Hi Tamsdale,
When we did notch our Hampshire's they were done around 5-6 weeks of age , not too small at this age and the ear is grown a little.
It does cause a lot of bleeding if you take out too much, (we only put the notch pliers in the ear a little bit so it's just a wee knick) The tips of the ears don't bleed but the bottom next to the head bleeds if too much is taken out.
When notching your piglets (if you decide to do it) PLEASE put the sow out of the pen and work ONLY with the piglets in the pen. We NEVER work with the piglets when mum is in the same pens. Always remember YOUR safety is paramount.
You need 2 people to help, 1 to lift the piglets and hold the face by the snout and the other to do the notching. Our number of notching ranges from 2 to 7 (poor wee begger with the 7 notches)
If you can't get your head round the notch system, draw a pig head, or 10 or what ever numbers you need, write the number required and send it to an experienced breeder. Richard Lutwyche will know how to read your numbers and he can then mark the numbers on the paper. I had to send my piggy drawing to Guy Kiddy for confirmation of correct notching positions.
Plastic tags are definitely easier and less painful, no they are not difficult to put in, but you must remember not to put the tags on the cartilage, put the tags between them.
My opinion of tattooing is very similar to that of slap marking.
Hope this helps.
Lillian