Where do I get some Zip/Cable Ties and what size?

[hoog]

I have about two-score birds in a few different breeds including, Orpingtons, Standard Cochins, Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshires, a Leghorn. a Barred Rock, and some Guineas. I want to mark them for age. I think, from these forums, that zip ties will be the best way to go. So I need to buy a bunch of zip ties but I don’t know where is a good place to get 300-500 zip ties in 6-9 different colors. I also don't know what size I should use. Any advice from your personal experience would help.

I figure two bands per bird on left leg as follows:

Year Born:
2011 - Black
2012 - White
2013 - Grey

Month Born:
Red- Jan & Feb
Blue- Feb & Mar
Yellow – Apr & May
Purple - Jun & Jul
Orange - Sep & Oct
Green- Nov & Dec

Where can I get these zip ties?
What type should I get (cold resistant, uv protected, etc.)?
What size should I get (18lb, 40lb, 4”, 7”, etc.?

 

[pawsplus]

Here you go:

http://www.cabletiesandmore.com/cableties.php

They don't need to be longer than 4" or very heavy. Make sure you don't make them too tight and if you put the on chickens who aren't fully grown, check OFTEN and replace w/ looser ones as needed!

 

[wolftracks]

I buy mine at either Lowes, Home Depot, Dollar Tree or 99 cent store.

 

[cobrien]

in the electrical section of any hardware store. get outdoor rated UV resistant ones.

 

[PaleMelanesian]

I got a multi-color pack at Harbor Freight. I like the big ones because the band is wider and easier to see.

 

[hoog]

Thanks, I'll go to Lowe's first then. I'll get the thicker, outdoor rated, UV protected ones.

 

[b.hromada]

Quote:
Yep, I too saw them at Dollar Tree!

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
x2 They're everywhere. You just need to be vigilant in monitoring the zip ties as the chickens grow because the bands do not expand for leg growth and you can seriously injure a chicken with a legband that is too small. They must be removed and made larger as they grow.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
X2

 

[Angiebubs]

Fleet farm also has bands made for chickens and relatively inexpensive...the kind that are a circle that expands so you dont have to worry about size-and in different colors. (The are a circle that overlaps, so it adjusts)