[zeeteecee]

Hi, we have two 10wk old Kune Kune piglets.  One of them is nibbling the other ones metal eartag and it is scarring the ear.  It is ripping often, and making it look very unsightly for a pet pig.

The tags were put in by the old owner, and do not have our herd number on, so is it OK to take it out?  I realise that I don't need them to be tagged if I just keep them here, and will need to tag when I move them anywhere. 

If I can take it out, how on earth does one go about this? 

We are new to the rules and regs so any help would be very gratefully recieved.
Z

[Hilarysmum]

Living in France I cant comment on the rules, we take out metal eartags when they cause problems.  Just clip with a pair of strong plyers whilst piggy is having a tummy rub.

[zeeteecee]

Thank you, I am a little scared of ripping it further, and there isn't a lot of room to put pliers in....
But I will pursue it!
Thank you again,
Z

[zeeteecee]

When you say 'clip' do you mean that I need to cut the tag?

[Hilarysmum]

Yes.  Although it may be that a good application of germaline type ointment may help to clear up the damage, then putting something nasty tasting on ear (cant remember the name but used to be able to buy in a bottle yellow liquid stank to high heaven great antiseptic would work well) to discourage the other pigs chewing it.

[oaklandspigs]

Whilst it is technically illegal to remove them under the regulations (PRIMO 2007), I would take them out under welfare and in the very highly unlikely circumstance that it is queried, I would say that they fell out!

If thepigs ever move again they will need a tag with your herd no. on in any case, so the old ones have no significance.

[zeeteecee]

the vet removed them as there was an abcess starting.