DIY leg bands?

[Clminer]

Not ten minutes ago I tried the small zip tie loose on the leg with the end clipped closely. Yellow in color on the first girl. Put her down and she went out in the run with 13 other girls chasing her and pecking her leg thinking it was a treat of some sort. Picked her up within a few seconds and they already had her bleeding a tiny bit. Cut it off. Won’t try that again.

 

[aart]

Not ten minutes ago I tried the small zip tie loose on the leg with the end clipped closely. Yellow in color on the first girl. Put her down and she went out in the run with 13 other girls chasing her and pecking her leg thinking it was a treat of some sort. Picked her up within a few seconds and they already had her bleeding a tiny bit. Cut it off. Won’t try that again.

How old are these birds?
Best to do a few at the same time, 'spread the love'.
Yes, they will peck at them at first, never had blood drawn.
Have seen several chicks tip themselves right over pecking at their own leg bands
They figure out pretty quick it's not something to eat.

 

[Clminer]

How old are these birds?
Best to do a few at the same time, 'spread the love'.
Yes, they will peck at them at first, never had blood drawn.
Have seen several chicks tip themselves right over pecking at their own leg bands
They figure out pretty quick it's not something to eat.

18 weeks. Probably should have done it when they were younger and less nuts

 

[Misfits Farm 92]

I agree with the many people that say zip ties will be good leg bands. I have never had a problem with zip ties as leg bands unless I forgot about them. @Clminer poor little henny I've never heard of chickens pecking at a leg band so badly.

 

[Keera3802]

Alright, I just bought small zip ties for my chicks, and when they are full grown I’ll hopefully be switching over to the reusable plastic poultry bands!

 

[ChickenWonder734]

So what should I use? My chicks are growing their feathers, making it harder for me to tell between chicks. Could I just make a sort of anklet-bracelet thing by braiding pieces of kitchen twine?
Also, where's a good spot to put a dot of Sharpie. On the leg?

 

[ChickenWonder734]

How do I tell the difference I my babies once they're grown up? Any suggestions for pullets/chicken ID?

 

[Ridgerunner]

So what should I use? My chicks are growing their feathers, making it harder for me to tell between chicks. Could I just make a sort of anklet-bracelet thing by braiding pieces of kitchen twine?

I use zip-locs. You can use other things of you wish. As their legs grow you need to check them and keep them loose, otherwise they can get tight enough to cut off circulation and amputate the leg.

Also, where's a good spot to put a dot of Sharpie. On the leg?

Wherever you can see it. A spot on the head might mean one thing, a spot on the left shoulder might mean another. Maybe one on the right hip or on a certain leg.

When they molt they will lose that marking so you need to watch and refresh as needed.