Best identification system for possible show birds

[WallTenters]

We don't even know if we're going to show yet, but we were trying to plan some sort of identification system for our chickies.

Here is what we're looking for...
A numbered, permanent band/clip of some sort to identify the individual bird
A spiral leg band (color coded) to let us know at a glance the year of birth

We had really considered the wing clips, but are they frowned upon in the show ring? We wouldn't want to be breeding for several generations and have to change our identification system to suit the show ring, so we would like to hear anyone's input!

 

[Rock N' Faverolles]

To show you have to have a numbered leg band on each bird. The majority of exhibitors use bandettes and they are available in many colors so it will eliminate your need for spiral bands. Spirals may be a good idea though if you want to be able to, at a glance, know what bird came from what breeding pen. Wing bands are not frowned upon and they are well hidden and you won't see them unless the wing is opened up, and even then, most of the time you have to pull back feathers to really see it. Wing bands are also permanent. There are a few places you can purchase sealed leg bands but they have to be applied at just the right age. Too young and they'll fall off. Too old and it is too late as their legs will be too big. You can also toe punch chicks and this is a really good way to identify birds as well.

David

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

The only birds I have seen with wing bands at a show are turkeys and some larger waterfowl (geese, scobies). The numbered leg bands are what we use and we order a different color for each year to tell what year they were breed at a glance. The spiral ones don't last too long, but they work good for telling different bloodlines of chicks apart.

Check out www.poultrymanssupply.com.

BTW: We use the metal bands for our large fowl birds.

 

[call ducks]

for me wingbands do not work as i have mine vacented for ILT , and they must put a wing band on for ILT identfatiocn. But wingbands put on the right will will usllay stay there untill the brid dies. Also those meatal bandettes that you udjust to the brids leg size and then close would work will to

 

[Rock N' Faverolles]

Quote:
That's my point. You can't see them unless you handle the birds yourself and then you have to look close. The wing bands I use are the Jiffy and they are only 3/4 of an inch long and maybe a 1/4 inch wide. Plus you can order them custom engraved.

 

[hcammack]

I have been using spriral leg bands to tell my bloodlines apart. But some of my birds already have plastic bandetts and I will probably get some to band this years chicks. So each chick will have a spiral band color coded for its line and a bandett to tell each individual apart.

Henry

 

[TimG]

Rock N' Faverolles :

The majority of exhibitors use bandettes

I feel sort of silly for having to ask, but how do bandettes work? I've found a number of sites that sell them, but none seem to describe how they go on....probably because it is blindingly obvious.​

 

[Splash Giants]

I have always used Toe Punches to keep up with the breeding pens they came from and I seal them with an ABA band.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I use numbered bandettes. I have a book and if I want to know about number 73 pink, I would go to the book and find out where he came from, his birth date, and his parents information. The pages are kept in numerical order.

I would love to try wing bands, but im not sure how I would do poking them through the wing webbing.

 

[WallTenters]

Thanks for the great tips. That gives us more to chew our cud over. But I think so far the wing clip is sounding like the best plan, it seems to be the least time consuming (changing bands, etc) and once the chickies are done growing it will be pretty much worry free.

Thanks again!