The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: shrekfeet on January 06, 2010, 07:48:19 pm

Title: electronic ear tagging
Post by: shrekfeet on January 06, 2010, 07:48:19 pm

Hi people and Happy 2010
I need to tag my breeding ewes, only have fove to tag and wondered whether you can recommend somewhere I can buy a small number of tags?
Thanks and hope the snow isn't causing you too much trouble

Title: Re: electronic ear tagging
Post by: rmorris on January 06, 2010, 08:23:39 pm

Hi,

Not sure about minimum quantities but I think Shearwell have a reputation for selling good quality tags...

http://www.shearwell.co.uk/catalogue/sheeptags.aspx (http://www.shearwell.co.uk/catalogue/sheeptags.aspx)

Richard.

Title: Re: electronic ear tagging
Post by: ScotsGirl on January 06, 2010, 10:12:19 pm

Hi, I think Agricentre supply in 10's.  I bought 10 a couple of years ago but things may have changed. 

Title: Re: electronic ear tagging
Post by: Anke on January 07, 2010, 08:59:31 pm

What age are these ewes? If they are last year's lambs they don't need electronic tags, if I understand it all correctly. But not sure if you can still buy "old" tags.

I am using Shearwells, but have usually more than 10 tags. If you are starting from scratch (are these your first few to tag), then it may be cheaper to go for electropnic ones (and buy enough for any lambs to be born this spring), as you will probably have to buy a new tagger (or whatever they are called?) as well.

Title: Re: electronic ear tagging
Post by: VSS on January 09, 2010, 06:01:14 pm

Anke is correct - only lambs born on or after 1st Jan 2010 need Electronic tags.

Title: Re: electronic ear tagging
Post by: ScotsGirl on January 11, 2010, 09:31:38 pm

If they are not being kept for more than 12 months, even if born this year they do not need electronic tags unless your abbattoir requests this. Old style tags are still available and can be used if lambs are destined for the freezer.