Zip Bandit

[Little Joe]

Anyone ever tried the zip bandit to band your calves, doesn’t require a tool. It’s basically a zip tie. I’m gonna get their free sample and try one, I’ve got one that’s about 600 lbs to band. The zip bandit shows to be able to band full grown bulls.

 

[Little Joe]

 

[Brute 23]

It depends on the animal but I've gotten the XL bander on some around that size. They fish through pretty easy. The bigger the calf the easier it is to do as long as they will fit.

 

[SBMF 2015]

I would think it would work better for bigger bulls.

 

[elkwc]

I have used the Callicrate on bulls over 1,100 lbs

 

[RDFF]

I use a California bander on any size...

 

[Travlr]

I have a hard time believing the band will be tight enough without a tool. Unless there is some kind of mechanism in the band that tightens it more than I could do with my hand... I'd be pretty leery.

 

[RDFF]

I have a hard time believing the band will be tight enough without a tool. Unless there is some kind of mechanism in the band that tightens it more than I could do with my hand... I'd be pretty leery.

Kind of what I was thinking too. With the California bander, you don't have any "issues" with trying to get large testicles down through... you just pull the surgical tubing band "around". And you DO want to pull it around just as tightly as you possibly can.

 

[Hpacres440p]

From my “demo” zip bandit, I can see that there is a non-elastic hard plastic zip tie part that could potentially cause either a cut/rub/pressure spot (potential for open wound due to local skin breakdown?) or not get tight enough on small animals (limits the total constriction). We haven’t tried it, although the idea sounds simple enough. I would think California bander if that’s the need-large testicles that won’t fit in a solid circle band.

 

[Windy Ridge]

I used the zip bandit on three calves earlier this year. They were about 550 lbs. the zip bandit went on without any problem and tightened up just fine. In addition to the zip tie, there is a small rubber tube at the end of the zip tie, which is the actual band. When you pull the zip tie up tight rubber band stretches so that it is really tight around the testicles. I gave a tetanus shot (covexin 8) when I put the band on. I kept the caves in a small paddock so I could keep an eye on them in case they had a problem. It took 4 weeks for two of them to drop. The last one dropped at 6 weeks. Never had a problem. Kept the caves another month before I sold them. I would use the zip bandit again without hesitation.

 

[elkwc]

I have used the zip bandit on over 25 head. It works fine. If tightened properly it works well. I already had the Callicrate bander. I use it mainly as I can apply it faster and easier.

 

[Brute 23]

That's good to know. Might not hurt to keep some in the cow box in case we run up against some that are too big.

 

[sstterry]

Anyone ever tried the zip bandit to band your calves, doesn’t require a tool. It’s basically a zip tie. I’m gonna get their free sample and try one, I’ve got one that’s about 600 lbs to band. The zip bandit shows to be able to band full grown bulls.

I have used it and it works. It is essential to ensure that you pull the zip-tie tight so that it meets the rubber. If you do this, then it works like a charm. I used a small pair of vice grips to ensure it was tight enough.

 

[ChrisB2]

We've been using Zip-Bandits for the past few years on all of our bull calves (band at weaning). Very happy with them.

 

[Stickney94]

I ordered the free sample last year and used it on a 600 lb bull calf. If you follow the instruction and pull very tight (I used a pliers) it seemed to work as intended. As noted -- there is a rubber band that needs to get pulled tight. I also gave a tetanus shot. I'd certainly use them again. I band at birth is the only reason I don't use them regularly. I used it last year on a bull we had kept intact in order determine if he'd be a home raised bull.

 

[texoman]

To those that have used the xl banner, Cali banner, etc. How do you think it compares as far as ease of use and problems/benefits?

 

[farmerjan]

I cannot compare the Callicrate bander to any others because the C bander is the only one we use besides the green cheerios when little... But I will take the callicrate bander anytime....it has done the job for us that we want and need... takes just a few minutes in a chute... I hold tails and the calf against the side (no squeeze chute) so he cannot move around... son uses the bander... Have used it on 6-800 lb bulls.... and no complaints at all... The Zip one sounds like a good one to keep around to use too.... would be interested in trying it... but they will still have to be in the chute... Might be cheaper... but with the callicrate, we will turn the bulls back out in the lot... and within a half hour they will be back up at the trough eating... so cannot complain at all. Bands cost about $4 a piece...

 

[elkwc]

To those that have used the xl banner, Cali banner, etc. How do you think it compares as far as ease of use and problems/benefits?

Haven’t used the Cali bander. But have used the XL bander and the green cheerio bander along with the Callicrate and zip bandit. I prefer the Callicrate mainly because I have used it more. Have used it on big bags and testicules. I put one through at a time. It is fast.
As far as different methods. I did one group in the summer with the Callicrate bander. Had a vet do one group with the drill and another vet tied a group. All big bulls. 650-750. Those the drill was used on healed the fastest. Those I banded were 5-7 days behind and those that were tied off healed the slowest. Seems the swelling in the bag is slow to go down.

 

[Brute 23]

I cringe every time some one mentions the drill. It works great but I just can't do it.

 

[texoman]

I cringe every time some one mentions the drill. It works great but I just can't do it.

Same here. I will never forget the first time I saw that go down. Vet said my eyes were big as saucers.