How to Tattoo Rabbits

How to Tattoo Rabbits

Tattooing is necessary for the identification of rabbits. It is the only accepted and appropriate method to identify rabbits used for breeding and showing in the United States. A legible tattoo in a rabbit’s ear provides permanent identification for that animal. For rabbits to be shown at the shows, the rabbits must have ear tattooed.

A Tattoo Pliers are most commonly used to pierce the skin of the ear with the needles of the tattoo digits. (digits can be both numbers and letters.) The pliers are easy to operate as they are squeezed together with the ear between the digits and the rubber backing pad of the tool. The digits must completely penetrate the ear. Ink is then rubbed into the puncture holes. The ink becomes permanently fixed in the area within the tissue of the skin as the puncture marks heal, making the tattoo legible and permanent. Pen-type tattoo instruments can be used, but they require more time and precision than the tattoo pliers.


Things required for tattooing 

  • To Tattoo Rabbits the following items are needed
  • A Tattoo Pliers
  • Digits (numbers, letters, or both)
  • Ink (Thin liquid art-type ink is the best option because it can easily penetrate in puncture holes, paste might not be a good option.)
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • A piece of Paper
  • Paper towels
  • Cotton swabs
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Disposable gloves
  • Carpeted table or carpet squares for secure footing


How to prepare the tattooing area

  • Locate a quiet area with bright lighting.
  • Place a piece of carpet on the table so the rabbit feels safe and does not slip.
  • Place the tattoo items on the other table so tools do not get knocked over and the ink will not spill.

tattoo rabbits tattoo rabbits tattoo rabbits


How to tattoo rabbits

  • Disinfect the pliers and tattoo digits with the isopropyl alcohol.
  • Select the tattoo digits for the rabbit.
  • Put the digits correctly in the pliers and test the intended tattoo on a piece of paper to make sure digits are correct.
  • Place the rabbit in the proper tattooing position. One person should hold the rabbit while another person is tattooing.
  • Use disposable gloves to handle the ink, ink can temporarily stain hands.
  • Examine the location where the tattoo will be placed. The tattoo should be placed above the main visible vein in the ear.
  • Note: Rabbits with very hot ears may bleed excessively. If the ear is very hot, dip a towel in cold water and place it on the ears until the ear is cool.
  • Thoroughly clean and dry the ear before applying the tattoo.
  • Make sure the ear is straight with no folds when applying the tattoo.
  • Once the tattoo pliers are properly positioned, firmly squeeze the pliers together for 2-3 seconds to ensure needles penetrate through the inner skin of the rabbit’s ear. If the tattoo pliers are not squeezed properly the tattoo might not be readable.
  • The digits could penetrate completely through the ear in young rabbits. It is better to completely penetrate the ear than to apply too little pressure and end up with a tattoo that no one can read. The backside of the ear will heal over and not leave marks on the outside of the ear.
  • Our Tattoo pliers have the spring-loaded ear release, it can remove the ear from the tattooing digits once pliers are released.
  • Vigorously rub the ink into the puncture holes. Use a cotton swab or finger to work the ink into the puncture holes.
  • Do not remove excess ink. It will be absorbed in the ear typically within a week.
  • Apply a light film of petroleum jelly over the tattoo. Petroleum jelly will temporarily seal the holes while the puncture holes absorb the ink as they heal.
  • Disinfect the tattoo pliers and digits with isopropyl alcohol for the next rabbit.

Tattoo Pliers Small Kit

Medical Tools Tattoo Pliers are used for positive permanent livestock identification. our pliers are designed for ease of use and minimum hand fatigue when tattooing. Made out of an aluminum alloy; pliers are sturdy yet lightweight. Construction provides a short easy pull causing needles to penetrate deeply into the ear with a minimum amount of effort.

Common Uses:
Marking of Farm Animals

Animals:
Small Animals
Rabbits
Hampsters
Dogs

Kit Consists of:
A Small Tattoo Pliers
Set of 0-9 digits (10 Characters)
Set of A-Z digits (26 Characters)

Pliers can hold 5 digits of 6.35mm (1/4")

tattoo pliers kit

Tattoo Pliers Kit Standard

Medical Tools Tattoo Pliers are used for positive permanent livestock identification. our pliers are designed for ease of use and minimum hand fatigue when tattooing. Made out of an aluminum alloy; pliers are sturdy yet lightweight. Construction provides a short easy pull causing needles to penetrate deeply into the ear with a minimum amount of effort.

Positive ear release prevents blurring and scratching. Holds up to 4 digits of 9.5mm(3/8")

Common Uses:
Marking of Farm Animals

Kit Consists of:
Medium Pliers
Set of 0-9 digits (10 Characters)
Set of A-Z digits (26 Characters)

veterinary tattoo pliers kit