Opinion question about leg bands

[LaurenRitz]

Quail and bantams come to mind!

Those are very small chicks, especially the quail!

I wouldn't dare to touch something that small!

 

[Huntmaster]

I figured if there was a size 6 there would probably be larger sizes in the elastic style, but I can't find them.

Looks like the bands you are using is from chicken hill. If so, they are only made for hatchlings and do not have sizes for adult birds.

 

[Huntmaster]

McMurray has intermediate sizes but only in the spiral.

I would never use those spiral leg bands as they have sharp ends and end up imbedding in leg.

 

[Tonyroo]

Get a magic marker and color one side toe nail. You just need an identifying marker that won't hurt them.

 

[CatInTheHenHouse]

…could you paint their nails? I’d be worried about them eating the paint on feathers.

 

[LaurenRitz]

…could you paint their nails? I’d be worried about them eating the paint on feathers.

The paint I use is a non-toxic acrylic. Eating it shouldn't be an issue.

Painting their nails is an idea. Thanks. Since the two I can't identify on sight both have yellow feet, it should be simple to mark toes.

 

[casportpony]

I use zip ties on everything.

4" on all chicks, ducklings, and poults.

Once they get bigger, I switch to an 8".

 

[LaurenRitz]

I took the leg bands off. Marker lasted less than a day. I'll have to think about this for the next group, but two of the three look like they're pullets and the other is visually distinct. I think I can keep these three straight.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Some thoughts on marking chickens.

I use colored zip ties, the color on the left leg tells me the year they were hatched and the color or colors on the right leg tell me the individual. A blue is one chicken, an orange is a different one, and a blue plus orange is a third. Lots of possible combinations. You need to check any band on the leg to make sure it doesn't get tight as they grow.

Some people use the toe punch method. Use a one-hole-punch and put a hole in the membrane between toes. Which membrane is punched between which toes can identify them.

If you ask some hatcheries will use food coloring to mark chicks. Say you are splitting an order and need to know which chicks belong to which order, especially if the chicks are the same color. Mark different body parts to identify different chicks, like forehead, left leg, right leg plus left breast, or maybe in the middle of the back. A lot of different options. You will need to refresh these as they molt and chicks can molt a few times.

 

[Judy Todd]

I would never use those spiral leg bands as they have sharp ends and end up imbedding in leg.

Yes, had that happen to me years ago, ouch. I now use the ones you snap on with a plyers and watch very carefully to make sure they are still loose.