Veterinary Oral Drenching Syringe
Multi Bolus Pistol Balling Gun – 18.25”
Rubber Head Balling Gun
DrTail Large Metal Head Balling Gun – 22″
DrTail Plastic Head Balling Gun – 17″
DrTail Metal Head Balling Gun – 17″
Brass Veterinary Mini Balling Gun 14.75"
A balling gun (bolus gun) gives pills, boluses and magnets to cattle, horses, sheep and goats. You slide it over the tongue from the side of the mouth and release the bolus at the back of the tongue, so the animal swallows it instead of spitting it out.
Which one? The brass mini 14.75" is sized for sheep, goats and calves. The metal head 17" and plastic head 17" suit most cattle and horses. For big cattle, use the large metal head 22" or the rubber head 23.5". Choose the multi-bolus pistol 18.25" when you dose a whole group. Giving liquid medicine instead? Use our veterinary oral drenching syringe.
Compare Our Balling Guns
All six guns have brass or metal bodies. The main differences are length, head size and how many boluses they hold. Use this table to match the gun to your animals.
| Model | Length | Head | Capacity | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini brass | 14.75" | 1.25" metal, spring clips | 1 bolus | Sheep, goats and calves |
| Metal head | 17" | 3" metal | 1 bolus | Cattle and horses |
| Plastic head | 17" | 2.5" plastic | 1 bolus | Cattle and horses, gentler on the mouth |
| Large metal head | 22" | 5" metal | 1 large bolus | Adult cattle and horses, extra reach |
| Rubber head | 23.5" | 4" rubber, spring clips | 1 bolus | Large cattle, soft head |
| Multi-bolus pistol | 18.25" | Spring-action end clip | Up to 6 large boluses | Dosing a group of cattle quickly |
What Is a Balling Gun?
A balling gun is a long instrument with a handle and a tube or head that holds a pill or bolus at the end. The handler guides it into the animal's mouth and releases the pill at the back of the tongue, so the animal swallows the medicine without spitting it out.
Features of DrTail Balling Guns
Durable construction: Brass or metal bodies built for regular farm and clinic use.
Long reach: The length helps place the bolus at the back of the tongue, where the animal is less likely to spit it out.
Easy grip: Designed for a secure hold and good control, even with large or restless animals.
Secure head: Spring clips or a fitted head hold the bolus in place until you release it.
Why Use a Balling Gun?
Full dose: Helps make sure the whole pill is swallowed, with less chewing, dropping or spitting out.
Safer for you: Keeps your hand out of the animal's mouth, lowering the risk of bites for you and injury for the animal.
Less stress: Dosing is quicker, so the animal is restrained for less time.
How to Use a Balling Gun Safely
Single-bolus guns (mini, metal, plastic, rubber head)
Load: Place the bolus in the head or between the spring clips.
Restrain: Hold the animal's head firmly and steady, with the nose slightly raised.
Insert: Enter from the side of the mouth, in the gap behind the front teeth, and slide the gun gently over the tongue.
Release: When the head reaches the back of the tongue, push the plunger to release the bolus. Do not push into the throat.
Check: Remove the gun and watch for swallowing before you let the head go.
Multi-bolus pistol gun
Load up to six large boluses into the barrel; the spring-action end clip holds them in place. Insert the gun the same way as above, then squeeze the trigger once to release one bolus at the back of the tongue. Move to the next animal and repeat.
Why Choose DrTail for Your Balling Guns?
DrTail makes practical balling guns for farms, vets and herd managers, from the multi-bolus pistol for group dosing to the rubber head gun for large cattle.
Our guns are built from brass and metal designed to last through years of regular use.
We offer several lengths and head sizes, so you can match the gun to the animal.
They are easy to take apart and clean, so they stay hygienic between animals.
Orders ship from Baltimore, Maryland, with free US shipping and no minimum.
Balling Gun FAQs
What is a balling gun used for?
Giving solid oral medicine (boluses, pills, magnets) to livestock safely, without putting your hand in the animal's mouth.
Which balling gun is best for sheep and goats?
The 14.75" brass mini balling gun. Its small 1.25" head and short length suit sheep, goats and calves.
How far do you put a balling gun in?
Only to the back of the tongue. Pushing into the throat can injure the animal. Let it swallow before you remove the gun.
Can you use a balling gun on a horse?
Yes. Our 17" metal head, 17" plastic head and 22" large metal head guns are made for cattle and horses. Many horse medicines also come as a paste or liquid, so check the product label or ask your vet which form to use.
What do I use for liquid medicine?
Use a drenching syringe instead of a balling gun. See our veterinary oral drenching syringe.