The invention concerns a tag feeder (TF) for feeding tags (T) being provided in a chain of tags (CT), in a feeding direction (R) to a dispensing position within a clipping machine. Moreover, the invention concerns a method for feeding tags. The tag feeder is provided with a feeding mechanism (10) with at least one pusher means (40) for transporting the chain of tags (CT). The pusher means (40) are reversible movable parallel to the feeding direction (R) between a first and a second position wherein, in the first position, the pusher means (40) are in a minimum displacement to the dispensing position, and wherein, in the second position, the pusher means (40) are in a maximum displacement to the dispensing position. Furthermore, the feeding mechanism (10) comprises at least one cutting tool (60) for cutting―off the foremost tag (T1) of the chain of tags (CT), viewed in the feeding direction (R), in the first position and at least one clamping device (80) for clamping the chain of tags (CT) when the foremost tag (T1) is arranged in the first position.