Chicken identification

[Ronnie2]

I have a large breed, Buff Arpintons, I can't tell one hen from the other, same with roosters. I would like to keep a record of each birds age, and any notes taken. I have looked on Amazon at bands, but most reviews say that the offers are to small. Please help, or is it even necessary?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Colored zip ties are great ....just monitor and replace as needed add the birds grow. Once you get them marked you start noticing little differences and find you are telling them apart without even looking at the bands

 

[ChickNanny13]

I got 4 Buffs, got them when they were 8wks & have had them for 2 months....I can tell them apart As Ol Grey Mare says, you'll be able to tell them apart in time. I sit in my Chicken House with them now & then, they get used to me & my voice, in turn I've learned their different personalities & coloration. Lemon on the top left, Caramel on the top right, Big Bird on the lower left, Meringue on the lower right. Honestly, you will see the differences

 

[aart]

Colored zip ties are great ....just monitor and replace as needed add the birds grow. Once you get them marked you start noticing little differences and find you are telling them apart without even looking at the bands

Ditto Dat^^^
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/

 

[Ronnie2]

Thanks Chicken Juggler, great read, now to find colored 1/8inch zip ties.

 

[Ronnie2]

Thanks to you Chicken Nanny, I go sit in the run with my flock late in the afternoon, and feed them black oiled sunflower seeds from my hand. Then in the mornings I bring them fruits, and rinds from cantaloupe, melons, old strawberry, grapes, and whatever wife put in bucket for me. Maybe I should start paying attention more to who is who. I think i will see if feed stores have colored zip ties.

 

[song of joy]

If you'd like to go the route of bands, I'd recommend #11 bandettes for orpingtons. You can find them at Cutler Supply.

 

[aart]

I think i will see if feed stores have colored zip ties.

You're more likely to find them in a hardware store.

 

[Ronnie2]

If you'd like to go the route of bands, I'd recommend #11 bandettes for orpingtons. You can find them at Cutler Supply.

Reply, just ordered of e-bay an assortment of 1,000 4-inch, to 12-inch colored zip ties off eBay for $19.50 plus length cutting tool, with free shipping. Thanks

 

[Ronnie2]

You're more likely to find them in a hardware store.

Living in N.E. Texas the whole South side of my chicken coop, is open, and covered with 1/2-inch galvanized hardware clothe. The remaining walls including window are covered with it also to help deter varmints and snakes. Thanks for bringing that up so others who read this post can benefit.