ideas for leg bands for chicks

[junior67]

I am getting 8 pre-ordered chicks in 2 weeks and hopefully picking up some that are first come first serve from another place around the same time. My problem is I am getting some for other people and afraid that I will mix up the breeds. What can I use for leg bands for a few days so I can know what each breed is?

pre-ordered are:

buff Brahma
OE
EE
and Blue rock

hoping to pick up
cream legbars
sicilian buttercups
OE
EE
and going back and forth on Lavender Orpington (heard they were friendly) or BCM (for the dark eggs)

I have seen them on Amazon but not sure on size and while they are cheap I don't need 100 of them so was hoping there was maybe something else I could use?

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Little colored plastic bands double wrapped around their legs and checked up on daily usually work really well!

 

[swamphiker]

I use small zip ties, hardware stores sell packs that come with a variety of bright colors. You'll need to check the bands frequently to ensure they don't get too tight since chicks grow quickly.

 

[junior67]

Little colored plastic bands double wrapped around their legs and checked up on daily usually work really well!

would the ones that were used for bracelets work? hopefully you know what I mean. She will be getting hers a few days after I pick them up so after that it isn't as big of a deal to have them on since I won't need to really tell mine apart if I mix them up at first. LOL

 

[pinewoodacres]

I bought a pack of different colored zip ties off Amazon. They’re 3-4 inches and there are 6 colors. You can double up on colors or band a right or left leg to differentiate (e.g., the buff Brahmas for Sue get a green on their left leg). Write it down if it becomes complicated.

You’ll need to keep an eye on how tight they are becoming in the first few days especially since they grow so rapidly and they have to be not loose so they don’t slip off as their feet are so malleable still. I use small wire cutters for jewelry making to remove the bands. Make sure you leave enough room for growth and also to get the cutters in there for removal.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

would the ones that were used for bracelets work? hopefully you know what I mean. She will be getting hers a few days after I pick them up so after that it isn't as big of a deal to have them on since I won't need to really tell mine apart if I mix them up at first. LOL

Exactly! That's what I used!

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

I bought a pack of different colored zip ties off Amazon. They’re 3-4 inches and there are 6 colors. You can double up on colors or band a right or left leg to differentiate (e.g., the buff Brahmas for Sue get a green on their left leg). Write it down if it becomes complicated.

You’ll need to keep an eye on how tight they are becoming in the first few days especially since they grow so rapidly and they have to be not loose so they don’t slip off as their feet are so malleable still. I use small wire cutters for jewelry making to remove the bands. Make sure you leave enough room for growth and also to get the cutters in there for removal.

Zip ties works super well too, but since chicks just grow so fast, I use the band till they are fully feathered so your not having to catch them and cut the bands off all the time, my hens often just get impatient ever though they are very friendly. So I would definitely upgrade to zip ties, @junior67.

 

[Huntmaster]

This is the easiest and safest bands I have found and used. They come in different sizes and work great for fast growing hatchlings. https://www.chickencharm.co/chicklegbands @junior67

 

[junior67]

Zip ties works super well too, but since chicks just grow so fast, I use the band till they are fully feathered so your not having to catch them and cut the bands off all the time, my hens often just get impatient ever though they are very friendly. So I would definitely upgrade to zip ties, @junior67.

ya I only need them for a few days till she gets her chicks. After that I am ok if I might mix mine up but with my batch last year they all had things I could tell them apart from even my light Brahmas and my 2 blue Cochins (but 1 did turn out to be a roo so maybe that is why). I can still tell the Brahmas apart for the most part even though they are just about a year. So hopefully I can tell this years apart after she gets hers. LOL

my main thing is the OE and EE can't they look alike as chicks?

 

[junior67]

This is the easiest and safest bands I have found and used. They come in different sizes and work great for fast growing hatchlings. https://www.chickencharm.co/chicklegbands

I was looking at those but just don't need 100.. but may end up getting those. What size for 1 day to 1 week olds? dont' need them after that.