Sheep Handling

Question 1

Ear tag for adult sheep?

Answer 1

• 2 tags (one electronic & one non-electronic)
• Can be any colour except red/black
• Must have unique flock number + individual animal number

Question 2

Ear tag for lamb destined for slaughter?

Answer 2

• Only 1 tag required
• Only unique flock number required, no need for individual animal number

Question 3

When must sheep get their ear tags?

Answer 3

• 6mo if housed indoors
• 9mo if housed outdoors
• or before they leave their holding of birth if it’s earlier.

Question 4

How do you replace a lost ear tag when the sheep is still at its holding of birth?

Answer 4

• can either replace the ear tag with identical ear tag OR remove remaining ear tag & add 2 new ones.
• Must record in holding register

Question 5

How do you replace a lost ear tag when the sheep is no longer at its holding of birth?

Answer 5

• Remove any remaining ear tags & put red replacement ear tags