Leg bands aren't working?

[AuntieE]

I have 4, 8 week old RIRs that I tried to put velcro strips on for ID purposes. I tried purple first but half the flock went crazy running after the poor chick with the strip. I took that off and tried a yellow that was close to their leg color. It worked for a few minutes, and then a couple started pecking at the strip and were trying to pull it off the other ones leg to the point they were practically dragging the chick around. Do I need to give them a little more time? Or should I just leave them be and give them time to get used to them? I don't want a chick injured over this! I have considered trying nail polish or marker as some have suggested, but if they also act aggressively towards that, it'll be a little harder to remove.

Thanks!

 

[Timmy]

You can use the small colored zip ties. Or you can order numbered leg bands.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Lowe's sells zip ties. I purchased a bag of 200 for only $4.84. They have different sizes and colors. They are great!

ETA: Pic of colored zip ties added.

 

[easttxchick]

I agree, the zip ties(or tie wraps as we call them) work the best. Those darn numbered leg bands end up all over my coop/run/pasture.

Oh yeah, don't use the red or orange zip ties or it'll be game on.

 

[cybercat]

Quote:
Do all the chicks not just one. That should help. I had same problem at that age.. To the chicks it is something new so they want to play with it. Try to put something else in there like a stem with seeds or with leaves they can peck at. That way they will forget about the band. BTW Toe Punching works well with young chicks. You can do that at day one.

BTW plastic ties will soon be outgrown so watch they do not get tight on leg.

 

[AuntieE]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try the zip ties this time, and just put it on all of them. I like the "distraction" technique, too

Works with my kids-just might work with my chickies!

I check on them at least once a day if not more, so I can keep an eye on the bands and change them out as needed.

Thanks

 

[Saltysteele]

when i added my cochin chicks to my others, the others went nuts over the cochins' feet! eventually it just became normal to them.

give them time. i wouldn't add sparklies, though