There has to be a better way.

[hillsdown]

I did a search on tatoos but all that I could find was when people did it.
Does anyone out there have a trick to the trade that lets you walk away from the event without looking like the jolly green giant?
Just did my last group today only 6 calves but the time I got the last one done I think I have more ink on me than the girls do.

I am sick and tired of having green hands for a couple days after tatooing a couple of calves.It is hard to explain to people when you are dressed to the nines and still have traces of green on your hands .

If anyone has some useful tips or has a new contraption that is easy for one person to use any help will be most appreciated.
Thankyou

 

[sainty01]

Yellow dishwashing gloves. Cheap and easy.

While we are on the subject, I would get a revolving tatoo gun, if you don't already have one. It makes life nice.

 

[SaskHerf]

i always use an old toothbrush.. works good for getting ink into all the holes...

 

[hillsdown]

Yellow dishwashing gloves. Cheap and easy.

While we are on the subject, I would get a revolving tatoo gun, if you don't already have one. It makes life nice.

I do have revolving I didn't know they made anything but.I had thought of gloves but don't they get holes poked in them and are awkward.
I know what I do need is another pair of hands one to hold the little bugger down and keep the ear straight so I can take my gloves on and off each time.Also I need someone behind me carrying a bucket of warm soapy water so I could wash after each animal.

I might try the toothbrush with the gloves see how green I come out looking.
Thanks to all.

 

[Frankie]

I know what I do need is another pair of hands one to hold the little bugger down and keep the ear straight so I can take my gloves on and off each time.Also I need someone behind me carrying a bucket of warm soapy water so I could wash after each animal.

I might try the toothbrush with the gloves see how green I come out looking.
Thanks to all.

We don't tattoo until weaning. Then we catch them in the head gate on the squeeze chute. That holds them still so you can get to the ear better.

 

[rattler]

the toothbrush trick work's verywell have tryed rubber glove's seemed to alway;s go back to useing my bare hand just seemed to do a better job.


rattler

 

[Cattleman200]

I wear the thin latex gloves when tattooing and also when working cattle. I dont need ivomec on my skin. I am fat enough already without being wormed. Within the Limousin breed we use a herd prefix and a tattoo with a year letter code. I keep my herd prefix in one at all times and change out the other on each calf. The roller ink bottles will do as good as anything for a smooth readable tattoo. Use black or green ink on most cows but always green on black cows. Its easier to read that way. When you use the latex gloves you wont have any ink at all on your hands. I clean the animals ear before tattooing with a rag and alcohol also. It just makes for a better all around job. Good Luck !!

Circle H Ranch
http://www.chrlimousin.com

 

[hillsdown]

the toothbrush trick work's verywell have tryed rubber glove's seemed to alway;s go back to useing my bare hand just seemed to do a better job.


rattler

Thanks Rattler I like the hands on also but I will definatley try the toothbrush ,some how grabbing the calf and then putting on gloves seems way too complicated I have my hands full with enough stuff already.I guess it's easy for people who have help when doing it.No such luck here;that's why I quit having the manicures years ago ;-) .I like the paste also as it seems to last longer.
Thanks to all who responded to my question about how not to get full of ink.

 

[rattler]

Your Welcome

rattler

 

[KNERSIE]

Hillsdown, what breed of cattle are they? Or better question, what colour skin do they have. If they are any colour but black, I use shoe or the old black stove polish instead of the roll-on ink. Tattoo first then brush the polish in with an old toothbrush. This makes for a readible tattoo for the rest of the animals life.

I also tattoo at weaning time or anytime after the calf is big enough for the headgate.

 

[cattleluvr18]

i would just wait til you get them in the headgate so then you know they arnt goin to go anywhere and you have more time to wash your hands and stuff when there done.