Identification bands for chickens

[Mrs. K]

When you start with chicks it is easy to tell them apart, or at least the breeds apart. Then they go through the stage where the down is turning into feathers and look like refugees on a long ship ride. They look horrible, and are growing so fast. Then the new feathers come in, and now you can see who is who.

For example, I have 3 production reds, one (so far) is larger, one is much darker red, one has more white on her than red. As they get older, they become more distinct. You certainly can mark them, but eventually you will be able to tell them apart.

MRs K

 

[aart]

odd question but how do you take those leg bands off (i've never banded a chicken)

Depends on what kind of bands you use.
I use small end cutters on 4" zipties, works great.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/

 

[City Farmer Jim]

BCP 100pcs 5 Color Poultry Leg Bands Bird Chicks Ducks Chicken Clip-on Rings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0772J6T2S/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_TsYjFbSHCT94X This is what we use on Snowflake farm...I can tell ALL my girls apart...my SO has a hard time...must be a girl thing...they all look the same to her.

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

I'm assuming your meaning like a friendship bracelet type leg band. I'm not sure that's a good idea because it absorbs mess like mud, dirt & poo. And like another stated they will be curious and be pecking at it, possibly fraying it and allowing it to become a foreign object to be eaten. I stick to the metal or plastic bands for health & safety reasons.

 

[ChicoryBlue]

When you start with chicks it is easy to tell them apart, or at least the breeds apart. Then they go through the stage where the down is turning into feathers and look like refugees on a long ship ride. They look horrible, and are growing so fast. Then the new feathers come in, and now you can see who is who.

For example, I have 3 production reds, one (so far) is larger, one is much darker red, one has more white on her than red. As they get older, they become more distinct. You certainly can mark them, but eventually you will be able to tell them apart.

MRs K

I love this way of describing it, so true! My chicks are adorable still but this is exactly what they look like! Like they've been above deck in a storm!

 

[Lovem all]

BCP 100pcs 5 Color Poultry Leg Bands Bird Chicks Ducks Chicken Clip-on Rings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0772J6T2S/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_TsYjFbSHCT94X This is what we use on Snowflake farm...I can tell ALL my girls apart...my SO has a hard time...must be a girl thing...they all look the same to her.

What do you mean by that?

 

[City Farmer Jim]

I(man) can tell them all apart she(girl) can't seem to tell who is who.....guys check out the chics girls(my girlfriend) apparently no so much lol

 

[aart]

I(man) can tell them all apart she(girl) can't seem to tell who is who.....guys check out the chics girls(my girlfriend) apparently no so much lol

Don't go there.