Dye dots to identify chicks

[Redhead Rae]

I'm thinking about using dots of dye to help me tell chicks (same breed, different breeding groups) apart. I found this natural food dye that I think might work. What do you think?

dye

I don't want to use bands until the chicks are a bit older (feathering out). I've tried putting bands on day olds and I've always been worried I'd break their legs when cutting them off or the bands don't stay on.

 

[JaeG]

I've used gel food dye on quail before. The liquid stuff I tried first just disappeared, but the gel seems to have staying power.

 

[Runt of the Flock]

was wondering the same thing.

 

[Redhead Rae]

I actually found something that works better. Sharpies. I'm hatching batches of Cornish chicks every week and I want to be able to tell them apart at a glance. So, with my second hatch, I put black dots on the tops of their heads. I kinda laid the sharpie on its side and stroked the down in the direction it lays. I didn't want to get down to skin. Next batch, I'll use a different color. The only ones I won't use, are colors in the red/orange family.

 

[Runt of the Flock]

ohhhh good idea i thought maybe the fumes would be a problem but if seems to work for you i'll try it.