[kalsi4654]

Hi

I've got three GOS x boars, about 7 months now and coming up to killing weight. My problem is that when I got them as weaners, the guy who bred them said they were slap marked on the movement form, but when I actually got up close and personal with them, they aren't marked or ear tagged, so obviously I need to mark them before taking them to the abattoir. I don't think we will get more pigs as my other half is horribly allergic to them, plus the sheep take up as much spare time as I have.

I can't find anywhere that I can buy metal tags in quantities of less than 50, which is horribly expensive for three little pigs - a slap marker/ink/etc is even more. Anyone have any ideas? A source of cheap tags? Or any suggestions?

Mic

[BadgerFace]

I think Ketcham sell tags in small amounts, and maybe you could borrow the pliers from a friend ?

Even if the breeder had slap marked them for you, you would still have to slap or tag them with your own herd number to take them to slaughter.

http://www.ketchums.co.uk/

ETA - Fearings have a min. order of 25 http://www.fearing.co.uk/run-pig/Default.aspx

[egglady]

our abbatoir said even something as simple as white paint on their head (if they're dark pigs of course!) would be fine - dont need anything fancy as long as they can be identified at the abbatoir...

[JulieS]

It's definitely worth checking with your abattoir, it will be a lot easier for you if they accept another form of mark.  I know ours only accepts metal ear tags.

Let us know how you get on.

[kalsi4654]

Our abattoir will only accept metal tags on a slap mark. Fearings have a minimum  order of 50 tags, according to their website. Schippers are looking better though, slap marker, numbers and ink for around £50 total...

Mic

[dixie]

Dont buy a slap marker for 2 pigs if you dont get anymore!! you need the metal tags from ketchums, they will do small quatities, I bought 10!  the pliers were £15, ask if anyone nearby has the pliers you can borrow.

[BadgerFace]

Our abattoir will only accept metal tags on a slap mark. Fearings have a minimum  order of 50 tags, according to their website. Schippers are looking better though, slap marker, numbers and ink for around £50 total...

Mic

From Fearings website......

Metal tag ideal for pigs. Stamped with your herd number to comply with current Defra regulations. It will with stand the heat process for slaughter. Minimum order size is 25 tags.  Install with Pig tag pliers.
Must be ordered in multiples of 25

[kalsi4654]

I'm now completely confused as I tried ordering through Fearings yesterday and got a "the minimum order is 50" notice, but now it's only 25!!  Right, will order from them. Thanks for your help, everyone.

Mic

[BadgerFace]

Give them or Ketchams a call, both companies are very helpful and may even do you less than 25 if you beg nicely !! 

[dixie]

Ketchums definately do them in small amounts I got 10! think they were 35p each, their number is 01737 812218

[Anke]

Shearwells do it in 10, I am using them.

[Elissian]

i bought 15 off shearwell data, just check the ordering time as they said 10 days but they didn't get to me for 16 days so i had to rebook the abbatior. Dont forget you'll need to order a tagger aswell