leg band problem

[aart]

I finally gave up on trying to band them with different colored spiral bandettes ( pointed ends scratched their legs). The colored quick ties looked promising but they still pecked at them. I guess my "girls" are different because they didn't stop pecking at the bands, even after a couple of days. My answer to the "how do I tell the difference between my Barred Rocks" is, have my 7 year old granddaughter come by, because she can tell who's who every time. I hate getting old.

The bands might have been irritating as they fit closely?
I put on the zipties fairly loose, they usually don't peck at them for more than a day and it doesn't really cause any problems.

 

[momchick4]

Be careful with the Bandettes. I used them and yesterday one got caught and something and slid down the foot of my chicken. I didn't notice until she starting limping. Not sure how long she was like that. I removed her bandette and she was still limping last night. I left for work before my husband let her out this morning so I can't check her until tonight.

 

[RE1947]

Sorry about a late reply, been out of state on vacation. I gave up on trying to use anything on their legs, now I just guess who's who and that works for me. They don't care anyway.

 

[Beenice]

Because I have all barred rocks that look the same to me I decided to fit them with the colored leg bands (plastic twisty ones) so that when I give them their meal worm treats I could tell which one had her treats. With my wife's' assistance we put on the bands but within five minutes every hen was pecking at the band trying to get it off. Then the other hens would start pecking each others bands. I had to remove the bands as one of the chickens received a scratched leg. I'm wondering if I should have done this when they were very young so as to get them used to the bands? Now I'm hesitant to try them again. Anyone else have this problem or suggestions?

I've gotten chickens from someone who couldn't keep them anymore. They all had leg bands. The problem I found with them is they will eventually restrict the birds movement. They won't walk well and keep pressure off that leg. I butchered a rooster that had one and It left a huge indent in there leg. I dont think these are permanent bands. But I got these chickens from some one else. All the birds I got had issues walking. The leg may have been trying to form around the spring band. Or it suffocates the leg. But I wouldn't use them.