Breeders Questions: Ways to TAG waterfowl

[Rosecomb-Ryan]

I toe punch my birds... it is VERY simple. Much easier then cutting off a toe! If you do it young it doesnt bleed...

 

[shelleyd2008]

You can cut a slit in the web of one foot or just use clippers/scissors to cut off the toe. The slit in the web will not hurt them as much.

 

[texascowboy1979]

chickensducks&agoose :

I don't think that cutting the geese is the answer. If you come into contact with them pretty often, how about a few drops of food coloring on the boys... like Blue. on their backs... or wherever is palest? i agree with the colored zip tie idea too.

I dont like the Zip tie Idea as I noticed last year they grew SUPER fast and I could not chage the ties fast enought, plus Im afraid I might forget the tie during my normal chores... 3 hours a day, and thats just feeding and watering...

Quote:
Quote:
Shelly and Rosecomb, I called the hatchery again today and they assured me that clipping the Dew Claw is simple and does not bleed but a drop, and its super Fast and easy...

So... I trusted there judgment... After about a 15 min prayer for my little guy... I disinfected his leg and sizzors. I held my breath, counted to 3, and Snipped it off. The little gosling didnt flinch or even seem to care... not a peep. Then I rubbed it clean with alcohol and there was only about 1 drop of blood and then nothing... It stopped bleeding Just as fast.

So seeing how easy it was for my little male, I felt better about clipping the 2nd males dew claw.

I clipped the right leg dew claw only.

My two cents:
I wanted to share this experience with everyone and let everyone know that I feel comfortable with this marking tech... as long as there only a few days old. I would not try it on them if they were older.​

 

[3dogs]

Thanks! It's good information to know.

 

[pete55]

Useful info but I'll stick to removeable rings then progress to spiral coloured rings as adults. Im too

:cd

to cut/punch the toes or feet

 

[dutchhollow]

If any of you have hatchery mallards, check them and you will see they all have a back toe removed (can't remember which side). I think they have to do this as permenant id that they weren't taken out of the wild. It really is no big deal, less them removing dewclaws from pups at a day or two old.

 

[Cottage Rose]

Isn't it too bad people are afraid to ask a question on a forum?

Just band your geese.
Cutting off claws is totally unnecessary.
You can use zip ties until you can order some permanent bands.
Make sure they aren't too tight and cut off the end piece.
Check regularly on growing goslings
The spiral plastic ones fall off almost 100% of the time.

 

[Diamond Wire Farms]

We use the food coloring for the first couple of weeks and then band once the leg gets a bit more hefty.
It will get you past the first period of really fast growth.

 

[The Duck ABC's]

If you want something that is temporary, but last 6 months, then check a bee supply company. They have a paint that can be applied to queens to identify them. This paint is safe for birds. You can apply it to the skin of the leg or onto their toe nails like polish.
https://www.dadant.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=30_55&products_id=601
This link shows the yellow one, but they have other colors available.

 

[texascowboy1979]

Good morning...

Update on my little patients.

I just wanted to give you and update. Both my males are doing quite well. They were exploring there pen and being all goosy... There wound looks great and im still amazed at how easy and quick a process it was.