Applying ear tags

[kfacres]

here is a big ear tag http://www.freewebs.com/showsheep/apps/photos/photo?photoid=154865575

here is a tag that is in the same rib as you put it--= notice it does not hang down-- and is sitting too high in the ear.. her's is like this from the standpoint that the other location was ripped out. http://www.freewebs.com/showsheep/apps/photos/photo?photoid=154866155 notice the tag does not hang down-- when the tag does not hang down-- it goes out-- when it goes out, you cannot read it, and on larger tags then it also folds the ear down...

proper location of scrapie tags http://www.freewebs.com/showsheep/apps/photos/photo?photoid=154866156

unless you have the old long/ skinny scrapie tags-- which have been outlawed-- all others are the same. one side is called a male, and one a female... It doesn't matter which tag gets inserted into the front of the ear-- I prefer the male tag (rivet) to go to the front-- as you can see exactly which vein you're tagging into.

Why does the high location cause more infections? The ear is thicker up there, than it is lower. When you tag, the ear will heat and swell slightly for a week or so until it heals. most often this isn't a concern- until it gets warm. the thinner the ear, even when it's swollen-- will not heat as bad, and get pinched by the tag. I've been around quite a few sheep in my day-- and more times than not-- those in the top of the ear get infected... The only thing that causes more infected ears-- is metal tags...

 

[Southdown]

I actually like the one with the tag placed higher still in your picture. You have a different breed than me. Yours has the longer ears and my breed has short, wooly ears. I think that can make a difference too.

 

[kfacres]

I actually like the one with the tag placed higher still in your picture. You have a different breed than me. Yours has the longer ears and my breed has short, wooly ears. I think that can make a difference too.

can you read the eartag--? The one placed higher?? Nope-- therefore defeating the purpose of it.

My sheep get more identification methods-- than anyone... 4 eartags, plus a tattoo.

 

[SheepGirl]

I haven't read through this entire thread yet, but I just tagged my lambs yesterday...I didn't bother putting farm tags in, just the scrapie tags.

before

after

 

[kfacres]

I haven't read through this entire thread yet, but I just tagged my lambs yesterday...I didn't bother putting farm tags in, just the scrapie tags.

before
http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/4485_dscn3065.jpg

after
http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/4485_dscn3066.jpg

this scrapie tag is not supposed to be used anymore-- I think you'd might find yourself not able to order them anymore. I've been as far as to have a state vet tell me they no longer are an except able form of identification in the scrapie program.

it is the correct tag placement though.

 

[SheepGirl]

I haven't read through this entire thread yet, but I just tagged my lambs yesterday...I didn't bother putting farm tags in, just the scrapie tags.

before
http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/4485_dscn3065.jpg

after
http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/4485_dscn3066.jpg

this scrapie tag is not supposed to be used anymore-- I think you'd might find yourself not able to order them anymore. I've been as far as to have a state vet tell me they no longer are an except able form of identification in the scrapie program.

it is the correct tag placement though.

My sheep live at my neighbor's house and so these are his tags...he ordered them back in like 2002 or 2003. So they are really old, and no, I don't think they make this style Scrapie tag anymore, either. (They're made by Premier.) I have had my sheep tagged with these since we don't have any other form of Scrapie tags for them and they have been allowed into fairs and petting zoos, so they are still good I would think. But we're in Maryland so it may be different state-to-state. But I figured it has the premises ID and an individual ID, so it's still good.

But when my sheep move to my house by June 8 (my neighbor sold his farm), I will get my own premises ID and then get my own new tags to tag my future sheep (and my current sheep if this type of tag is no longer valid).

But thanks, I will look more into the MD tag laws....I didn't know that there had to be a specific type of tag...just thought that as long as it had the premises and individual IDs were okay, you'd be okay. Hopefully they won't change the tag style requirements in another 10 years after I get my tags lol.

 

[secuono]

I only tag sheep that I sell. I don't bother tagging my adults or young, since they won't leave the farm. They come out or tear the ear, so why risk it if the sheep never leave anyway.

 

[kfacres]

I haven't read through this entire thread yet, but I just tagged my lambs yesterday...I didn't bother putting farm tags in, just the scrapie tags.

before
http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/4485_dscn3065.jpg

after
http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/4485_dscn3066.jpg

this scrapie tag is not supposed to be used anymore-- I think you'd might find yourself not able to order them anymore. I've been as far as to have a state vet tell me they no longer are an except able form of identification in the scrapie program.

it is the correct tag placement though.

My sheep live at my neighbor's house and so these are his tags...he ordered them back in like 2002 or 2003. So they are really old, and no, I don't think they make this style Scrapie tag anymore, either. (They're made by Premier.) I have had my sheep tagged with these since we don't have any other form of Scrapie tags for them and they have been allowed into fairs and petting zoos, so they are still good I would think. But we're in Maryland so it may be different state-to-state. But I figured it has the premises ID and an individual ID, so it's still good.

But when my sheep move to my house by June 8 (my neighbor sold his farm), I will get my own premises ID and then get my own new tags to tag my future sheep (and my current sheep if this type of tag is no longer valid).

But thanks, I will look more into the MD tag laws....I didn't know that there had to be a specific type of tag...just thought that as long as it had the premises and individual IDs were okay, you'd be okay. Hopefully they won't change the tag style requirements in another 10 years after I get my tags lol.

that type of tag is descrimated against b/c they do not have a good enough time to remain in an ear. basically defeating the purpose of using them for a traceback system. many years ago, I also had them- and these tags wouldn't remain in for more than a month-- almost all the time. I was one of the biggest advocates of getting rid of them... Then the tag style changed- but those tags could be removed and re-used with a Tag-sav-r. Switched again. Another 2 styles later we have what we have today-- a plastic tag with a metal liner-- the only ones I lose- get ripped out.

Scrapie tags are free- can get any number of them- 1-866-usda-tag. no reason not to have up to date tags that will remain in the ear.

 

[Southdown]

To me, that one looks like it's on the midline. But it's a different style and much smaller than the newer scrapies.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

I tag in the exact same spot as purplequeenvt. I prefer the male tag to go through the front, so the point is coming out the back of the ear. Just personal preference.