The ear has arteries up the center and down the edges, as well as multiple smaller veins and vessels throughout.

With a clamp kit, it is super important NOT to hit these, as bleeding will likely be severe.

It’s not uncommon to see small scratches on the inner surface of the ear from normal causes or arguing amongst littermates.

Note the vessels visible even without backlighting the ear.

Grasping the ear for BatTat use:

Start by having the rabbit facing toward your left, and lay your fingers flat across the back and base of the ear to be marked. 

Your middle finger needs to end up under the tattoo site, so position your hand appropriately.

Lift and roll the ear so that your two last fingers have their backs on the base of the ear; your middle finger is under where you will be marking, and your thumb and forefinger keep the ear firmly held over that middle finger.

Finished products.

See how the BatTat’s marking can be placed centrally in the ear, causing an absolute minimum of damage?

BUR did not bleed at all; JEWEL, as can be seen in the bottom picture, did have a drop appear at the top of the J, but nowhere else.

The obvious lack of surrounding tissue irritation and deep damage is shown by the lack of redness and vascular leakage around the mark.