Hoegger Goat Supply: How to Tattoo

HOW TO TATTOO

Tattooing is a reliable, permanent method of identification and is required for registration. Do the kids early, especially if they're the look-like variety such as Saanens or Toggs. You will need a tattoo outfit, the letter for the birth year, your herd identification letters, and extra green tattoo ink if you have goats with dark inner ears. A tattoo case keeps all your equipment together and also has a digit holder to keep letters and numbers in order. A second set of tongs is handy so you can have set-ups for both ears ready. Your herd identification letters are assigned by the registry association. If you do not register you can use your initials and the "birth year letter" to identify the birth year of each kid born on your farm. Letters G, I, O and Q are never used as birth letters. The maximum number of digits in one ear or tail web is 4 digits.

Put letters/numbers in tongs. The birth year and identifying number for that particular are put in the left ear or on the left side of the tail web for LaManchas. Your herd ID letters are put into the right ear or the right side of the tail web. Test on paper before tattooing. Tattoo the individual goat's record page, too.

Next, clean the ear with rubbing alcohol and dry well. Hold the goat's head still between your legs or use a kid holding stall (#4C-1). The bottom of the letters and numbers should be toward the bottom of the ear.

Do not tattoo upside down. In the case of tail webs, the bottom of the letters and numbers should be toward the outside edge of the tail.

Once you have tattooed both ears you must ink the impressions immediately. Make sure to fill all the little holes completely so it can be easily read. If a hold is bleeding you should wait until the bleeding stops before inking (a missing hole can be corrected with a sterile hypodermic needle). After inking thoroughly, use a paper towel to remove excess ink and check closely to be sure the tattoo is readable. Take your time and do a good job. It pays off.

MAILING ADDRESS:
HOEGGER SUPPLY COMPANY
P.O. Box 331
Fayetteville, GA 30214

PHONE: 770-461-6926 FAX: 770-461-7334

ONLINE: TheGoatStore.com