1) First make a list of what tattoo numbers you want to use for which rabbit. Everyone has a different system which may help remind them of who a particular rabbit's parents are. I use an initial assigned to the sire and use odd numbers for the bucks and even numbers for the does. Nowadays with pen style tattoos many breeders choose to write names or shortened versions of names to identify their rabbits. Years ago people would use the initials of their rabbitry name or their own surname. Just make sure you keep a list of what numbers have been previously used. I keep one tacked on the rabbitry bulletin board.
2) Get all your equipment together, tattoo pliers with numbers/letters or tattoo pen, ink or paste, ink brush, rubbing alcohol, colored piece of test paper, Q-Tips, vaseline, paper towels, carpet, paper towels and towel.
3) Tattoo when temperatures aren't too hot or wait until evening.
4) Keep activity minimal and calm. Have patience, handle gently but firmly, pat and reassure them.
5) Tattoo white or light colored animals first to lessen the chance of transferring ink from hands or towel.
6) Instead of using vaseline to seal in the tattoo ink, I use a tube of lip balm that has Vitamen E in it. The tube is easier to handle than dipping into a jar of vaseline. The Vitamen E will help seal over the tattoo. Make sure the lip balm stick is pliable and not the hard and waxy type.
7) A colored file card or colored piece of paper works best to preview the tattoo to make sure you have the numbers lined up properly and not upside down. Just punch the card before tattooing and take a look.
8) If you use tattoo letters/numbers, drop them in a small jar of alcohol to clean and not allow for ink to cake on them. You can scrub them with an old toothbrush.
9) Some people use a Q-Tip dipped in alcohol to clean the ear before tattooing or when applying the ink.