Tattoo question?

[faiththequeen]

Looking for opinions on tattoo equipment. When I was young there was really only the clamp kind. Now that we're getting back in to it, I see there is the pen option too. What do you guys like using? Pros and Cons to each?? Thanks!!!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I have both clamp and pen. I have the alphabet and two sets of numerals.

I prefer the pen- I haven't had a "screamer" yet. It also allows more flexibility with your marking system. I mark buck's initial, doe's initial, kit #, month, year. X is Nov., Z is December. I just changed the numeral order with my recent litters- the kit # was last, but this way I don't have to do the full tattoo until I make my final decisions, but still know who is who. I still have a 5 digit system, but now I can add my rabbitry initials if I wish.

 

[Secuono]

I have the pen, fully customizable, unlike the clamp.

 

[myrtbb]

What brand tattoo pen do you use and where did you get it from. Thanks

 

[MamaSheepdog]

What brand tattoo pen do you use and where did you get it from. Thanks

what-brand-tattoo-pen-do-you-reccomend-t8929.html

 

[uhurubuns]

Ketchum Manufacturing makes a clamp tattoo that has two rows of 7 digits each built in, for a total of 14 digits. That's enough digits to encode just about any information you want. It is in the digit size they call 50D which is 4mm or 3/16, small. Very pricey though, they run about $150.

I wanted one real bad, but the $$$ stopped me. I ended up getting a Bass Grand Champion registrar set for $25 off craigslist. It'll do for now, but it only holds 5 digits. Someday I hope to get the Ketchum though.

The Ketchum two-row is available at qcsupply.com, vetprovisions.com, and bunnyrabbit.com

 

[skysthelimit]

So far, I am afraid to get the pen. Handwriting sucks, my hand cramps if I write more than 5 minutes. Don't know how that compares to tatting with pen. The clamp is fast, one time squeeze, I haven't had a problem yet, big or small sized rabbit. Of course I don't tatt a lot either way, as I only tatt keepers, and I haven't kept much of anything yet. When I get some extra $$$ I'll try the pen.

someone suggested physical therapy for the hand, but that's not in the budget either.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

someone suggested physical therapy for the hand, but that's not in the budget either.

Get a squishy ball and exercise your hand that way.

 

[faiththequeen]

The clamp is fast, one time squeeze, I haven't had a problem yet, big or small sized rabbit.

That's kind of how I feel. I think I'm going to go with the clamp. At least for now. It's what I"m comfortable with. Plus, we're just a small rabbitry, so I'm not worried about repeat numbers

Thanks guys!!!

 

[SarahMelisse]

I like the clamp because it is clear and professional looking. My first three rabbits had pen tattoos and two of them faded in just a few months to the point where you can't even tell there was even a tattoo.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

:gossip: "Buy a pen, buy a pen!"

And buy some good ink too.

 

[skysthelimit]

:gossip: "Buy a pen, buy a pen!"

And buy some good ink too.

lol. Human grade ink. I think I might try hand tatting on one of my meat culls.

 

[Lastfling]

Art quality India Ink. I also write in the ear with an extra fine point sharpie what I'm going to tattoo as a guide. It works a lot better I've found than trying to freehand with the tattoo pen without a guide/pattern.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Art quality India Ink.

That is what I have now. I might try human grade as well.

I also write in the ear with an extra fine point sharpie what I'm going to tattoo as a guide.

I have done that too, but haven't been recently. When OneAcreFarm was here, she marked a line over the large vein in the ear to use as a guide.

 

[skysthelimit]

i was considering trying to make one with my spin brush.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

i was considering trying to make one with my spin brush.

Go for it! I'm not sure how you would attach the needle, and I am afraid to "dissect" mine for you... but I know there are braver souls here than I that take theirs apart to clean them- maybe they will take pics if you ask nicely?

FYI, I just drip rubbing alcohol through the hole in the needle sleeve and run the brush- er pen- until it comes out clear.

 

[skysthelimit]

I believe the needle looks like a pencil top eraser? Saw it where the eraser top needle thing pushes right into the spin brush. I can get a replacement needle on Ebay. I also saw a touch up pen as well, I can get that and try hand tatts, and touch up the clamp tatts.

 

[tracie123]

Do you have to put ointment on it after you tattoo the ear, like human's do for their tattoos to keep them from fading?

 

[skysthelimit]

i put hemorrhoid cream on them, to close the blood vessels.