Some time ago I posted a blog with photos on how to tattoo a rabbit. With the availability of video, requests for transparency and animal rights folks saying it’s “torture” I thought it was time to let people see for yourself how it’s done.

The disadvantage – the ink is messy to deal with (especially when doing a number of rabbits!). She flinches a little but you can see she does not jump, and when released there is no signs of stress. The advantage – she has a unique tattoo to identify her from other rabbits. She’s no longer “the chinchilla doe on the end” – like cattle, sheep, goats and others that are tattooed it’s an individual mark. This means we can keep accurate records of her not only for breeding dates, show records and pedigree but also for tracking feed and medical history.

Too often things are described as much worse than they are, and it leaves people thinking much different than reality. There are times a rabbit will jump, or sometimes try to move. Very occasionally one will squeal, more in surprise than pain. Most of ours react pretty typically like this one.

Some goat breeders recommend using a numbing gel, such as those used for people with a toothache. I’ve not found that necessary with rabbits. A couple of particular points – there are veins that run in the ear. Putting a ‘target’ ink spot as I do helps insure not hitting those small veins, which results in bleeding which “dirties” or blurs the tattoo. Also I clamp firmly and quickly. Done right and it’s done once with no touch up work needed.

Rabbits due to the size of the ear don’t use tags. I’ve heard of some using bands similar to poultry above the hock but I’ve never done that for several reasons, the biggest being rabbits (with fur) aren’t poultry (with ‘clean’ legs). A tattoo is inexpensive, fast and doesn’t cause discomfort or alter their life long term.

 

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