MiniTag and DNA Ear Tag Applicator
Strong, versatile applicator for installing ear tags in goats and small sheep breeds.
Installs: MiniTags
Application Instructions 
Specs
- 9-1/2" long
- Metal hinges
- Hard plastic handles
- Installs: MiniTags. Also installs DNA Tags (we no longer sell).
How to Use
- Use the gray ring for applying the ear tags properly. The gray ring is attached to the metal leading pin. If the gray ring has come off, press the ring until it snaps on the metal leading pin. Slip the male tag securely over the metal leading pin. Attention: When taking off rings (while holding onto the ring) press the red clamp. If you press the red clamp without holding onto the ring, it may be lost.
- Press the white clamp up and then slide the female part of the tag under the metal fork, so that the external collar of the female tag is located in the open part of the jaw.
- The point on the male tag and the hole on the female tag should line up. Place the ear between the jaws of the applicator. Make sure the tag is correctly placed.
- While gripping the ear, quickly and firmly squeeze the handles together until the male tag is inserted through the ear and through the female side of the tag.
Tips
Tag placement is critical to success!
For maximum retention and the lowest risk of bleeding and infection, place ear tags in either of the two spots shown in the illustration below. The goal is about 2-3 inches from the head of the animal.
TIP: Inserting Tags in Cold Weather
Plastic tags (all brands) are much easier to install if they are warm. Why? As the temperature drops below freezing, plastic becomes less flexible (more stiff). Forcing the male point of a tag through the female takes many more lbs. of pressure (because the female must expand).
So if you care about your hands it’s a good idea to keep the tags above freezing in very cold weather. It takes very little to do this. One method is to simply store them while tagging in a small bucket, cardboard box or tool box with a lid alongside a sealed pop bottle full of warm water. The warm water will keep both the air and the tags warmer in the container.
Precautions
Listed below are recommended optional components or related items. Your particular situation may require alternative recommendations. Please call and talk to our consultants if there are any questions at 800-282-6631.
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Ear Tags
MiniTag (red, pkg. 20)
Item #609700 -Reliable long-term ear tag for goats and small sheep breeds. Designed to last for the lifespan of the animal. Scrapie approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$12.00 -
Ear Tags
MiniTag (blue, pkg. 20), not scrapie approved
Item #609600 -Reliable long-term ear tag for goats and small sheep breeds. Designed to last for the lifespan of the animal. Scrapie approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$12.00 -
Ear Tags
MiniTag (green, pkg. 20)
Item #609500 -Reliable long-term ear tag for goats and small sheep breeds. Designed to last for the lifespan of the animal. Scrapie approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$12.00 -
Ear Tags
MiniTag (orange, pkg. 20)
Item #609400 -Reliable long-term ear tag for goats and small sheep breeds. Designed to last for the lifespan of the animal. Scrapie approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$12.00 -
Ear Tags
MiniTag (white, pkg. 20)
Item #609300 -Reliable long-term ear tag for goats and small sheep breeds. Designed to last for the lifespan of the animal. Scrapie approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$12.00 -
Ear Tags
MiniTag (yellow, pkg. 20)
Item #609200 -Reliable long-term ear tag for goats and small sheep breeds. Designed to last for the lifespan of the animal. Scrapie approved. FREE custom imprinting!
$12.00 -
Equipment
SuperLube™, 8 oz
Item #550800 -An all-purpose antiseptic OB lubricant for lambing and kidding. Very useful if a lamb (or kid) goes dry during birth.
$6.00 -
Docking and Castrating
Pine Tar (squeezable bottle), 16 oz
Item #623200 -Cover wounds on sheep, goats, chickens and guardian dogs to repel flies and biting insects. Effective for several days after application.
$15.00 -
Docking and Castrating
Catron® IV, 10 oz spray can
Item #888147 -Used for treating sheep with fly-strike and as a preventative after docking, castrating or ear tagging. 10 oz spray can.
$12.00
Write a Review
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Bruce K from Wyoming
Tagger works well enough, but the handles are way too far apart to be comfortable and the square corners on the handles are hard on your hands after more than a few. We did 430 ewes one morning and my son's hand was complaining. Mini tags are supposed to be compatible with the Pro tagger but we didn't try it.
Leslie D from Montana
We just tagged about 20 doelings with these taggers and the Mini Tags. They are heavy-duty and seem to be well-made. I thought the tags were easy to put into the tagger and stayed put well until I was ready to apply the tags. You have to push the male end onto the post all the way, which is easy to do but I saw some other reviews that said they had trouble with the tags falling off - it doesn’t happen if you push the tag on all the way. They are a bit large if you have very small hands, but I had no problems squeezing the plier - they close smoothly. They also release the tag well, which is not the case with my Y-Tex tagger.
Larry K from Georgia
Very sturdy and made to last for generations.
Becky L from Texas
Last week I ordered new scrapie tags that were minis. Therefore, I had to order a new applicator for them. This applicator is the best ever. We have probably fifteen different applicators that can’t hold a candle to it. The tags go into the applicator smoothly. It is easy to press through the ear leather with them. It’s easy to take the tags off. It is so smooth at every application. I’m really enjoying this product.
Tamara L from Kentucky
I am returning this applicator, unused to Premier 1. I was told that my old applicator that I received from the USDA, would not work with the new mini-Tags I ordered. This applicator is difficult for me to get my hands around, and the spring is too stiff. It may be okay for a man to use, my hands aren’t that big.
