Identifying different chickens in the same Flock

[Lancaster KY]

We don't have nearly that many chickens, but I do the same thing, just putting single different color bands on whichever leg I happen to have in my hand for the matching birds. We only have two sets of 3 for the BOs and the BRs, so it is much quicker than yours. But yours is awesome work! I am going to remember that specificity if I ever get tons of one type. God job!!

I dont have that many birds either but i sell chicks and raise pullets and roosters to sell and i have to keep track of blood lines because people around here do not like line breeding. I need the different Id for my sales records too because i have a lot of repeat customers and they must know what they are getting or they will go somewhere else to buy. The zip ties are only the beginning, the true magic happens in my 3 inch 3 ring binder. If i wasn't selling birds, i wouldn't care so much about knowing each birds family tree.

 

[rojororeo]

I dont have that many birds either but i sell chicks and raise pullets and roosters to sell and i have to keep track of blood lines because people around here do not like line breeding. I need the different Id for my sales records too because i have a lot of repeat customers and they must know what they are getting or they will go somewhere else to buy. The zip ties are only the beginning, the true magic happens in my 3 inch 3 ring binder. If i wasn't selling birds, i wouldn't care so much about knowing each birds family tree.

That is a good reason! I too would be keeping better track if I was breeding. I only have egg layers, and I use the bands to tell them apart for the times someone is off looking. That way I can readily identify that sick bird again when watching for improvement or worsening within the flock. Already had to cull a just coming on laying hen that just wasn't right no matter what we did. She was easy to tell by her behavior, so I must be at least decent, even without the bands, lol.

 

[wsmith]

I use colored numbered leg bands. (Cutler Supply, $37 for 100 bands, 1-100) I usually don't band them until they are at least 20 weeks, or big enough that the size 11 band doesn't fall off. Different color for every year. White = 2012 hatch, Blue = 2013 hatch, Orange = 2014 hatch, etc. The bands are re-used if a banded bird gets processed. or sold.

My worry with the zip ties is that sometimes their legs are still growing, and IF put on too tight, they can cause damage. If left somewhat loose, then there isn't a problem, and zip ties work well.

Sometimes the colored bands fall off, but they are usually located soon enough. If not, then I also know who is missing a band and they get re-banded.

 

[Lancaster KY]

I use colored numbered leg bands. (Culter Supply, $37 for 100 bands, 1-100) I usually don't band them until they are at least 20 weeks, or big enough that the size 11 band doesn't fall off. Different color for every year. White = 2012 hatch, Blue = 2013 hatch, Orange = 2014 hatch, etc. The bands are re-used if a banded bird gets processed. or sold.

My worry with the zip ties is that sometimes their legs are still growing, and IF put on too tight, they can cause damage. If left somewhat loose, then there isn't a problem, and zip ties work well.

Sometimes the colored bands fall off, but they are usually located soon enough. If not, then I also know who is missing a band and they get re-banded.

Never had any problems with zip ties being to tight. but i dont band young birds either. I have had zip ties rot off after a couple years, probaly due to the sun more than anything else. i just make it a habit to replace them all every spring now. hey thanks for the link, I am always interested in chicken stuff.