Leg band placement

[AinaWGSD]

We've finally decided that we have enough chickens and are serious enough about getting a breeding program started that we need a better (or at least slightly more sophisticated) id system. So this week I ordered some numbered plastic bandettes and as soon as they come in we'll be putting them on the chickens. But then I realized that I've never paid any attention to leg band placement on any of the birds I've seen that have had them. And none of my current flock have bands. So I'm wondering where the appropriate placement of the band would be, particularly on cockerels/cocks. Hens/pullets for the most part won't be much of an issue, but I'm not sure if I should place the band above or below the spur.

 

[Kelsie2290]

I usually put them above the spur, from seeing other peoples birds and pictures I think most people do also. Don't know that there is any rule about where they are supposed to go for shows etc.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

Above the spur allows them to be more easily seen & free of debris. Also if the band is too tight it will be able slide up the leg as the bird grows instead of cutting into the skin.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Thanks guys! That was sort of along the lines of what I was thinking. Looking at the leg bands online I'm not sure there's enough space between the spur and toes to put them below the toes. Above the spur it is, just wanted to make sure there wasn't a reason not to do it there that I hadn't thought of yet.

 

[kkowa]

I always put my leg bands on the left leg but its really up to you

 

[ChickenLegs13]

My band code is something like black band/left leg = July hatch from red hen. Black band/right leg = August hatch from brown hen, roost bully gets additional white band on a leg, etc. etc.
I band them as soon as they hatch, sometimes the chicks aren't even dry yet. If I install the band loose enough that it almost slides off the chick's foot it will fit for about a month. Then I reband and the next band fits for about 2 months, then the next band is a forever band.
I use 4"- 6" zip ties like you get in the electrical section of Home Depot etc. I think 200 assorted colors are like $6 or something.

 

[HeatherME]

My band code is something like black band/left leg = July hatch from red hen. Black band/right leg = August hatch from brown hen, roost bully gets additional white band on a leg, etc. etc.
I band them as soon as they hatch, sometimes the chicks aren't even dry yet. If I install the band loose enough that it almost slides off the chick's foot it will fit for about a month. Then I reband and the next band fits for about 2 months, then the next band is a forever band.
I use 4"- 6" zip ties like you get in the electrical section of Home Depot etc. I think 200 assorted colors are like $6 or something.

Do you only use zip ties? Reason I ask is I am considering using them. I just don't want to pay for pricey bands when zip ties are so much cheaper!

 

[NYREDS]

There's no right answer to this question-put the bands where you want to. Talk about overthinking.

 

[ChickenLegs13]

Do you only use zip ties? Reason I ask is I am considering using them. I just don't want to pay for pricey bands when zip ties are so much cheaper!

I'm a cheap tightwad and that's all I use. Obviously if someone needed to individually number a large amount of chickens zip ties wouldn't serve that purpose but I have no need to do that.