Efficient use for a paint ball gun??

[Karin L]

Other than using it on other people (which is not the purpose of us folks owning one, BTW), the idea came up that why not use it for marking animals that are sick that we aren't familiar with?

Especially those new calves that arrive off the truck, they're mingling around and the one time we see a sick calf (or one that looks like it's got a runny nose, etc.), once we try to get closer to have a look he's gonna dissappear into the herd. ESPECIALLY if he's one that's the same hide color as the rest of his friends. And not used to his new owners and new home...

So what do you think of this idea?? Dumb idea, good idea?? All sorts of opinions and comments (good and bad) more than welcome

Karin

[Ed Norman]

The first paintball gun I ever saw, 25 years ago, was used to mark bullers in a feedlot. I imagine they would still serve for marking critters. I'd like one to mark cats that come thru the place.

[CoachVince]

If I remember accurately, they were originally called "paintball markers", and were used to mark anything from cattle to timber, for market, culling, etc. It's something that can be used without walking up close; though I don't know if modern "paintballing" balls would mark semi-permanently, like you might want if you weren't going to get to it right away (would probably wash/wear off faster than the old stuff).

[Ross]

Sure use it as a marking gun but wouldn't a quarenteen on new arrivals be better all round? BTW I'm told paint balls bounce off wooly sheep, which is a shame, but they'd likely bruise a shorn one.

[farminghandyman]

the paint balls i tryed were not very heavy and hard to see, I gave up on trying it,

[Karin L]

Sorry I didn't get to this sooner, but thanks for yall's input.

I guess that there is a risk of the paint being non permenant (of course 'cause they're those type that wash off purty quick or wear off) and then again quarantene (sp?) would have to be immediate, although sometimes that doesn't happen...

Okay, another question, kind of a stupid one though: with a smaller pain-ball gun, you'd have to get closer to the animals right? Or does it depend on somwthing else??

thanks

[Bearfootfarm]

Valley Vet Supply has one marketed for marking animals.

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.h...2-00b0d0204ae5

[sullen]

Why not just spray paint them? Grab some hair and spray.

[Bearfootfarm]

Originally Posted by sullen

Why not just spray paint them? Grab some hair and spray.

Because they said the hard part was getting near them

[Karin L]

Originally Posted by Bearfootfarm

Valley Vet Supply has one marketed for marking animals.

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.h...2-00b0d0204ae5

Had a look at that (thanks for the link btw), and I see that the gun is almost similar to that which dad bought...only a bit bigger...and the paint balls... is .68 caliber the same size as a diameter of 20mm? (I'm just guessing 'cause I'm not that familiar with caliber-things)

thanks

[fin29]

I think that before you shoot your stock with a paintball gun, you should shoot yourself with it before you make a determination as to whether that's a good way to make the acquaintance of an animal who'll be 2000 lbs. when you have to handle it.

Cows can be awfully numb, but the memory part of the brain is highly developed.

[Bearfootfarm]

20 mm would be closer to 80 caliber

[mj1angier]

I play paint ball for a few years. The hit sting more than hurt, of course the closer you are the more it stings. Some of the guns can be tuned to raise or lower the sppeeed of the ball. If you really want want one to sting freeze it! The paint balls that are use to play are water soluble, wash off after 1 rain. So if you want a permant paint you need to look to the Ag or forest products.
The guns are very accurate- normal to be able to hit a foot sticking out behind a tree. Most of the guns are .68 but some are .50.

[Karin L]

Well, thanks for y'alls input. Guess you learn something everyday