Keeping track of chickens - leg bands?

[starri33]

Cool, thanks for the info!

I'd check them out on Ebay and see what you think, I need to go in and get some more so that I can start aging the chicks I am hatching, if the 12 eggs I've just got in all hatch, I am going to be up to 57 chickens..lol, time to start processing my own.

 

[aart]

I know I’ve asked this in the past but can’t find the thread

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...k-of-older-hens-that-may-stop-laying.1259049/

I do not believe that the spirals actually expand as the legs grow thicker.
Any kind of leg band needs to be watched for problems if bird is still growing.
I find zipties to be versatile and cheap.

I use zipties to ID age groups, and other things,
and keep a spread sheet with colors and other attributes listed for future reference.

Yes, you have to keep a close eye on the bands,
especially when birds are young and growing fast.
End cutters are essential, IMO, to easily remove bands by cutting thru the lock without damaging legs.

Here's how I do it:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/leg-banding-with-zipties.68075/

 

[Toothpick]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...k-of-older-hens-that-may-stop-laying.1259049/

I do not believe that the spirals actually expand as the legs grow thicker.
Any kind of leg band needs to be watched for problems if bird is still growing.
I find zipties to be versatile and cheap.

Thanks! I’ve got grand ideas of raising and selling chickens so I figured I better figure out how to keep track of them. My chickens are not exactly tame - I can walk around them and they are not afraid but if I try to pick one up ZOOOM! It’s gone. So how do you catch yours?

I was thinking a long fishing net? But then I have the rooster that will attack me if I mess with his hens.

 

[starri33]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...k-of-older-hens-that-may-stop-laying.1259049/

I do not believe that the spirals actually expand as the legs grow thicker.
Any kind of leg band needs to be watched for problems if bird is still growing.
I find zipties to be versatile and cheap.

Putting the zip tie on, how large would you leave it for growth on the chick?

 

[starri33]

This is what I have, I believe 11/16 which is why I haven't used it yet, while stiff it does have give. I think this size would be best for turkeys.

 

[Ridgerunner]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...k-of-older-hens-that-may-stop-laying.1259049/

I do not believe that the spirals actually expand as the legs grow thicker.
Any kind of leg band needs to be watched for problems if bird is still growing.
I find zipties to be versatile and cheap.

I've used the spiral bands on chickens and on fruit trees to identify limbs where I grafted on other varieties, mainly apples and pears. THEY DO NOT EXPAND!!! I usually don't shout but this time I will. I almost lost a hen because I didn't check on the spiral band, it started cutting off her foot. I had to watch the tree limbs too.

Zip ties do not expand either, you also have to check them and replace as needed. I find zip ties easier to put on, cut off, and adjust to the correct size. Having used both I much prefer zip ties.

@Toothpick can you grab the hens off the roost at night at night and keep things in the coop dark? Take her somewhere with light to mark her. Or grab the rooster first, lock him up, then band the hens.

 

[aart]

@Toothpick can you grab the hens off the roost at night at night and keep things in the coop dark?

Yep, that's how I do it.
I wear a headlight and even have a table and chair in the coop shed.

 

[Toothpick]

Ahhh never would have thought of that. I can walk in my coop no problem. It’s 8x10 with a full size door. I’m sure they go crazy when you grab them off the roost. I may lock the rooster up first and then start tagging the hens.