Bull nose ring

[shortybreeder]

I am selling my first bull on a consignment sale in March, and I'm wondering if I should put a ring in his nose? He is an April 23rd, and I'd estimate him at high 8-mid 900lbs. Typically at this sale bulls and heifers are on display "county fair style" and then are walked into the ring via halter, set up, and sold. I started halter training this bull in July, and we took him to Louisville to experience our first National show. He behaved nicely for the most part, but got a tad pushy in the ring (he was first in and wanted to go faster than a normal show pace so I had to lean into him to slow him down and be pushed back). He's only seen the halter twice since then and has gotten a bit more dominant. However, he has yet to push or bother anyone (grandma included) when we go in the pen to feed him. He's penned only with a single heifer and some cats, but can see cows/heifers through a window.
Given this information, is a ring necessary? Would a ring add to his bullish appearance or just make him look dangerous?
Thank you for reading this "book" and for any helpful tips!

 

[simba]

Definitely ring him, and do it as soon as possible to give it some time to heal. It's one of those things that you won't use very often but when he decides to try fight another bull or jump a heifer you'll be thankful that you have it.  It doesn't matter how quiet he is, he's still a bull. I'd also check your sale rules sale rules- all of our consignment sales around home state that your bull must have a ring or he isn't allowed in the sale. As far as putting in the ring, either have your vet do it or a friend who has done it before. Good luck with your sale!

 

[cowboy_nyk]

Good advice from Larissa. I agree 100%.  If you really don't want to do the ring you could use a humbug but they aren't nearly as effective when you really need them.

 

[shortybreeder]

I asked the man in charge of the sale, and he said not to unless the bull is crazy. I feel like at this point I'm just going to leave him as is, and let the next owner decide if a ring is important. Thanks for the suggestions though! I'll look into that humbug thing to see if it will help at the sale.

 

[jnm]

I always wonder why people take time to ask questions if they are not interested in the answer

 

[shortybreeder]

I was interested in the answer, but then Larissa suggested checking with the sale management, so I did that and I'm going with their suggestion because it is what is common at this sale. Just because I didn't follow the suggestions doesn't mean this thread couldn't still help someone curious in the future.