How to I.D. Chickens?

[Top Hen]

I have 12 RIR's that all look similar. I want to be able to tell them apart. Any ideas on how to do this. Will putting spray paint on thier feet hurt them in any way? How are others accomplishing this? Thanks in advance.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

Put leg bands on them, either different colors or numbers

 

[Cetawin]

Yes use colored leg bands...they are sized by the leg size of the breed so look for sizes to fit RIRs.

Good luck I am about to order some for my girls too.

 

[SproutGirl]

I just use colored plastic zip ties on my birds. Just make sure you check them often so that they do not constrict their legs as they grow. You will need to change them as the birds grow, but that is very simple and economical to do. You can get a multi-colored pack for about 5 bucks at a hardware or electronics store, and it will last a long time. I band all of my birds this way, not just the 2 who look alike. I don't want the bands to become a status symbol, or a reason to peck eachother!

Here is an example of the ties I am talking about:
http://www.gemplers.com/product/54441/7-Colored-Zip-Ties-100-bag

 

[goldnchocolate]

I LOVE zip ties. What did we ever do before zip ties

...they are so handy for so many things!!