[georgielmgm]

Hi all,
Have attached a photo of one of my ewes ears around the tag, she seems to be the worst but I didn't get a chance to look at the rest after a side of the pen fell down and the 2 Suffolks jumped out  Not a good day...Sprayed it with purple spray but I'm a bit worried it's gone further than just taking off the scabs and spraying? Seriously considering taking them all out (ones that are bad) and getting red replacement tags with my own flock number? (Given that 6 of my ewes have been sold to me with slaughter tags in  )
Thoughts?
P.S won't let me attach the picture because it's too large :/ basically quite swollen around the rag, dried and fresh gunky blood building up around it, couple of flies interested in it too

[georgielmgm]

Also, while I'm here, is there a way you can tell if ewes are in season? Apart from just being stubborn, stupid, and awkward today, there was a lot of tail wagging going on and (we call it) 'winking' of bits? Their bums are clean so I was wondering if this might be classic 'in season' behaviour?

[shep53]

 Only you can decide how bad the ears are, if you cut out a tag then allow time for the damage to heal before putting in new ones , just remember to try and  keep a record of which lambs are replacement tags ( the 2 double tagged ) and which are upgrades ( the singles  up to double tags )  .      Without a male around it is  very difficult to tell if a ewe is in season and impossible in a lamb , also its early for ewe lambs to be in season

[babysham]

I am having the same problem. I had to remove a set on vets advice and leave them out for about six months she has advised but to keep them safe in a labelled envelope so if an inspector calls - she will vouch for the situation. I have 3 lambs with this problem so done the same for each. Vet thinks my be an allergy to the plastic so to try a different brand in the future maybe but as a must to apply surgical spirit to the ear, tag and applicator for each tagging - same as for human pierced ears so makes sense. I just apply a small spray of Terramycin and keep an eye out - one is pussy this morning so going to get in and remove the scab and clean well with antiseptic and keep it out of flies way for a couple of days. Good Luck

[atlanta]

I always cut out tags if the hole becomes infected. Spray with Terramicin.
You can order replacment  tags from your supplier, thus keeping original identity.
Red tags are for sheep that you do not know the no. of.

[georgielmgm]

Thanks, I'm going to have a look tomorrow and cut out the tags, been recommended a brand by my local farmer, so plan is to replace all slaughter tags with my own double tags? Apparently they don't need to be red because I'm upgrading them from slaughter tags? Sound correct?

[Foobar]

They have to be red because these animals weren't born on your holding.  If they were born on your holding then they would not need to be red.

[georgielmgm]

Ok thanks