This all sprang from necessity...
On Monday, about five, or six, normally healthy birds came into roost with runny noses and a little labored breathing.
Since my big, free-range flock is my pride and joy, I sprung into action. Our most important bird, Queen Pico, Goddess of All the Light Touches (Aka The Boss Lady's Pet) came inside to live in the lap of luxury while this all blows over.
Unfortunately, with nearly 100, free-range birds of varying breed, species, and religion, still outside. The race is on to get everyone antibiotics, before whatever respiratory ill this is takes over.
This brought up a huge issue though...
With so many birds, it would be impossible to know who had been vaccinated and keep track of who was sick, and who was getting better/worse.
So was born my new management system...
First, I had to find a way to differentiate between the birds. That was easy enough after I decided the way that would give me the best/quickest results was the Zip-Tie Method. After buying out the local hardware store, we have six colors to choose from.
Then, I fashioned an Excel Workbook (See Below) that would allow me to keep track of who was sporting what Zip-Ties. The Workbook also includes Names, Breed, Color, Gender, DoB, and a section for Comments/Notes about the bird. I also have a few other pages where I am entering in when they are examined/given injections/etc.
Hopefully, this will allow me to keep better track of who's been sick, who's been broody, who's gotten a shot, who needs a shot, etc. It'll also let me know when a bird goes missing/dies, because when you have ~25-28 brown hens it's hard to keep a good headcount going, much less keep track of who's missing.
I wanted to share it, just in case there's anyone else out there who needs a good system to keep track of their birds.
(If anyone would like me to email them the Excel File, please let me know.)
Name Right Leg 1 Right Leg 2 Left Leg 1 Left Leg 2 Sex Breed Color DOB Notes
Marilyn Black None Black Blue F Buff Orpington Buff ?
N/A Black None Black Yellow F Buff Orpington Buff 2013 Nervous
N/A Black None Black Orange F Cuckoo Maran Black Cuckoo 2013 No Right Wattle, Missing Middle Toenail on Left Foot (Racoon Attack)
N/A Black None White White F Ameracauna Wild Type 2013 Nervous
N/A Black None White Pink F Barred Rock Black Barred ?
Farrah Black None White Blue F Ameracauna Wheaten 2013
Dumpling Black None White Yellow F Buff Orpington Buff 2013
N/A Black None White Orange F Buff Orpington Buff 2013 Large Red Comb
N/A Black None Pink Pink F Light Brahma Columbian 2013 Fighter
Diego Black None Pink Blue M Ameracauna White/Possible Splash 2013 Willow Legs
On Monday, about five, or six, normally healthy birds came into roost with runny noses and a little labored breathing.
Since my big, free-range flock is my pride and joy, I sprung into action. Our most important bird, Queen Pico, Goddess of All the Light Touches (Aka The Boss Lady's Pet) came inside to live in the lap of luxury while this all blows over.
Unfortunately, with nearly 100, free-range birds of varying breed, species, and religion, still outside. The race is on to get everyone antibiotics, before whatever respiratory ill this is takes over.
This brought up a huge issue though...
With so many birds, it would be impossible to know who had been vaccinated and keep track of who was sick, and who was getting better/worse.
So was born my new management system...
First, I had to find a way to differentiate between the birds. That was easy enough after I decided the way that would give me the best/quickest results was the Zip-Tie Method. After buying out the local hardware store, we have six colors to choose from.
Then, I fashioned an Excel Workbook (See Below) that would allow me to keep track of who was sporting what Zip-Ties. The Workbook also includes Names, Breed, Color, Gender, DoB, and a section for Comments/Notes about the bird. I also have a few other pages where I am entering in when they are examined/given injections/etc.
Hopefully, this will allow me to keep better track of who's been sick, who's been broody, who's gotten a shot, who needs a shot, etc. It'll also let me know when a bird goes missing/dies, because when you have ~25-28 brown hens it's hard to keep a good headcount going, much less keep track of who's missing.
I wanted to share it, just in case there's anyone else out there who needs a good system to keep track of their birds.
(If anyone would like me to email them the Excel File, please let me know.)
Name Right Leg 1 Right Leg 2 Left Leg 1 Left Leg 2 Sex Breed Color DOB Notes
Marilyn Black None Black Blue F Buff Orpington Buff ?
N/A Black None Black Yellow F Buff Orpington Buff 2013 Nervous
N/A Black None Black Orange F Cuckoo Maran Black Cuckoo 2013 No Right Wattle, Missing Middle Toenail on Left Foot (Racoon Attack)
N/A Black None White White F Ameracauna Wild Type 2013 Nervous
N/A Black None White Pink F Barred Rock Black Barred ?
Farrah Black None White Blue F Ameracauna Wheaten 2013
Dumpling Black None White Yellow F Buff Orpington Buff 2013
N/A Black None White Orange F Buff Orpington Buff 2013 Large Red Comb
N/A Black None Pink Pink F Light Brahma Columbian 2013 Fighter
Diego Black None Pink Blue M Ameracauna White/Possible Splash 2013 Willow Legs
My birds have done great this winter but I'll be glad when spring gets here and everybody starts laying regularly.
