How to Tell Baby Chicks Apart?

[ChickenChatten]

I'm getting an order of chicks in on Tuesday, this will be my 2nd batchc, last year I got my first group of hens. This time however, I was hoping that I would find a method to tell them apart. I really like to take pictures to document their growth, so I'd love something to distinguish them.

I've read that non-toxic sharpies are a good way, but if they are, can you make a mark on their bare legs or can you only mark their feathers? Also, how long would the sharpie mark last?


Thanks in Advance!

 

[jessietacos]

Before marking chicks, you may want to observe them. I have two sets of almost identical chicks, but when I focused in for a while I noticed some assets that set them apart. If they are too similar for that, you can use non toxic pens. I don't know any brands off the top of my head, but I'm sure you'll get an answer from a professional. I hope this was helpful, and good luck with the baby chicks!

 

[Zahreenuh]

You could use sharpies but i honestly used food dye on their tail feathers and dried it softly then let them go about their business.

 

[kevinnini]

the babies are the small ones...the big ones are the grown ups

 

[ChickenChatten]

the babies are the small ones...the big ones are the grown ups

I'm sorry, I think you misunderstood my question! I'm trying to tell the different chicks apart, not the chicks from the hens.

Thanks for everyone's input!

I have heard that food coloring does work as well, so I might do that!
I agree with the method of just watching them for their differences, but I'm really the only one in my family able to tell a difference and keep them straight.

 

[Zahreenuh]

I'm sorry, I think you misunderstood my question! I'm trying to tell the different chicks apart, not the chicks from the hens.

Thanks for everyone's input!

I have heard that food coloring does work as well, so I might do that!
I agree with the method of just watching them for their differences, but I'm really the only one in my family able to tell a difference and keep them straight.

No problem!
Just a warning.. if they're ANYTHING like my chicks, make sure you have them all colored colors and pet them, relaxing them because mine FREAK out and run around like their head is chopped off (lol sorry)

 

[ChickenChatten]

Haha! Yes baby chicks are quite dramatic, aren't they?

 

[donrae]

Leg bands. There are members here who sell them, or you can get the different sizes from Stromberg's, etc.