Problems with sheep tags

Jack180570

Just wondering if anyone is having any trouble with tagging lambs using the EID tags from Mullinahone Co-op?

We tag all our lambs the day they are born and this year we are having awful trouble using the non-electronic half of the tag (no trouble with the half with the electronic button).

When we apply the tag it doesn't cut through the ear but instead pushes the ear into the female half of the tag and gets 'stuck'. We then have to try and twist the tag so it can rotate freely in the ear and so that there is not living tissue trapped in the tag. What ends up happening is we have to tear the skin that is still connected and then disinfect the ear to avoid infection.

It is very painful for the lamb and very time consuming as it is happening with 90% of the left ear tags.


I don't think the problem is with the way we are putting on the tags as it is only happening with the non-electronic tag (left ear)... also don't think its down to lack of experience as we have tagged over 2000 lambs over the last number of years.

Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Sami23

Jack180570 wrote: »

Just wondering if anyone is having any trouble with tagging lambs using the EID tags from Mullinahone Co-op?

We tag all our lambs the day they are born and this year we are having awful trouble using the non-electronic half of the tag (no trouble with the half with the electronic button).

When we apply the tag it doesn't cut through the ear but instead pushes the ear into the female half of the tag and gets 'stuck'. We then have to try and twist the tag so it can rotate freely in the ear and so that there is not living tissue trapped in the tag. What ends up happening is we have to tear the skin that is still connected and then disinfect the ear to avoid infection.

It is very painful for the lamb and very time consuming as it is happening with 90% of the left ear tags.


I don't think the problem is with the way we are putting on the tags as it is only happening with the non-electronic tag (left ear)... also don't think its down to lack of experience as we have tagged over 2000 lambs over the last number of years.

Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Maybe don't tag the lambs at such young age as their ears are so soft which maybe contributing to the problem. Also if a lamb dies it's a waste of tags.
All lambs tagged here on the day their sold :pac:

razor8

Some tags require a different pin in the taggers, ring Mullnahone, I'd be pretty certain that's your problem or else the pin needs tightening

Tagging lambs from birth as well and never any problems

gerry25lyt

I always tag lambs when selling in August/ September time, no problems at all with Mullnahone Tags if you tag in the very centre of ear.