colored leg bands

[funny farmer]

I use the colored leg bands. They are available at our local feed store. I use them for a couple of reasons. For one, the kids like to name the chickens, and it saves on any fighting over who's who. Also, my neighbor also has Australorps, and also free ranges them from time to time. It helps me identify which ones are mine. We did have a couple of his hens come over for a free meal from time to time. One actually refused to leave and insisted on roosting with my flock. I kept taking her home, and after a few weeks he just gave her to me. She now proudly wears a leg band. I haven't had any problems with them. My oldest girls have been wearing theirs for almost 3 years, and I've only had to replace a couple.

 

[aart]

How early can you apply leg bands? I have chicks that are hatching in the incubator as I write this . I'd like to band them once they have fluffed out, right before I put them in the brooder. I'm using small coloured zip ties. Too soon or OK? Thanks!

Shouldn't be a problem, probably best to use the real skinny ties tho.

 

[sarahandbray]

Any particular brand or source for good chick/chicken size bands? I have 8 breeds coming in from McMurray and want to keep them all together but be 100% sure of the breed since I'm selling them as started pullets. Thanks!!

 

[azygous]

I use different colored nail polish.

 

[barleeb]

Nail polish is a great idea for the zip ties and now day polish comes in every color under the rainbow!
I could always just paint the chickens nails/toes with the polish and forgo the zip ties!!!
Maybe not!!
Thanks for the tip!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Toe punching is a good means of identification at first hatching. I use nail polish on feet until the birds are few days healthy then use bandette.