leg band question

[johndeerelover]

I've found many threads by searching, but none that I found that offer first hand experience. I need some leg bands for golden comets. A chart I found here http://shilala.homestead.com/spiral.html lists sizes, but according to that it would be size 12, 3/4". That seems kind of large by guessing. Does anyone know firsthand what size fits well and a good place to buy?

thanks!

 

[6of6chicks]

This isn't exactly what you asked for, but a while ago I was trying to decide the same thing about leg spirals - and after lots of reading I finally decided to go with zip ties instead:



Durable, super easy to put on, and there's no need to worry about different size legs in your flock. My chickens don't even notice them. I love them. I have a small flock so every girl has her own color zip tie.

If you do go with zip-ties, just make sure to cut the tail piece as close to the tie as possible, and round of the edges so that there are no sharp corners.

 

[mrsroxc]

I have also used small zip ties to ID the age of my hens. I suppose the ties could also ID other variables in the flock (hatchery, breeds that are similar in appearance, etc). They are very easy to use, cheap and can be used on all size of legs. Just make sure they have some growing room if you put them on young pullets. I have not noticed the hens pecking at them or otherwise bothered by the zip ties.
At one point I used the ties to ID who was laying eggs over a few day period. I was trying to thin out my flock of 60+ hens and wanted to keep those that were laying consistently. When a hen laid an egg, she received a green zip tie. I spent a lot of time in the coop for those few days.