Can I paint my chickens nails?

[AlaskaBookworm]

We got two Productions Reds and one RIR. They got big and now look the SAME. I want to paint their nails with regular nail polish to tell who’s who, it shouldn’t be harmful or anything right?

 

[DiYMama540]

I'm sure someone is going to protest, but I think it's a clever idea! I've painted my dog's nails before
On chickens though, I imagine leg bands would be easier and last longer.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

To be completely honest and up front, I don't know the answer to your question. Now, I am interested but I also wanted to add that if some of the experts here say it's okay, I would suggest that you use a polish that is made for dogs, before I'd use the human stuff. The stuff made for us is so strong and birds lungs tend to be a bit sensitive, so I'd worry about the fumes. Again, don't take my word for it. I'm just offering up my opinion. Good luck! I agree, it is a clever idea, if it's safe, but leg bands would be easier and without any possible issues.

*The more I think on this, the more possible problems come to mind. Anytime I paint my nails, my chickens go crazy trying to get them and peck at my nails really hard. I'd worry about the bird with painted toes being driven crazy or possibly even injured (this might be an exaggeration as I am not 100% sure). Also, with human nail polish, I smell it for days after. That smell locked up in a henhouse overnight, might be strong for the bird & surrounding birds. The way chickens scratch around, it's not going to last long at all. Leg bands are going to be better and safer

 

[sourland]

I've used it as a temporary ID for chicks. The birds may peck at toes if they find the color attractive.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I second what other have said. You can but use an animal safe polish and it won't last long and they might peck at em.
I didn't have leg bands around when I needed to tell two chickens apart so I used a pipe cleaner with the ends carefully folded out so no leg irritation. I wrapped it around itself really well and it hasn't budged in 6 months. Lots of people use zip ties, alternatively. So there are options if you don't have professional leg bands.

 

[ChocolateWingTheRooster]

Ha, I have your problem, I have two of most of my breeds, White Leghorns, Rhode Island Red, etc.
for me, I just have to be observant, like how Scarlett has more feathers on her face, Nugget has a brighter comb... Dandelion has darker skin, and Angel has lighter skin. This is how I do it without nail paint or bands... Maybe this will help...?

 

[AlaskaBookworm]

Thanks for all the responses, I’ll look into some leg bands!

 

[kerbotx]

If you decide to go with leg bands, just check them regularly to make sure they are loose enough that they don't dig into the skin over time. You could also spray their feet with Blue Kote - don't know how long it would last though!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I don't think I would recommend painting them red, as chickens will peck at anything red and you might end up with injuries. Yellow, blue, green, those should be safe colors. I think. @aart, @Eggcessive, @Wyorp Rock, what do you guys think?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I don't think I would recommend painting them red, as chickens will peck at anything red and you might end up with injuries. Yellow, blue, green, those should be safe colors. I think. @aart, @Eggcessive, @Wyorp Rock, what do you guys think?

You never know what color would be attractive.
As @sourland mentioned, it would work as a temporary way to tell them apart. I don't think long term finger nail polish would be a good way to i.d. since it will wear off fairly quickly. Leg bands would be better, imho. You can find them on amazon, ebay or one of the hatcheries like Meyer, Murray McMurray, etc.