In a recent discussion of electric tail docking equipment availability on sheep-L the following information was shared. I have edited slightly.

Kerry Wilson wrote

This is what I have found out about Electric sheep tail dockers

Many people agree that the electric method is better for all concerned for sheep tail docking.

I found the following quote in the August 2003 issue of the Maryland Sheep and Goat Producers Magazine: "Docking with a heated cautery iron (electric docker) produces the least changes in behavior and cortisol levels. However, this piece of equipment is no longer commercially available." Here's their Web site www.sheepandgoat.com/news/#dock

What I have learned about where to get one is.

L-H Manufacturing: Custom made electric branders, dehorners, dockers, horn branders, copper alloy freeze and fire heated branders. 410 6th Street SE, P.O. Box 639-N, Mandan, ND 58554, 701-663-9821

L-H has part for the electric knife but the don't have the Vise-Grip that was the base for the hot knife and Anvil Sheep tail docker. The parts are $42 plus postage and vise-grip.

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www.sheepman.com in Maryland.

110 VOLT, electric-heated scissors that can be used to dock & cauterize tails or navels. Cutting unit departs from heating element for ease of use and cleaning. May be problems with bleeding with this style of docker.

Price: $103.85 Product: 56-SSCO7538 www.sheepman.com/detail.htm?id=2188

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www.wigginsinc.com 800-600-0716 in Oregon

The folks at Wiggins Inc. are working on a electric Sheep tail docker that will be available 1st quarter 2004 (maybe). Wiggins is aware that the anvil Electric tail docker is a better style than the pruning shears used for pigs.

I have chosen to order the parts from L-H and make my own. I do have metal working skill. If anyone is interested, let me know and I'll send pictures and impressions on my adventures making my own electric sheep tail docker. Kerry Wilson kerrywil at yahoo dot com

Gene Schriefer sheepfarm at charter dot net wrote:

Valley Vet Supply out of Marysville, Kansas, www.valleyvet.com or 800-468-0059 offers an electric tail docker/cauterizer for 64.95

they offer the Stericut Tail Docker and cut butane powered unit

Note: This is an update to a listing in The Sheep Book, Ron Parker, 2002, Ohio University Press (Swallow Press) ISBN 0-8040-1032-3Note: This is an update to a listing in The Sheep Book, Ron Parker, 2002, Ohio University Press (Swallow Press) ISBN 0-8040-1032-3 see also hem.bredband.net/ronpar/tsb.html and www.ohioswallow.com/bookinfo.php?book_id=0804010323 I am not endorsing any of the listings - just listing what people send to me. Your comments welcome on any of the listings. Ron

Copyright © Ron Parker 2007-01-25 Permission to copy for free distribution is granted provided the information is quoted in its entirity - including these comments, but not including what follows below.

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