeling that some would lose their tags - although wasn't expecting almost everyone too!

Thanks Claire
Title: Re: Replacement tags
Post by: waterhouse on November 14, 2010, 01:19:02 am
The rules in England are roughly as follows

1.  if you are intending to slaughter a 2010 born lamb before 12 months then you need one ordinary slaughter tag
2.  if you're keeping over 12 months you need one normal tag and one EID

Replacement tags are red in either case.  You can get identical tags made but it will be easier and cheaper to have your own sequence made up with your own flock number on them.  The change of tag number then goes into your flock register.  This year it's pretty straightforward but I think next year its going to be numbers, numbers and numbers.

It takes a couple of weeks to get tags.  My sheep lost all their Ritchey EIDs and I bought Quik which were easy to apply and have all stayed in place.  Don't forget to use lots of antiseptic and clean everything on the ears and tags

Scotland is different - in so many ways.
Title: Re: Replacement tags
Post by: supplies for smallholders on November 14, 2010, 03:32:08 pm
Hi,

Replacement tags must be against your holding number - the manufacturers wont issue you with another holdings tags.

Just make a note in your flock book about what is replaced with what on which sheep.

Thanks

Also agree that Qwik tags are probably the way to go.
Title: Re: Replacement tags
Post by: cluckyclaire on November 14, 2010, 03:34:34 pm
Thanks for that. Will get my own numbers sorted and then get a local farmer friend to help with application. Bit scared about that part!!

Claire
Title: Re: Replacement tags
Post by: supplies for smallholders on November 14, 2010, 03:41:41 pm
Its Easy.....Just make sure that it goes in the correct part of the ear.

If you google how to tag a sheep you will get lots of info - but agreed, get your local farmer to give you training - get him to show you then guide you as you do the rest, then it wont be a problem for you in future.

Thanks
Title: Re: Replacement tags
Post by: waterhouse on November 14, 2010, 06:02:05 pm
If you get the right application pliers then the tag is firmly held which makes it much easier.  Look in the ears for the big veins - you want to avoid those!  If you can't get a farmer to help then get a friend and both have a go so next time it's straightforward.  And be firm with the pliers - that's important.

Good luck - but it is easy.
Title: Re: Replacement tags
Post by: littlelisa on November 19, 2010, 12:17:48 pm
if you have an older ewe that loses a tag does the replacement tag have to be an eid tag??
Title: Re: Replacement tags
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on November 19, 2010, 02:36:46 pm
No, if they are 'historic flock' ones before last jan birth, you can still order red replacement non EID tags in pairs (or they can do you a single tag with the same number as the remaining one, if they can trace that you were issued that number originally).

Ive just ordered red ones (pair with EID and non EID) and (pair of non EID) from Allflex no probs.