Those zip ties still scare me. A bandette has give in it, not much, but some. I'd still rather use those.i'm not an OT (or ridgerunner obviously), but i'm pretty sure somewhere earlier in this mountain of a thread is where i saw it discussed before. you can put the zip ties on pretty loosely, just so long as it's not loose enough to actually fall of their feet (which can mean surprisingly loose). i use a relatively thick tie, probably a little over 1/4" wide, and have it loose enough to where i'm sure i could squeeze a finger (end of my pinky anyway) between the tie and the leg. zero problems so far, either with ties falling/breaking off or the chickens being even mildly bothered by them.
ETA ridgerunner beat me, so i just feel silly now lol
On another topic ......does anybody but me use a creep feeder for chicks and young birds? I have a 6' x 6' area that is fenced off from all the big birds, with an adjustable gate opening that allows young birds to eat and drink undisturbed. Boy, do they take advantage of it! Instead of hurridly snatching a mouthful before they are rudely run off by the biggies, they come in, and stuff at leisure. The payoff in growth is phenominal due to no stress. Chicks with hens do not have this problem witth eating, but youngsters joining a flock without a mom certainly have a rough time of it for a few weeks. Any body else use a creep???
