calf bander

[dun]

i used to cut my calves and really liked the 197uh uncle henry and still cut the bag off some after banding

but i had i one bleed out and lost him so i started banding.
now for you guys that don't cut the cord but pull it out just sounds cruel and unnecessary not to mention the risk of hernia

There is a weak spot in the cords where it will break. In years gone by we would chaf the cords with a semi sharp knife rather then cutting or pulling. Worked fine 50 years ago but we had one bleed to death so we've banded them almost everyone since then

 

[johndeerefarmer]

There are several disadvantages to the bands. One is you might not get both nuts below the band.

The second is tetanus. Most recommend that you give a tetanus shot if you use bands. Having said that I have been using bands for about 20 years and so far no problems.

And finally a tip. Keep your bands in the ice box (refrigerator for any city slickers or young pups out there ) so they will last longer. Keeping them in the heat in your truck or barn and they will start developing cracks.

 

[jerry27150]

my old vet would have fit if i used a few bands years ago. he said if you think they are pain free just put one on your finger for a while.it takes a long time for them to rot & dry & fall off & i have seen them get bad infections. never seen one bleed if you pull them & they are healed in a week

 

[Dave]

I have seen hundreds that were cut and pulled that when turned loose went straight to the feed bunk and started to eating. It must not hurt them too much.

 

[backhoeboogie]

There are several disadvantages to the bands. One is you might not get both nuts below the band.

The second is tetanus. Most recommend that you give a tetanus shot if you use bands. Having said that I have been using bands for about 20 years and so far no problems.

And finally a tip. Keep your bands in the ice box (refrigerator for any city slickers or young pups out there ) so they will last longer. Keeping them in the heat in your truck or barn and they will start developing cracks.

I had one that had a retained jewel. Had to cut him. And - cut and cut to get at it. I got acused of field dressing the poor guy. I had one this year that wiggled and fought a bit and I wound up with only one below the band. So I cut that band off and put on another and got 'em both. Other than these two instances, I have never had a problem banding.

I buy a new sack of bands about every six months. They're cheap. I have to keep them in my med box because I never know when I am going to find a new born bull calf since I calve year round. I don't live there and the ice box is too far away

 

[chrisjane]

I use a scalpel with replaceable blades and cut them as I like a good rocky mountain oyster.

I used it too,, It's good and easy to use. but I lost my 72044-10 blade and it's hard to find a match for mine.