Is there a way to tag or mark your hens?

[chixcoop]

I was wondering if I could put some sort of tag or band on my hens around their foot that is color coded. I want this so I can tell the hens from each other. I have all barred rocks, so they mostly all look the same. I can tell 2 apart from the others, but the other 4 look identical. Do they make colored leg bracelets to put around chickens leg, or is this not humane.

 

[cavemanrich]

They sure do make ID bands. I have some on my pigeons. I am not referring to those that I placed when they were 4 days old and permanent. These are snap on type. They may be available in size to fit your full size hens. Another option is these spiral type bands. They will fit a range of leg sizes. Look for them where they sell pigeon feed or on line. Another easy option is to make your own from colored yarn. Tie a strong knot but not TIGHT on the leg.
WISHING YOU BEST

 

[ChickenCanoe]

All kinds of options.
If they are fully grown, the cheapest is colored zip ties. I get them from Harbor Freight with about 10 different colors.
There are also spiral leg bands and numbered bandettes.
There are also numbered wing bands.

http://www.poultrysupplies.com/index_files/Page723.htm

http://www.jedds.com/shop/bandettes-numbered-plastic-0716/

 

[aart]

I use zipties.....here's the deets:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/leg-banding-with-zipties

 

[donrae]

Another vote for zipties, although I also like the spiral bands.

 

[Schaafty]

Zipties work great.

 

[chixcoop]

Zipties work great.

Ok, I'll try Zipties. Will put a pic when it happens!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The only issue with zip ties is to put them on so they'll stay but loose enough that the leg can grow. The younger the bird, the more frequently they need to be checked.

 

[chixcoop]

My hens are already laying, do i need to worry about their legs getting larger? They are 20 weeks old.

 

[aart]

My hens are already laying, do i need to worry about their legs getting larger? They are 20 weeks old.

Probably not but ziptie should still have some room to move on the leg.