The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: heyhay1984 on April 22, 2015, 06:22:12 pm

Title: Ear tag brand change-number sequence?
Post by: heyhay1984 on April 22, 2015, 06:22:12 pm

Another tag Q, sorry.

I use button tags for pigs so ordered a set of red button tags when we got the sheep (we don't breed so would only ever need replacements). Haven't used any but have come to the conlusion that they are too big for the ronnies and the goats (same flock number all ok'd by AHVLA) so want to get bubble tags or similar, probably from Fearing as we normally deal with them and found them to be superb.

Can/should I just store the button tags 1-10 and order bubble tags 1-10 or do I need to go from 11 with the new ones? I figure if the number on the animal matches the number in the flock book it shouldn't matter too much either way, especially if I have all the red button tags available to show an inspector as 'evidence' if it were needed?

Title: Re: Ear tag brand change-number sequence?
Post by: Melmarsh on April 22, 2015, 09:22:57 pm

Hi ! I'm not 100% sure and am sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you will find you cannot repeat no:,s that you have already had so they would have to issue from 11 onwards. I think they're computerised.  :idea:

Title: Re: Ear tag brand change-number sequence?
Post by: Foobar on April 23, 2015, 09:25:57 am

Defra control the individual numbers so you can't start again.  Speak to your supplier, they will confirm what options you have.

Title: Re: Ear tag brand change-number sequence?
Post by: devonlad on April 23, 2015, 09:57:41 am

We had a batch of tags that were largely rubbish and broke when we were trying to put them in. As a result certain numbers just didn't get used. When we ordered ( different type !!) The sequence carried on. I don't think there's anything you can do about it

Title: Re: Ear tag brand change-number sequence?
Post by: Fleecewife on April 23, 2015, 11:26:14 am

Yes all the tag suppliers use the same central computer list, so you get the next in sequence.  Allflex Bubblegum are good.  Haven't had a broken one yet.

Title: Re: Ear tag brand change-number sequence?
Post by: fsmnutter on April 23, 2015, 03:29:54 pm

Yup, you'll get the next in sequence.
I just ordered some red tags to put in sheep that are missing tags completely, and got the next in sequence from my breeding tags. I had thought the red ones would run in their own sequence but they just followed on too.

Title: Re: Ear tag brand change-number sequence?
Post by: heyhay1984 on April 23, 2015, 10:22:36 pm

Okey dokey, thanks all for confirming. So I'll put the red button tags in a little box with a note saying abandoned due to welfare grounds or something, keep them safe forever and ever, then start with number 11 of the new tags!