The success in securing a lasting tattoo mark depends entirely upon the operator.
Follow these simple rules:
- Halter or muzzle the animal, if necessary.
- Cleanse the area to be tattooed, using a cloth dampened with a cleansing fluid such as alcohol to remove dirt, grease and wax.
- Insert the correct symbols in the pliers and press down very firmly over the needles a thin rubber sponge pad. This pad helps to release the needles from the Skin.
- Check the correctness of the symbols by making a mark on a piece of paper.
- Smear ink on the needles and on the skin, choosing an area free from freckles and warts if possible. Place the symbols parallel to and between the veins or cartilaginous ridges of the ear. The accidental piercing of a vein may spoil the tattoo.
- Make the imprints with a quick firm movement and immediately apply a further amount of ink from the container on the ear and rub vigorously and continuously for at least 15 seconds to ensure penetration. This is very important. The most effective method is to rub thumb and forefinger, though a brush may be used.
- Remove the rubber pad and rinse it and the needles in water, then dry. The sponge rubber pad should be discarded when it begins to lose its elasticity. The brush, if one is used, should also be rinsed.
- Do not disturb the area until the healing process is complete, which may be from 5 to 21 days, depending on the age of the animal.
- Keep a list of tattoo numbers with name of animals and enter those numbers in your private breeding record.