Blue Ring Expander
Budget-friendly tool for expanding elastrator rings during docking and castrating of calves, lambs and goat kids. Reduces chance of fly strike.
Use the ring expander to stretch elastic “O” rings over the tail or scrotum. When released, the rubber ring clamps the arteries shut. The tail or scrotum drops off in 7–14 days.
Benefits
Fly-strike is less likely with this method than other methods because it's bloodless.
Specs
- 8" long
- Blue plastic handles
- Metal workings
How to Use
- Attach the "O" Ring to the expander.
- Squeeze the expander and allow enough room for the ring to be slid over the tail or scrotum (including testicles)
- Release the expander.
- Take your fingernail and push the "O" Ring off on each side.
- Double check that both testicles are actually in the scrotum below the ring. This can be tricky with baby lambs and kids because the testicles are small.
Tip
Precautions
- Always ensure that both testicles are actually in the scrotum below the ring. This can be tricky with baby lambs and kids because the testicles are small.
- Applying rings before a lamb or kid is 24 hours old, up on its feet, nursing and active. To do so interrupts nursing and predisposes lamb to rapid death from E. coli problems ("watery mouth"). Many wait at least 2 days to apply on twins, triplets and orphans.
- Rubber rings can cause tetanus. Be sure to vaccinate ewes or does with a booster dose prior to parturition.
- Though it causes more distress (particularly ram lambs that are both castrated and docked), this lasts less than an hour if the lambs are less than 7 days old (because the nervous system is less developed).
- Rings (all sources) occasionally break so it's wise to check results a week later.
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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Docking and Castrating
"O" Rings, orange, bag of 100
Item #703000 -Rubber “O” rings for tail docking lambs and castrating ram-lambs and goat kids. 100 latex rings per package/container.
$2.25 -
Docking and Castrating
"O" Rings, orange, container of 100
Item #703100 -Rubber “O” rings for tail docking lambs and castrating ram-lambs and goat kids. 100 latex rings per package/container.
$4.25 -
Docking and Castrating
lidoband™ Castration Bands, pkg of 40
Item #702100 -Lidocaine infused castration bands for calves, lambs and goat kids. Numbs the area to be removed to reduce stress. For livestock use only.
$89.00 -
Breeding Supplies
OB Gloves, clear, pkg of 10
Item #550900 -Keep arms and hands covered while assisting the births of sheep, goats, cattle and other livestock. Glove covers most up to the shoulder.
$2.75 -
Breeding Supplies
Latex Gloves - Medium (box of 100)
Item #550902 -Use during lambing, handling sick animals or conducting postmortems. Protect your hands from inks and fluids which may stain or cause skin irritation.
$14.00 -
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.
$16.00 -
Docking and Castrating
Blood Stop Powder, 16 oz
Item #888094 -To slow and stop the bleeding of minor cuts and wounds. For treating excessive bleeding following docking or dehorning.
$10.00 -
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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Arlene E from Iowa
The bander is lighter weight than I expected. It doesn't open super smoothly, but it totally functional and gets the job done.
Gary R from Idaho
Have used it twice now and it does exactly what it says it's for. Very fast, no mess and easy. One person can use it.
Lily B from California
Solid tool. The only thing I could complain about is removing the bander from the band once you have it closed around the testies. Was my 1st time banding alone, so perhaps there's a trick to make that last step a bit easier.
Chuck G from Georgia
Four stars because I have not used it yet, but looks well made.
Linda M from California
Easy to use for docking tails and banding testicles of week old lambs.
