leg bands ?peck?

[crazyhen]

Do any of you use leg bands for id'ing your birds. Do they peck them? I am wondering about doing my Bo's as they are sort of hard to tell apart. Thanks Jean

 

[JennsPeeps]

You can use cable zip ties, which you can get at the hardware or car parts store. Just be sure not to pull them too tight and to trim the ends. If your chickens are still growing, be sure to check the bands from time to time to make sure they're still a bit loose.

I don't use them (only have 4 chickens, all different breeds) but would bet they would peck at first until they get used to them.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I used the plastic cables on my chicks but didn't really like those. I got the velcro ones and they worked really well. They did pull at them for awhile but have gotten used to them

 

[kmom246]

I use the cellulose (plastic like) legbands http://www.randallburkey.com/prodinfo.asp?number=23030 and they are working very well. I have 21 hens (dog got a few) and 4 roos. Using the bands, I have been able to identify 2 with broody tendencies and one who is a "feather picker". It took about 10 seconds to put it on their leg and they were interested in picking at their own band for about 5 seconds - when I was done with the last bird, I threw several handfulls of scratch out and they promptly forgot all about the bands and haven't given them a thought since. (Small brains - once the thought leaves, I don't think it ever returns!)

 

[crazyhen]

I have brahma and buff'op. what size would I need. what color is best to use? Thanks Jean

 

[kmom246]

I am using size 11 on my EE's, Silver Laced Wyand. and Cuckoo Maran hens. My roos are easily identifiable, so I didn't band them. The 11's would definately be too small for all of my roos (EE & Marans). Don't know what size the BOs or Brahmas legs are, but the description of the bands gives the inside diameter so you can estimate the size.

I got the red ones as I thought that would "color balance" with the red on their wattles and combs - but if I were to do it again, I'd get a lighter color - the black numbers are difficult to read on the red background.