[Jacob-list] ear tagging lambs

[Robinson]

In twelve years, we have developed a system that works for us regarding 
tags.  Let me preface by saying that I hate tagging sheep and would not 
do it at all if given a choice.  We have few enough sheep that we don't 
need to worry about identification from the standpoint of which lamb(s) 
belong to which ewe.  I keep good photo records of ewes and their lambs 
as they develop, just in case, but have never had to use the pictures 
yet for ID purposes.  Because Jacobs are so individual in appearance, it 
helps with ID; all white sheep would be a different story!

We used to tag with the small lamb tags within a few days of birth, but 
after a few years gave that up because of torn ears or lost tags.  When 
lambs get to the point of sticking their heads through fences and 
approach the age where it is no longer a roomy fit through the fence 
wire, many ended up getting caught.  Even one torn ear on a lamb is too 
much for me!

I also do not like tagging in the summer as we have had a couple become 
infected.  We found that sometimes a particularly sensitive lamb might 
do alot of "ear flicking" when the tag is new, and a few times the ear 
became irritated (usually if the tag was hitting a horn)  and infected 
around the tag. We spray the ear with fly spray, but seems that the 
summer bugs can be an aggravation to a fresh ear tag, at least here.

All sheep are now tagged whenever  they leave here with our scrapie 
tag..  We use the round button style tags, and those could still get 
caught and rip an ear, so if at all possible, I like to wait until the 
lambs are past being able to get their head through the fence wire.   
Any lambs still here in the fall/winter months will hopefully be tagged 
during a deworm or hoof trim session, but as fall-back, any without tags 
on shearing day get tagged as part of our shearing process. 

It works for us but basically is a system of procrastination where we 
don't do it until we have to!  :-)

Cathy
Perfect Spot Farm....where lambs are just beginning to arrive!
http://www.perfectspot-farm.com/2010Lambs.html  

 

Lasell J. Bartlett wrote:

> I'd like to hear what various folks do about ear tagging their lambs. 

> Why, when, what, how, etc. Any after effects/unwelcome consequences 

> noted, etc. Thanks in advance.

>

> Lasell Bartlett

> Fine Fettle Farm