How to Mark Goats for Identification

It's easy to keep your goats straight when you only have a few. But if you have a large goat herd, or you plan on showing your goats, you'll need a permanent way to identify them. The best way to identify a goat is by tattooing an identification number in the ear or on the tail. Unlike ear tags, tattoos can't be lost. You can purchase tattooing tongs online, or at stores that sell farm supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • Halter
  • Tattoo tongs
  • Number and letter plates
  • Cardboard
  • Damp rag
  • Alcohol
  • Tattoo ink
  • Old toothbrush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check with your goat breed registry if your goats are registered, or you plan to register them. Some breed registries have specific identification number requirements.

    • 2

      Select a tattoo site. Most goat owners prefer tattooing the inside of the ear, but some goats have ears that are too small. For these goats, you will need to tattoo the tail web. The tail web is the area of hairless skin on either side of the anus.

    • 3

      Arrange the letters or numbers in your tattooing tongs. Test the tattoo imprint on a piece of paper or cardboard to make sure it's correct.

    • 4

      Halter or muzzle your goat to keep the goat still while you work. It helps to have someone else hold the halter. If no one is available to assist you, tie the goat's head.

    • 5

      Wash the tattoo site using a damp cloth. This will remove any dirt, wax or crusty junk.

    • 6

      Disinfect the area using rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry.

    • 7

      Cover the rubber pad surface of the tattooing tongs with tattoo ink. Rub more tattoo ink on the surface of the tattoo site using an old toothbrush.

    • 8

      Position the tattooing tongs so the points are facing the inside of the ear or tail web. Try to avoid areas with large veins.

    • 9

      Press firmly on the tattooing tongs to puncture the skin and drive the ink into the holes.

    • 10

      Rub more tattoo ink into the punctured skin using the old toothbrush.

    • 11

      Record the identification numbers in a breed record.