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Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:35 pm
by Saffy
I seem to remember someone mentioning a particular eartag type that was smaller and therefore more suitable for Dexters but cannot find the thread.
One of mine needs a replacement metal tag as it is in a bit tight so I need to change it soon. I thought I would buy a small batch of metal and plastic tags at the same time and the delightful appliances to put them in with!
Am I correct that the replacement tag must be numbered the same as the one I take out?
Stephanie
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:53 pm
by Broomcroft
Hi Stephanie
I've changed over to Dalton (theTags4u.com) about a year ago, because they are very rubbery and, so far, they seem good. Famous last words! Harder to put in though because they are so bendy.
I use the small size primary tags and we cheat and don't tag till we're looking at a jail sentence.
The numbers have to be the precise No such as: UK310819 700006, where the first bit is your holding number. One tag has to be a primary tag (and as I say, we use the small primary) and the second can be the small metal ones, or a plastic button version, or indeed a second small primary tag also qualifies as a secondary.
Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 4:16 pm
by Duncan MacIntyre
Replacement tags can usually be ordered on-line and come next day or two days at most. They do cost more than bulk orders since they are made individually and sent out quickl
y. I use Fearings, but there are lots of manufacturers. Have a look at a few catalogues or web sites before you decide, and ask round about what others are using and finding reliable. With my Fearing tags I use the "Dexter" size primary and a small button plastic secondary, same pliers puts both in.
The smaller size of tag was the result of much Dexter Cattle Society lobbying and letter writing when the regulations were at the consultation stage, just one of the less visible functions of a breed society. What really clinched the agreement to reduce the size for smaller breeds was a photo from Veronica Schofield of a new born Dexter calf with a regular size ear tag held next its ear.
Duncan
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:56 pm
by Saffy
Thank you both very much for your extremely useful answers, which I shall be putting into action!
Stephanie
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:15 pm
by Linhill
We use Zee Tags and find them much more reliable than the previous ones that we used. They are quite flexible. Button tags as secondary and medium size as primary.
We usually put the button tag in at a couple of days old for I.D. purposes then leave the primary tag for as long as possible. One pair of pliers for both size tags.