Chicks look the same! How do I tell them apart!?

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

I have 6 chicks. But unfortunately some of them look identical and it is getting impossible to tell them apart. I was just wondering if anybody had any ideas on how I could identify my chicks. I know they make leg bands for them but my feed store didnt have any. Is there anything else that I can do?

 

[bel]

Some use zip ties as leg bands, not tight, then trim off the piece that sticks out.

or those tiny little rubber bands for small braids (you can get packs in multiple colors at walmart) I've used them and they are fine, some chicks get them off though.

If they are light color you can also mark a dot with food dye (with mice some breeders used a nontoxic kids marker like crayola not sure if that is ok with chicks though)

 

[debid]

I saw a pack of zip ties in many colors and two sizes at Dollar Tree.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Thanks for those who responded. I am a little nervous about using zip ties because I am scared they will tighten. I am thinking about painting their toes with some nail polish. Do you think this would be ok? Has anyone ever done this? How long will it last? Though I really like the elastic band idea. Maybe I will do the elastic band idea that way I dont have to worry about the nail polish fading away.

 

[Whiskey Bay]

sunny & the 5 egg layers :

Thanks for those who responded. I am a little nervous about using zip ties because I am scared they will tighten. I am thinking about painting their toes with some nail polish. Do you think this would be ok? Has anyone ever done this? How long will it last?

Not too sure about that.Chickens tend to pick at things alot.If they picked at the paint they could injure the babies feet or paint chip off and they ingest it.Don't know if it would hurt them or not?​

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Thats true. Scratch that idea! Haha! I like the elastic idea but the only problem is if it ever fell off they could eat it. Or will they?

 

[schellie69]

I used zip ties just make sure that they are not tight on their legs.

 

[yotetrapper]

I use zip ties as well. Just remember to change them as the chicks grow. Check them like once a week.

 

[texasgal]

I have 3 that I can't tell apart .... Barley, Wheat, and Hops .. can't tell them apart .. to this day..

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

I just want to be able to tell them apart because I named them when they were little fuzz balls and I can barley tell them apart right now and it seems everyday they look more and more a like.