How to Safely mark Ducklings for sex identification

[jmc]

Glad to notice input on toe-punching.

I am seriously considering that myself.

Plus there are about 9 different configurations of the punches you can make to keep more specific track.

I use spiral bands now--no problem at all, even replacing them is simple.

I like them because you can see FROM A DISTANCE who is who; and this is what gives me pause about the toe punching, cuz you have to hold the bird to know who you are dealing with...............

 

[rainplace]

Good point about the distance thing. Lot's to consider!

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I have found some thin zip-ties that come in different colors to use on young birds, and use the bigger/thicker ones on older birds. You can even get them in bright neon colors which would be handy for viewing at a distance.

 

[L0rraine]

More info on the "spiral" bands please?!

 

[Duck Keeper]

Nationalband.com has loads f bands. Just click on the 'Wing and leg bands for poultry' then go straight down to the bottom of that page where it says 'Click here for more leg bands, including plastic spiral bands.'

Spirals are just a piece of colored plastic wrapped around once to make it easy to put on.

But it would be harder to do them as young birds, because you'd have to keep buying larger sizes.

 

[Candida]

Quote:
This is what was on the ducklings when i got them! I didnt know they came in other sizes! Thanks for the info

 

[kcardella]

What size of the spiral bands do you use for your ducks?

 

[Duck Keeper]

Quote:
I have yet to buy any, but be aware that different places have different size bands. It's best to measure all the way around your full-grown duck's leg (add a little for comfort), cut that measurement in half, and that should be about the diameter of the bands you'll need.

(Diameter being the distance from one side to the other on a circle.)

 

[jmc]

I found no problem with moving to larger size bands as the babies grew; only a couple 'upgrades' needed. I assume you don't have 50 birds to do!

They are inexpensive and I have reused them too.

BEWARE!

The sizes in the catalogs are INCORRECT. Apparently everyone uses the same standard and just keeps repeating it from place to place. At least that's my take.

I followed the size chart--and found out the hard way.

 

[FenDruadin]

The zip ties work GREAT! I have a batch of nine ducklings just out of the hatcher right now, and I used colored zip ties to mark some of them for various purposes, and it is terrific. Thank you!

Where do you get a toe punch tool? I have one that, if he recovers, I will want to mark permanently (he hatched out crippled--if he recovers, I want to make sure I never breed from him). Thanks!