[MikeMikeMike]

Hi folks,

we're planning on sending our pigs to slaughter at the end of the month and so I know I'll have to tag them before they go to the abattoir.
We've only got two pigs, I'm reluctant to spend 20 quid on an ear tag applicator plus whatever it'll cost to get some ear tags.

What's my best option for tagging?
I realise I'll have to buy some tags as they'll need printed with our herd number...
Oh and the abattoir say plastic or metal is fine.

Thanks,

 - Mike.

[Steel]

Do you know any kindly livestock owner near you who might lend you an applicator if you get the tags?

Also, are you going to keep any more animals in the future or will this be it?

[MikeMikeMike]

I can get hold of sheep tag applicators or cattle tag but nobody around here seems to keep pigs and it seems like the applicators tend to fit only one type of tag.

As to whether or not we'll keep more pigs we're not sure yet. If we were definitely going to get more next year then we might as well get a tag applicator.

[Bionic]

We don't ear tag. Ours are slap marked. Can't remember the initial outlay as it was 5 years ago. Might be worth investigating the cheapest option.
I suspect slap marking is easier to do too. We just slap them in each shoulder while they are having their feed. They give a little jump and go straight back to their food.

[greenbeast]

we slap mark too but a slapper with all the characters and a bottle/tub of ink is not cheap! probably £50+

But yes, i bet easier than tagging adult pigs!!

[Steel]

we slap mark too but a slapper with all the characters and a bottle/tub of ink is not cheap! probably £50+

But yes, i bet easier than tagging adult pigs!!

I was very fearful ear tagging my first one last week, but he was so engrossed in his food he never even flinched. I don't think he even noticed! It was a massive anti-climax considering what I had built it all up to in my mind 

[greenbeast]

we slap mark too but a slapper with all the characters and a bottle/tub of ink is not cheap! probably £50+

But yes, i bet easier than tagging adult pigs!!

I was very fearful ear tagging my first one last week, but he was so engrossed in his food he never even flinched. I don't think he even noticed! It was a massive anti-climax considering what I had built it all up to in my mind 

Yes no doubt possible  with some of ours but I wouldn't like to depend  on it here! Especially because i choose who is going pretty much as I load and it's  too late to food bribe then at that point