[Biffotrout]

Hi,
I'm new to this and in error I have applied two Roxan tagfaster EID ear tags to five lambs that I am retaining this year. I'd like to remove one of the EIDs and replace it with a visual tag but the tools I have seen on the internet look like bolt cutters. If anyone can offer any advice on a suitable tool I'd appreciate it.
Thanks

[twizzel]

We use wire cutters on both cattle and sheep, something like this https://presco.eu/products/wire-cutter?variant=39280691904703


Just so you know (if you’re new, tagging regs are a bit confusing), the EID numbers must match the visual numbers on the tags- I.e must have a flock number and 5 digit individual number on both tags.

[Womble]

Yes, we use wire cutters like that - small ones work best.


Don't forget to keep the EID tags you cut out (and their corresponding un-used visuals) somewhere, because they are effectively void now, and you may have to give evidence for why, if you are ever asked.

[twizzel]

Yes, we use wire cutters like that - small ones work best.


Don't forget to keep the EID tags you cut out (and their corresponding un-used visuals) somewhere, because they are effectively void now, and you may have to give evidence for why, if you are ever asked.

There’s a space in the movement book for logging tag number changes- I just jot it in there, then there’s no need to keep the old tags

[Womble]

The tag numbers haven't changed though - the sheep still have the same numbers they always did. Just now, half of the tags won't ever be used.

You may be right, Twizzel, but I'd still keep the cut out tags somewhere, just to be on the safe side. That way, if you're ever asked, you can fully account for all of the tags DEFRA have ever issued for your flock.

[shep53]

Garden or foot secateurs both work for removing tags ,  if i read this correctly you have put 2 eid tags in each lamb and you want to remove one & replace with a visual , do you own or have  access to a tag reader ? or how will you know which visual tag matches which eid tag

[Fleecewife]

Garden or foot secateurs both work for removing tags ,  if i read this correctly you have put 2 eid tags in each lamb and you want to remove one & replace with a visual , do you own or have  access to a tag reader ? or how will you know which visual tag matches which eid tag

       

[Womble]

 

[SallyintNorth]

We buy pairs of tags and the number is printed on them all.  Otherwise you would never know which non-yellow one to pair with which yellow one.

[shep53]

Fair enough, although i have never seen an eid tag with an individual number on it ,what would be the point since the individual number is in the chip ? but it might happen ? most tags come in strips 1eid then 1 visual  so easy to keep in pairs .  Just looked at the roxan tag site and shearwell tags ,yes all tags now have individual number on both tags, so maybe things have changed in the last couple of years and im getting left behind     Just realized    that i confused breeding and slaughter tags in my head  ( plenty of space ) so talking pure    Sorry

[Womble]

Shep, it's not often that somebody admits they were wrong on the internet - especially if they were  .

Thank goodness the EID tags do have the numbers printed on, or we'd all have to buy readers at vast expense!

[Buttermilk]

Womble not vast expense.  I have discovered that the Halo pet tag reader will read the sheep tags

https://www.simply2pets.com/products/halo-microchip-scanner

[Womble]

Well done, Buttermilk! £54, And in a range of attractive colours too! 


The "proper" ones are more than ten times that price  . Seems a bit excessive when you know all of your sheep by name! 

[Fleecewife]

Womble not vast expense.  I have discovered that the Halo pet tag reader will read the sheep tags

https://www.simply2pets.com/products/halo-microchip-scanner

Brilliant    I can see me getting one of those, useful all round 

[SallyintNorth]

I haven't checked other manufacturer, but Shearwell will print the tag number on the slaughter tag for an extra 2p +VAT per tag.  By my calcs, it would take tagging 2,250 lambs with unprinted slaughter tags to pay for a £54 wand reader.