[milliebecks]

I'm a bit confused about replacement tags.

If I'm replacing lost tags for sheep not born on my holding, do I need to use a pair of red tags with a new number and my holding number, even though I know the original number and/or only need to replace one?

[twizzel]

Yes, take out the old tag that remains and replace with double red tags, and then note down in your movement book the change of tags and both the old and new tag numbers.

[milliebecks]

Thanks Twizzle.
What's the best way to remove a tag? A couple of them are 'bubblegum' type with the eid in the post .... Very tough!

[Sbom]

Sheep foot trimmers will cut through easily

[shep53]

If you are replacing tag /tags in a sheep that had a pair of eid tags that has been purchased then you have 2 choices  ,    a new pair of red tags  with your holding number   or if one tag remains in an ear then you can buy an exact duplicate with all the previous holding / individual numbers .     Foot clippers cut the pin easily .         Record all that you have done in your holding register

[milliebecks]

Thanks Shep 53. If I don't need to remove tags to replace them, i'd rather not. There's not much to a Shetland's ear and the less I need to fiddle with them, the better!

[bj_cardiff]

I don't think you should remove an existing tag. I always order a replacement tag to match up with the existing tag. Or put in 1 red replacment and note in your flock register that its a replacement of tag number xxxxx 

[shep53]

OK , when you cut out a tag , you just cut through the pin where it pokes out the top of the ear and put  the new tags into the old holes, so long as you hold the sheep firmly then no ear damage should occur .    For  a replica tag you need  uk number and individual number as on the remaining tag and is it EID or non EID , normally  left ear (  standing behind sheep )   is EID tag , some tags have an e on the EID tag

[shep53]

I don't think you should remove an existing tag. I always order a replacement tag to match up with the existing tag. Or put in 1 red replacment and note in your flock register that its a replacement of tag number xxxxx

                      Not sure i'm  understanding this correctly , if over 1yr old you must put in a pair of red tags  if a purchased sheep , you can't put in one and leave one original tag ?

[twizzel]

Shep is right you can't have 2 tags in with 2 different flock numbers in. It's easy to cut out an old tag and replace with a new one in the same hole. We already have a set of red double tag replacements so it's easier to replace with them than order a new random tag to replace the one that's been lost

[bj_cardiff]

Why cut out the origional tag and replace with 2 red tags rather than just replace the missing tag with the birth holding, you have to keep a record of the number change in your flock register too.

I've not used red tags for years but don't they run in number sequence so you'd have 2 different numbered red tags if you double tag - or do they come in pairs since Eid? Can you now order replacement (match up) red tags if one of those comes out?

[twizzel]

They come in pairs. I guess it depends what is easier for you- it's easier for me to retag the sheep with double red tags than to order a new replacement, then get the sheep in again to retag. We have red tags here already bought and paid for so it's a no brainer.

[shep53]

Why cut out the origional tag and replace with 2 red tags rather than just replace the missing tag with the birth holding, you have to keep a record of the number change in your flock register too.

quote]       Since I have no red tags I would replace with an identical  replica  (  which I would have to order )           but  for twizzle  it would be easier to cut out the remaining tag and put in  a RED pair  .        .      RED tags either come in matched pairs for over 1 yr old  or in a single slaughter tag for under 1 yr old intended to be killed for meat , while I have never ordered an identical  red tag from a pair , I would assume you can

[bj_cardiff]

I'll order some red in then I'll ask if they can do replacement numbers on red tags. I tend to go through the flock once a year when I'm vaccinating and note any tags that are missing, order them and re-tag them as they lamb

[Backinwellies]

OK for once and for all .... sheep tags!!!

1)  all sheep should have 2 ear tags with matching numbers , one being an EID tag (unless being slaughtered before 1 year old then a single EID slaughter tag is OK)

2) anything at holding of birth should have holding of birth number on both tags .... if one is lost then replace with exact replacement   or remove other and replace both with a new  pair. This could be a red pair or a spare pair of your own  colour  (cheaper to replace both than ordering replacement )  ... remove tag with cutters carefully will leave hole to put new tag through. (write change in movement book.  ) 

3) anything not at holding of birth which loses tag then replace BOTH  with a RED  pair (with your holding number on)  and write change in movement book. 

Lastly  DONT BUY (or accept)  ANY SHEEP WITHOUT EAR TAGS