How do I find leg bands for my layers? More questions...

[fledgling]

We have our coop divided up into a side for layers and a side for the meat chickens. There is a door in between that I use to tend to the layers. I have been ever so careful not to let any out but I am worried I will 'lose' my tame chickens in the big flock if they slip out.

I tried to find some type of leg band to mark the pet chickens, but the orders seem to be for 1,000 or more. In our lifetime, we don't expect to own that many layers, LOL! Is there a site that sells band in smaller quantities? Also, are there bands that you can put on with a pair of pliers or is a special tool required?

Thanks!

 

[Snakeoil]

Under "Buy, Sell & Trade" section (scroll all the way down on the BYC site) there is a person selling small quanities of leg bands. Click "everything else"

 

[vortec]

I just use colored nylon ties. They work great just do not get them too tight. It just needs to be to where they cannot slip it over their foot. Its very cheap and they come in packs of 10 or 25 on up

vortec

 

[ranchhand]

Cutler Supply has them in small quantities. www.cutlersupply.com

 

[fledgling]

Thanks, guys!

 

[fledgling]

I have another question...which type of band can be applied most easily? Which type do you guys prefer?

 

[Mahlzeit]

http://shilala.homestead.com/tags.html <---thats where I get mine. They have all different sizes with a chart. I prefer the single ring ones.

 

[gabby3535]

Colored zip ties.......soooooo easy!

 

[Promiselandfarm]

The only thing with the zip ties is that you do not really know which hen is which. So I prefer ones with numbers. Then to top the quick look we put colored zips on just don't use ones that look pink or red they will get pecked. I like the coil type of bands easy to put on and can expand if needed. Plus with the numbers I know which hen is which without guessing in the same pen unlike with zip ties and no numbers. Today I thought one hen was my Big Mama but when I picked her up she was a newer hen so I really like the numbers. Just too bad they don't do egg counts like those wonderful walk -step counter things

 

[Mahonri]

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