[HappyHippy]

Planning ahead (and compiling my wish list  ) would ear tattoos work with black and/or hairy pigs ? Or would notching be better 

I'd prefer to tattoo (and tag,obviously), but don't want to invest in all the kit if tattooing wouldn't work on Berkshires and Large Blacks (just for starters )

Your thoughts and advice please 
Thanks, Karen x

[robert waddell]

I tag my pigs. I get 100 blank tags for about £30.0 from Tag master. They will do printed ones also but if one gets lost and the pig is pedigree then a lot of hassle to go through to give the pig another number. I have tried all colours of tatoo paste and have given up with it.

[robert waddell]

 the breeder of your gilt should ear mark it before you collect it depends on what they stipulate notching is going to be baned in the future 

[HappyHippy]

Thanks Lillian, it's not for this one - it's for when she produces piglets - a long way off, I know - but I like to be organised (and budget for it !)
I'm kinda glad in a way that notching is going to be stopped. It's the whole 'mutilation' aspect I don't like (plus the fact they can rip the notches and what do you do then ?) AND the system for doing it looks soooooo complicated !
But if they're banning notching are the BPA going to be happy with double tagged pigs ? (since it sounds like tattoos won't work)
Is there a dayglow ink or UV activated ink ? (just thinking out loud lol!)

[robert waddell]

i think thats why they notch black pigs

[princesspiggy]

i cant read the tattoos on my tamworth sows after 5 mths, and thats before they got hairy. what exactly is notching? - just slicing in certain area? or do they remove flesh?

[robert waddell]

notching is cutting  notches out the ear certain  bits represent different letters we tried tattoing the tamworths same problem as you different colours did not work reading with a torch did not help  the hamlops are getting tattood but they are white

[HappyHippy]

I've been having a quick look on t'internet.
I see that Ketchum do a WHITE tattoo paste - has anybody tried this ? (I don't even know if you get it in the UK, it's on a canadian website)

[robert waddell]

if you go on the tamworth breeders club site get the number for bill howes or if you want lillian has it he is the tattoo expert

[HappyHippy]

Great thanks, I'll give him a shout at some point 
On my research mission I've found dayglow and UV tattoo inks for humans - wonder if they'd work ? But I'll contact Bill and see what he says 

[princesspiggy]

is notching more painful than tagging - is that why it mite be banned?

[robert waddell]

they squeel like buggery no matter what you doi

[princesspiggy]

are the pigs just being being tagged cos registered?

[HappyHippy]

Yes, princess piggy. For notching you get special pliers that basicly cut a notch out the ear (different locations for different numbers) I've not done it, so maybe it's not actually too bad But I don't even like the thought of it, hence why I'm asking about UV ink for tattoos  It's a long way off yet - I'm only collecting the weaner(s - depends how generous hubby's being with my present ) next week, so it'll be about a year before I actually have to do any of it myself
The BPA say you have to have either notches or a tattoo PLUS a tag for pedigree pigs. I think you can double tag, but don't think they are as happy with that (more chance of losing tags etc) Oh the rules and regulations 

[princesspiggy]

mine are reg but only tattoo... .... there 1 year