Identification Bands

[KsKingBee]

When I worked as an electrition at Cessna I would use special ones in the engine compartment that were for high heat use. I have no idea where to get them now, maybe WW Granger. The colored ones are more fanciful and I don't believe for extreme use. The tear away ones are definitely out. We have a farm store nearby, ok within an hour drive, that have colored ones that are marked on the bag for outdoor use, and some that say for indoor use. I believe it is the UV resistance that makes the difference.

 

[zeppley]

I use colored plastic locking bands developed by birders in the UK. These snap on (no fighting with spirals!) and can be easily removed by a person with something pointy to depress the locking tab. These come in many colors (7) and sizes (2 - 28 mm). They are excellent for distance ID. Like the ornithologists, you may have to use combinations on each leg to uniquely identify your bird. I avoid zip ties since they can tighten up. I find that on tame chickens and young peafowl I can apply and remove these bands by myself - ducks, not so much.

I get mine from birdbands.com in Australia. Last time I ordered, shipping was $7.80 for 91 bands. They show up within a week. I've looked for US vendors that sell these, but the few I found don't offer assortments of colors or sizes. On my ducks, chickens, and peafowl, I've had some of these stay on for a couple years, and a few that fell off (opened up or broke).

Randal Burkey and eFowl, among others, have adjustable aluminium bands that come in an assortment of colors. You can get these with stamped numbers, too. I haven't tried these.

For growing birds I use colored elastic bands, but these are narrow and can only be seen up close. I hope to find some wide ones. I used to have some that were numbered and a single color but I can't even find these anymore. Perhaps for breeders the best would be to use a numbered permanent metal band and use these colored ones for ID from a distance.

 

[Argus]

Thank you for your thoughtful reply @zeppley. I don't use zip ties for the same reason, but considering the other replies maybe I'm being overly cautious.

I ordered spirals from National band, guessing on the sizes. For chicks last year I swiped some little colored rubber bands my daughters use to weave bracelets. Only one chick ended up dangling upside down in the brooder and he was rescued without incident, so I guess that will be the plan again this year. They lasted longer than expected, just avoid the pinks and reds.

Thanks again, if the spirals don't work I'll order from the site you recommended next.

 

[KsKingBee]

If you don't keep an eye on the rubber bands they will grow into the leg and are really heard to dig out. DW had that problem with some chickens two years ago. Made a mess of the leg.