Chicken Jewelry...did I do it right?

[MrsAuberry00]

I have two RIR hens that are difficult to tell apart from a distance or while in the nesting boxes. I put a zip tie on one of the hen's legs, snug enough to not be a problem or fall off, but loose enough that it moves easily up and down her leg, and used a file to smooth the cut edge so it wasn't sharp. Did I do it right? Is there anything I should know or do? TIA

 

[Poultry parent]

You did it right. Just keep an eye on it of course

 

[aart]

I have two RIR hens that are difficult to tell apart from a distance or while in the nesting boxes. I put a zip tie on one of the hen's legs, snug enough to not be a problem or fall off, but loose enough that it moves easily up and down her leg, and used a file to smooth the cut edge so it wasn't sharp. Did I do it right? Is there anything I should know or do? TIA

Sounds good! Yep, keep an eye on it...but if she's full grown it'll probably be fine.
Just clipping the excess tie right at the lock works for me, no need to file it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't file the cut tip either, just clip the excess length off. You did fine though. It will not hurt the chicken to have filed it.

If the chicken is not fully grown the legs will continue to get thicker, so just check on it regularly. If it starts to get a little tight cut it off and replace it. As long as it can slide easily it's fine.